26/27 Application Information

OTHER INFORMATION

1. Confirm you meet the eligibility requirements

If you do not meet the required GPA for a program, you may request a GPA extension. The process is as follows:

• Apply to the desired program 
• You will receive a letter indicating you have a low GPA and information on how to request an extension
• If the extension is approved, we will wait until the end of term in which you applied to set your updated GPA
• If your GPA meets the program requirements, we will re-share your application with the evaluative committee 
• The committee shares their decision with our office and we inform you.

Keep in mind that by the end of the term it is unlikely that you will be given an acceptance to the program as spots for the majority of programs will likely be filled.

2.   Completing Your Application: once you have hit the "Apply Now" button, an application is created. To return to it at a later time, go to myapps.union.edu and select the Terra Dotta, Study Abroad Icon:
    

3. Program Application Limit:  There is no limit to the number of programs you can apply to. Note that the mini term to  New Zealand in particular is typically oversubscribed and we strongly encourage you to consider all the mini terms offered.

If you are a student-athlete and your team makes the playoffs at the end of November or beginning of December you will likely have a conflict with the departure date for the mini-terms. Mini-terms typically start the weekend after Thanksgiving.  If you decide not to go on the mini-term, you will be responsible for the withdrawal fee which by that date is the full cost of the mini-term.   

4. Documents that make up the application:

• Passport Information (passport should not expire until after September 2027 for 2027 winter programs and after June 2027 for mini terms). If you are accepted and commit to program and have not yet submitted your passport information, it will be needed by week nine of spring term.
• Study Abroad Experience (Programs applied to in the past through International Programs.)
• Student Essay 
• Preliminary Rooming Interest
• Unofficial Transcripts
• Faculty/Administrator Recommenders - the names and emails of 2 faculty/administrators who would be willing to recommend you if the evaluative committee, composed of three faculty, were to reach out to them
• Advisor (or Chair) approval of your application -You are encouraged to meet with your advisor(s) to discuss your study abroad program. We suggest you submit your electronic request for the approval(s) at least two weeks prior to the application deadline to allow time for you to discuss with your advisor(s) and for the advisor(s) to respond electronically 
• Diversity Statement/Release for International Programs - this is optional information

5. Program Notification

• Decision letter email dates
  • Winter, Spring and Mini Term Programs:  Sunday, May 10, 2026
  • Non-Union Program: End of spring term
• Confirmation - if accepted you must commit to participate on your online application by
  • Winter, Spring and Mini Term Programs:  Tuesday, May 19, 2026
  • Non-Union Program: End of spring term: June 30

If you were waitpooled, please wait until after May 20 to reach out to the office to see if a spot has become available to your program of interest.

• Withdrawal Policy
  • After committing to a program, the withdrawal policy will apply if you withdraw. The policy is in the Academic Catalog under Major, Minors and Other Programs.
  • Student-Athletes: If your team makes the playoffs at the end of November or beginning of December you will likely have a conflict with the departure date for the mini-terms. Mini-terms typically start the weekend after Thanksgiving.  If you decide not to go on the mini-term, you will be responsible for the withdrawal fee, which by that date is the full cost of the mini-term.   

6. Passports/Visas

• Passports: Students going abroad must have a passport that is valid for the duration of the program abroad. Some countries require passports to be valid for 6 months after the program end date. Students are responsible for determining entry and exit requirements for the location of their study abroad program. If you do not yet have a passport, have a passport that has expired or will expire while you are abroad, we strongly urge you to apply for or renew your passport now.
• Visas: 
  • Our office will advise you if a visa is needed for your program
  • If travelling to Europe 
    • European Union Entry/Exit System (EU EES) is a digital border system which registers non-EU visitors travelling into the Schengen area instead of stamping their passports
    • European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). Starting the last quarter 2026, travelers to over 30 European countries will require prior travel authorization for short-term (less than 90 days) via the ETIAS
    • UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (UK ETA). You need advance permission to travel to the UK for those who do not currently need to obtain a visa or do not have a UK immigration status. Application is done online, has a fee associated with it, and needs to be requested at least 3 business days before arriving to the UK 

7. Paying for Study Abroad

• Full term costs
• Mini-Term costs
• Non-Union costs (WI and/or SP)
• Withdrawal Policy
  • After committing to a program, if you withdraw, the withdrawal policy will apply. This policy can be found in the Academic Catalog under Major, Minors and Other Programs.
• Financial Aid, Scholarships and Fellowships
  • Contact Financial Aid and ask if there is scholarship. You may need to provide a budget. If you need assistance creating one, contact Ginny Casper in International Programs.
  • Freeman-Asia Scholarship: For programs in Asia, including Cambodia, India and Vietnam. The application deadline for 26-27 is Thursday, April 2, 2026. To learn more about this external scholarship, contact

Lynn Evans, Ph.D.
Director of Fellowships and Doctoral Pathways
Union College, 17 South
807 Union St.
Schenectady, NY 12308
Schedule an appointment with me!