Application Materials

This page describes materials required for the Rice Study Abroad online application. You can open an application by clicking the "Apply Now" button from your chosen program's brochure page on our list of approved programs.

Remember that you'll also need to separately submit application materials to your host university/program. You will be responsible for all materials requested by your host university/program, including items like official transcripts. The only item your advisor will complete is if your program requires an approval/authorization form. This cannot be completed, though, until both applications have been submitted/completed.

Evaluation

Your Rice Study Abroad application will be evaluated by your Study Abroad Advisor for approval. Applications must demonstrate academic reasons for studying abroad and will be evaluated on the following:

• Appropriateness of your plan of study for your overall academic plan
• 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

Written Components

Statement of Purpose

Minimum 500 words. The statement should express careful consideration for the following: Your motivation for studying abroad, how the experience will complement your Rice academic experience, and how your time abroad is aligned with your future goals and plans.

Financial Assistance through the Office of Study Abroad

This is a yes/no question triggering the questionnaire if required. If you wish to be considered for a need-based grant from our office, you must provide us with a brief personal need statement describing any financial circumstances that may affect your ability to afford studying abroad. This does not affect your financial aid from Rice; this is solely for consideration for Office of Study Abroad funding.

Signature Forms

Application Process and Deadlines

You confirm that you have read and understand the study abroad application process and deadlines.

Obtaining a Passport & Visa

You confirm that you have a valid passport and that you have researched the visa requirements for your country of study.

Study Abroad Transfer Credit Process

You acknowledge that you are responsible for the courses you take, for providing proper transcripts to Rice University for evaluation, and for any other documentation needed for the proper transfer and placement of credits earned abroad. You also agree to carefully review any outstanding Rice graduation requirements and consult with Major Advisors and/or Academic Advisors before going abroad.

Release from Liability

You acknowledge that you are solely responsible for your own actions while abroad; details of particular circumstances are outlined in the agreement.

Release of Student Information

You authorize the release of relevant information about you if deemed necessary by Rice University.

Study Abroad Responsibility Agreement

You understand the following:

That if you do not abide by the deadlines set by the Office of Study Abroad then late fees will apply; that you must submit a copy of your acceptance letter from the host institution or affiliate program; that if your file is incomplete or if you do not attend the Mandatory Pre-Departure Orientation then you will jeopardize your ability to study abroad during the desired term (and as a result, you may be billed Rice tuition for the intended semester abroad).

Withdrawal Policy

If you withdraw or fail to report withdrawal from a study abroad program after the deadline of April 20th / November 15th, you agree to pay a withdrawal penalty of $300. This late withdrawal fee will be billed by the Rice Bursar’s Office.

Waiver for Graduating Seniors

This is a yes/no question triggering the waiver if required. Should you choose to complete degree requirements while abroad in the spring, your degree will not be conferred until the following August or December, depending on program end date. Likewise, if you choose to complete degree requirements while abroad in the fall, your degree will not be conferred until the following May.

Waiver for Athletes

This is a yes/no question triggering the waiver if required. Student athletes must receive permission from the athletic department in order to be eligible for study abroad. Seasons, scholarships, and workout schedules must be taken into consideration.

Waiver for International Students

This is a yes/no question triggering the waiver if required. Studying abroad as an international student requires extra consideration and potentially additional paperwork to ensure the compliance of all regulations. You are responsible for any visa requirements that may exist for entering a third country. It is your responsibility to understand the requirements of your particular circumstances for maintaining legal F-1 status. Your signature indicates that you are aware of these requirements and that you have met with or will be meeting with an OISS Advisor.

Application Documents

Student Photo

Upload a passport-sized photo to the online application.

Budget Worksheet

The Budget Worksheet is an exercise in comparing the cost of studying abroad with the cost of studying at Rice, taking into consideration such things as airfare, visa and consular fees, and individual program fees. The Budget Worksheet is reviewed by the Office of Financial Aid to determine appropriate financial aid allotted for the program abroad.

Official Rice Transcript (exchange)

All exchange applications will require a recent official Rice transcript. You acknowledge your responsibility to arrange for an official transcript to accompany your exchange school application.

Degree Audit for Graduating Seniors

Graduating seniors must upload to the application a degree audit or an email from a student records analyst at the Office of the Registrar confirming your expected graduation date.

Undergraduate Request for Transfer Credit (URTC) Form

The URTC form will enable you to obtain pre-approval of your courses with the appropriate transfer credit advisor before your term abroad. Please upload URTC forms for any courses which have been signed off on ahead of time.

Proof of Program Application Completion

Documentation must be provided showing that you have submitted your application to your program provider/host university, or that you have completed all the other application requirements and are only waiting to obtain approval from your study abroad advisor.

**Letter of Recommendation (For Scholarship Consideration)

Only required if you wish to be considered for the Office of Study Abroad scholarship (both merit- and need- based), by applying by the priority deadline. This does not affect Rice financial aid. The letter must be from a Rice professor who is familiar with your academic work. The completed letter will be submitted online by the professor through the Rice Study Abroad application portal.