University of Pennsylvania updates study abroad application process: Here's what’s new for students

The University of Pennsylvania has updated its study abroad application process and software, introducing a new system that will take effect for students applying for spring 2027 programmes.

According to The Daily Pennsylvanian, the changes are part of a broader set of updates rolled out by Penn Abroad over the past year. These include adjustments to programme caps, application timelines and approval processes.

New system changes how applications are submitted

The most visible change is the introduction of a new application platform, PASSPORT. The updated system is expected to change how students search for programmes and submit applications.

Under the new system, students will be able to open their own applications starting April 15. Previously, students were required to request access, which was then processed by staff.

Penn Abroad Associate Director Greta Kazenski said the change is intended to make the process more accessible. “We’re trying to make things as smooth and as user friendly for the students and not stressful for our staff’s workflow too,” she told The Daily Pennsylvanian.

More options required in programme selection

The application requirements have also been updated. Students will now need to list three alternate programmes when applying, compared to one alternate required earlier.

The change is aimed at improving placement flexibility, especially for selective programmes where seats are limited.

At the same time, the number of applications each selective programme can receive has been increased from 15 to 25. A cap of 40 students for other programmes will continue.

Penn Abroad has also revised how these caps are counted. Instead of tracking opened applications, the count will now be based on submitted applications.

Academic approval process moves after submission

Students will still need academic approval from their home schools, but the timing of this step has changed. Approval will now be requested after submitting the application rather than during the application process.

Students will also be able to track their approval status directly through the system.

Deadlines moved earlier for selective programmes

The timeline for study abroad applications has also been adjusted.

For selective programmes, the deadline has been moved from September to June. The deadline for academic approval in these programmes is now June 15.

For non selective programmes, students must open their application by September 1, with academic approval due by September 15.

The only exceptions are programmes offered by the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge, which continue to follow earlier timelines.

According to Kazenski, the earlier deadline is intended to give students more time to consider alternatives if they are not accepted into their first choice. “If students find out that they’re not going to their first choice programme, they have more time to do their secondary application,” she told The Daily Pennsylvanian.

A gradual change in how the process works

By adjusting deadlines, increasing alternate options and updating the system, Penn is aiming to make the process more structured and better manage the study abroad demand and application flow.

The updated system will be first used for spring 2027 applicants, marking the next phase in how study abroad programmes are administered at the university.

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