USAC Help Guide

TIMELINE & DEADLINES

How to apply

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Application instructions

What you need: You are first screened for eligibility through a preliminary application that reviews your personal contact details and your initial academic information. If approved, you go on to complete the process through Gateway, which includes transcripts, personal statements, and other materials.

When applications are due: USAC admits students on a rolling admissions basis. Check the Can I Still Apply? page for up-to-date details on programs and application availability. If a program has reached capacity, USAC will continue to admit qualified students to a waiting list for placement as spots open.

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Before you begin, make sure to visit your campus’s study abroad office to check your university's policies related to international student travel, transfer credit and using financial aid.

How much it will cost to apply: USAC has no application fee; however, a $500 deposit toward your program fee is required when you accept your spot in the program.

Application process

Enter your program of choice, personal information (name, birthday, etc.), contact information, and academic information into the online preliminary application form. This information will be used to determine if you are eligible to study abroad with USAC.


Within three days, you will receive an email to say if you are eligible to study abroad. If yes, this email will provide you with your new login credentials to your USAC Student Gateway account, where you will finish your full application.

In your Gateway account, submit and/or sign all required application materials, which will include:

Screening for eligibility

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Completing your application with supporting documents

Accept your spot in the program by pay a $500 enrollment confirmation deposit, if not paid directly to USAC by your home university. (The deposit is applied to your program fee.)


Submit a copy of your passport or verification that you are in the process of applying for one.

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Accepting and confirming your program

  • Academic transcripts
  • Personal statement(s)
  • Program and finance agreements
  • Conduct forms
  • ... and other materials.
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Please do not submit multiple applications for the same term. If you have more than one program in mind, apply for your first choice now. We will work with you on other options later, if needed.

Once the deposit and passport information have been received, your spot on the program is confirmed – and you’re on your way to an international adventure!

USAC welcomes students from any U.S. college or university who is*:

  • 18 years old or older at the time of application.
  • Seeking a degree and enrolled full-time in a university.

* Exceptions may be possible, contact USAC

  • Earning a 2.5 GPA (cumulative university grade point average) or higher on a 4.0 scale.
  • In good academic, disciplinary, and community standing.
  • Meeting any additional prerequisites or minimum GPA requirements of the program to which they are applying.

Eligibility requirements

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