Two Separate Applications

There are two parts to applying for study abroad at Rice: the Rice Study Abroad online application, and the host university/program provider's application.

Begin the Rice Study Abroad application by selecting your program on our list of approved programs and clicking "Apply Now" on its brochure page. You'll also need to separately submit application materials to your host university/program. Check your host university/program's website for instructions on beginning their application process. Note: students may only apply to one program/university from our list, and therefore must have decided on their program of choice prior to starting the application process.

For programs that require "Home School Approval/Authorization", our Study Abroad Advisors can only complete program approval forms once the following requirements have been satisfied:

1) The Rice Study Abroad application has been submitted, reviewed, and approved by a Study Abroad Advisor.

2) All components of the host university/program application have been completed (except for the Home School Approval).

Remember that our advisors need time to review and approve your Rice Study Abroad application, so please allow at least a week or two for this process.

Application Materials

For details on the required materials for the Rice Study Abroad application, visit the Application Materials page.

Application Status Notifications

Your advisor will review your Rice Study Abroad online application upon successful submission of all required application items. After it's been confirmed that all requirements are met, you will receive provisional approval for study abroad. You'll be notified by email through the online application system once an approval decision has been made. You may also log in and check the status of your application at any time.

Note: Your host university/program will make the final decision regarding program acceptance. The time frame for official notification may take up to several weeks. Please submit/upload to your Rice application the official acceptance letter or email notification from the host university/program.

Evaluation

Applications must demonstrate academic reasons for studying abroad and will be evaluated on the following:

  • Appropriateness
  • Strength of the match between your goals and the opportunities that the program offers
  • Level of preparation at Rice for your proposed study abroad plan

Application Flow for Specific Program Types

Exchange programs

Students applying to study abroad at a partner institution as a visiting exchange student should first complete the Rice Study Abroad online application for review and approval by their advisor. Once approved, students will be nominated by the Office of Study Abroad as exchange applicants at the partner institution. Under the guidance of the Office of Study Abroad, students will collect and submit all application materials required by the partner institution.

Foreign universities and third-party provider programs

Students applying to study abroad to a foreign university or program provider must complete both the online Rice Study Abroad application as well as the individual program application simultaneously. Study abroad advisors cannot complete program provider certifications or approvals until all components of a student's application have been completed.

Determining Your Deadline

Rice Final Cut-Off Dates

The Rice Office of Study Abroad sets the following cut-off dates to submit your two applications for study abroad. If you would like to be considered for a scholarship from our office, you must meet the priority deadline.

Term Abroad

Priority Deadline (Scholarship Consideration)

Final Cut-Off
Summer, Fall, Academic Year
March 15
March 31*
Spring
October 1
October 15*

Referencing the cut-off dates above, please use to the following flow chart to determine your final application deadline.

While not comprehensive, a list of programs with typically early deadlines can be found HERE.

App Flow Chart

Applications must be submitted online no later than 11:59PM CDT the night of your final deadline; after this time, the portal will close. Additionally, no student will be considered for scholarships from our office after the priority deadline.

Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Applications will not be reviewed until all application materials have been submitted (including recommendations, if applicable).

Rolling Admissions

Admission to some programs may be more competitive and/or determined on a rolling basis. Some programs determine entry into desired courses or housing on a first come, first served basis. It's therefore advised to submit your application comfortably in advance of the program application deadline.

Our deadline calculation system is set to allow for timely review of your Rice Study Abroad application. If your external program application requires home university approval, we have budgeted an extra week to allow your advisor time to complete the review process and grant the approval on your behalf.

Withdrawal Policy

Deadlines to notify the Office of Study Abroad of withdrawal from a program

  • April 20 for programs in the following SUMMER/FALL/ACADEMIC YEAR
  • November 15 for programs in the following SPRING

There is no fee for withdrawal from a program prior to the withdrawal deadlines of April 20th / November 15th.

Withdrawal from a study abroad program after the deadline of April 20 / November 15, or failure to report withdrawal to the Office of Study Abroad by these dates, will result in a withdrawal penalty of $300. This late withdrawal fee will be billed to the student by the Rice Bursar’s Office.

NOTE: Students who withdraw from a program / host university for any reason are also subject to the withdrawal policies of the organization sponsoring their program.