• Select a Program & Meet with SAO Advisor
  Once a student has narrowed the search to three or fewer programs, they should plan to meet with their SAO Advisor *before* applying to a program. In addition to discussing the program options with their SAO Advisor, students should plan to utilize the Program Comparison Worksheet to determine which programming option is best for them.
  
  
• Obtain Any Special Approval (if necessary)
  If your QPA is below 2.75 (2.5 for Engineers), or if you are planning to spend your final term abroad, you will need to get permission from your dean. Please visit Applications & Forms to download either special permission form. Be sure to make a copy for the SAO and retain the original.
  
  
• Submit the Program Application
  Every program will have a different application process, different supporting documentation, and different deadlines. The SAO sets its own deadline by which it expects all students to apply (visit the Deadlines page for a current list). The SAO internal deadline is generally earlier than most program deadlines. This allows a student to complete the Acceptance Stage in a timely manner.
  
  Most programs will require at least one professor's recommendation (from a professor who can evaluate a student's work on collegiate level), one or more essays, a signature of approval from the SAO, as well as judicial clearance. All programs require a transcript. Once the application is complete (the SAO does not accept incomplete applications), students should submit the application to their SAO Advisor. Generally, there are four different ways to apply to a study abroad program. These are:
  
  
  1. Panther Programs: Download the application on the Applications & Forms page. The application should be returned to the Panther Programs Advisor by the due date. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
     
     
  2. Pitt-Recognized Program (paper application): If the program has a paper application, submit the completed application and all supporting documentation to the Pitt-Recognized Program Advisor by the SAO deadline (even if the program's deadline is at a later date). If a student completes and submits a Pitt-Recognized Program paper application by the internal deadline, their SAO Advisor will process and mail the application to its appropriate destination on their behalf.
     
     In the event that a student does not submit the paper application prior to the SAO deadline, their SAO advisor will process the application and leave it at the Front Desk for the student to pick up within 3 business days from the time it was dropped it off. The student will then be responsible for mailing it.
     
     
  3. Pitt-Recognized Program (online application): If the program has an online application, visit the Pitt-Recognized Program Advisor prior to applying to obtain approval. After receiving approval, students are free to apply online, making sure to print copies of all submitted materials. Copies of the online applications and all supporting documentation (including all transcripts, letters of recommendation, and judicial clearance forms) should be submitted to the SAO.
     
     
  4. Exchange Programs: Submit Exchange Program applications to the appropriate Advisor. Visit the Exchange Programs page to determine which advisor manages each Exchange Program.
      
• Apply for Scholarships
  For information on scholarship availability and eligibilty, please visit Finances.
  
  
• Determine Visa Requirements
  Many countries require students to obtain a visa prior to entry. For an explanation of the visa and its application process, visit Visa Help. If, after doing research, a student needs a visa, they should begin gathering the necessary material for the visa application as soon as possible. As the SAO is not a consular agent (i.e. the SAO cannot obtain visas on behalf of students), students must be prepared to obtain a visa on their own by communicating with their respective programs and consulates.

Next: Acceptance Stage