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Admissions Steps

The admissions committee strives to select students who will be the best possible match for a program. Where required, applicants should submit a strong academic reference and demonstrate a consistent academic record, clear motivation to participate fully, solid reasoning for their program choice, and an understanding of the program model.

Undergraduate students are encouraged to meet with their college or university study abroad advisors, academic advisors, and faculty to assist in program selection and preparation.

Rolling admissions dates

SIT Study Abroad has rolling admissions, which means the review process for completed applications happens on a rolling basis between the opening and closing dates of the term’s admission cycle. Many programs fill long before the published closing dates (see program availability), so please be sure to submit your application early. Applications can be started at any time. Applications must be complete to be reviewed for admission. This means that required additional materials such as transcripts, approval of participation, academic reference, must all be received in a timely fashion. It is your responsibility to ensure the arrival of all application materials.

Complete applications received prior to the opening date will be reviewed after the opening date has passed. Students, advisors, and faculty with access to SIT’s applicant or advisor portal are welcome to log in and check on an application’s status at any time.

We encourage you to contact our office early in the application process to discuss your program choice, as you begin planning your study abroad experience. We anticipate programs will continue to fill early, and we recommend applying close to the opening dates. You should also specify a second-choice program.

For international programs, you must have a passport that is valid for at least six months after the program ends. If you do not, you should apply for one at once, even before you complete your SIT Study Abroad application.

How to apply

To apply to an SIT Study Abroad program please review the criteria as noted on the application.

* For full-term program applicants, SIT Study Abroad waives application fees for Pell Grant recipients, SEO Scholars, and veterans. Qualifying applicants should tick the appropriate box on the application and your fee will be waived. SIT Admissions may reach out to you further for confirmation.

Apply Online. You can also download PDF copies of application forms here:

Take note of program-specific requirements

Because SIT Study Abroad programs differ considerably from country to country, each program requires a different set of application materials. Requirements differ due to prerequisites and program-specific components such as Independent Study Projects and homestays. Applicants to some programs are asked to provide additional materials related to the host country’s visa requirements, including pre-visa forms, passport photos, and passport photocopies.

Go to your program page and click “Apply Now” to view prerequisites and program-specific requirements for your program of choice.

After Applying

Review process

The admissions committee reviews complete applications competitively in batches by program, until the program is full and a waiting list has been created. Applications will only be reviewed after the opening date, once the application is complete. Program sizes are small and therefore the admissions committee may limit the number of offers of admission given to students from the same institution.

The admissions committee makes every effort to review complete applications within three weeks unless further follow-up is required. If additional review time is needed, the committee will communicate with the student and the student’s home institution to keep all parties advised.

Second-choice programs

If for some reason your first-choice program is not available, we will work with you to identify a second-choice program. In most cases, students will only need to submit select additional materials — you will not be asked to reapply. You may write a second-choice program on your application, but SIT Study Abroad will contact you before changing your program affiliation; second choices will not automatically be considered.

Next steps

Once you have been accepted, there are additional steps before you will be able to enroll in the program such as submitting confirmation materials and payment. Health review and visa processes also apply for the majority of programs. For most programs, by the time an offer of admission is extended, you will have received pre-departure materials specific to your program, including health and safety advisories, country and cultural information, and packing guidelines.

Prior to departure, you will receive the following information:

  • Visa instructions, if applicable
  • A letter from your academic director and/or program directors, in-country coordinators, and/or trustees’ fellow, outlining more specific information about the program. (The letter should arrive four–six weeks before the program start date.)
  • Access to the online student group. This allows you to connect with other students prior to the start of your program.

To request disability-related accommodations, admitted students can complete the online accommodation request form in the application portal.

For more information about the accommodation process, please visit the Disability Services website or email [email protected]. Students are encouraged to contact the Office of Disability Services as early as possible for information and support.

Appeals process

Students who have been denied admission to SIT Study Abroad may appeal the decision by sending a letter to the director of admissions within 10 days of notification. Download the Appeals Policy.