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Eligibility & First Steps

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Embarking on a Study Abroad journey offers Loyola University Chicago students a wealth of personal, professional, and academic growth opportunities.  At Loyola, we view global and intercultural learning opportunities like study abroad as integral components to your undergraduate degree. This commitment aligns with our  Jesuit values and makes Study Abroad a core value of our university.   The Study Abroad Office offers a portfolio of programs in over 60 countries, offering opportunities for language-learning, fulfillment of Core and Major/Minor requirements, English-taught coursework, internships, research opportunities and more! 

Choosing the right program and preparing for international travel can be daunting, but the Study Abroad Office is here to support you in every step of the way.   

Let’s get started! 

1. Check your Eligibility 

Before applying, review the academic procedures and policies page and   your specific program brochure page for detailed study abroad eligibility requirements.  

Academic Standing. To study abroad, students are required to be in good academic standing and have a minimum GPA of 2.5 to study abroad. The John Felice Rome Center requires a 2.75 GPA while some programs such as exchange/direct-enroll programs may require 3.0 or higher. Exceptions to the GPA requirement are made on a case-by-case basis.  LUC honors the admissions decision made by the affiliate partner program or host university when considering GPA requirements. To appeal a GPA requirement, academic advisors must actively support the student's request.  

Transfer Students. Transfer students are eligible to apply for a study abroad program in their first term at Loyola. Transfer students must have completed at least 12 credit hours at a higher education institution prior to submitting their program application. Study abroad program admissions decisions will be made based on the GPA stated on their transfer transcripts and a LUC Academic Advisor recommendation. Any transfer student planning to study abroad in the term immediately following their first term, must have earned at least a 2.5 GPA in their first term of study at Loyola. 

First-Year Students. You can study abroad as a first-year student at Loyola on some of our faculty-led programs offered in January Term, Spring Break, and Summer. For all other programs, you'll need to have completed at least 12 credit hours at a higher education institution with at least a 2.5 GPA to be accepted into a study abroad program. 


Full Time Student Standing. Students MUST complete 12 university credit hours at LUC before studying abroad. 


Students Rights Responsibilities, and Conflict Resolution (SRCR) Disciplinary Record. Students should have zero incomplete sanctions and fewer than three combined Category C and or B infractions as outlined by the Loyola Community Standards. 

Maintaining Eligibility 

To participate in a study abroad program, students must be in good academic and disciplinary standing as detailed above. Before the start of the term abroad, a review of the student’s discipline record will be conducted. If a student's discipline record shows incomplete sanctions or includes three or more B/C violations, they may be prohibited from studying abroad and may be responsible for any financial costs associated with their withdrawal from the program. Please review the Payment and Withdrawal Policies. 

Students must have met and maintained a LUC GPA of at least 2.5 to remain eligible to study abroad. If a student’s LUC GPA falls below this threshold, the Study Abroad Office reserves the right to withdraw the student from the program at any time prior to the start of the term abroad. This withdrawal may result in financial implications for the student as a result of no longer meeting eligibility criteria. 

Prior to studying abroad, please ensure you are in good financial standing with the university and have no holds on your account at  

the time of registration or we will unable to register you for study abroad.  

2. Apply for a Passport 

A valid passport is required to study abroad. U.S. students can apply for or renew their passports at travel.state.gov. When applying for a study abroad program, you will need to provide proof of your passport application receipt or upload a copy of a valid passport. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your program return date. International students should follow their home country’s specific guidelines for obtaining a passport. A valid passport is not required to apply to study abroad, but it is mandatory for host university matriculation and other visa and immigration-related matters. 

First-time applying for a passport? Do you receive the Pell Grant? Apply here to receive the IIE Passport Grant for a free passport and $200 Administrative Fee waived to study abroad. 

3. Meet with your academic advisor 

Your academic advisors are here to ensure you make the most of your time at Loyola and stay on track towards graduation.  The earlier you involve them in your plans, the more support they can provide. Connect with your academic advisor to determine the ideal term to study abroad for your major. Discuss degree requirements you may need to fulfill abroad to stay on track to graduate – major, minor, core, general electives, or engaged learning credit. 

During the study abroad application process, you will need to have an advisor recommendation to be accepted.  Please allow your academic advisor approximately two weeks to complete the recommendation form in the GoGlobal portal. 

4. Explore Study Abroad Program Options 

Utilize our searchable database to find a program that aligns with your goals and interests. We recommend using the map feature or searching by program city, country, term, program type, or academic disciplines. 

Review the Choosing a Program page and Academics page to learn more about the differences between program models and important factors to consider when selecting a program. 

5. Meet with a Study Abroad Advisor 

Study Abroad advisors manage a portfolio of regional programs and support a discipline specific faculty-led program portfolio. They bring their own international experiences and expertise to help you find a program that aligns with your goals and interests. When you attend your advising meeting, be prepared to discuss the credits you hope to earn abroad, your location preferences, the term you plan to go, and any financial or personal concerns you might have.  

You can schedule advising sessions through Navigate. For all exchange/direct enroll programs, it is required to meet with a Study Abroad Advisor prior to submitting your application.  

For more information about our advising model and to get to know our advisors please visit our meet the team page. 

Study abroad advising is a personalized process and varies for each student. It may require multiple meetings with a study abroad advisor or you may prefer to access all relevant information on the website and GoGlobal portal. 

6. Apply to study abroad in the GoGlobal Portal 

To find your desired program, you can search by location, program type, program affiliate partner, term abroad, or academic disciplines. Once you have found a program that interests you, explore the details by clicking through the various tabs. Be sure to review the cost sheet on the Finances tab and the courses on the Academics tab. When you are ready to apply, click the “Apply Now” button to start your application. 

Want to learn about upcoming study abroad opportunities? Don’t forget to sign up for the study abroad newsletter and receive the latest updates, straight to your inbox! 

Fall Semester, Academic Year, and Summer Programs: 

  • Applications Open Early July 

  • Deadline to Apply October 15th 

*some affiliate or exchange/direct-enroll programs may have earlier deadlines. 

Spring Semester Programs: 

  • Applications Open Early December 

  • Deadline to Apply March 15th 

*some affiliate or exchange/direct-enroll programs may have earlier deadlines. 

Spring Break, J-Term, and Faculty-led Summer Programs: 

  • Applications open on a rolling basis as program details are finalized. Programs are open at least one term prior to the term of travel. Deadlines vary depending on program requirements. Please check the specific program brochure to confirm details.