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.
Carefully follow the directions provided and complete all required application materials for both applications by the earlier of the two deadlines. Study Abroad Advisors can only complete program approval forms for students who have completed all components of the host university/program application, as well as received approval upon review of their completed Rice Study Abroad application materials.
Keep in mind advisors need time prior to your final deadline to approve (particularly if your deadline falls earlier than the Rice final deadlines, but also if your deadline falls around or right after our final deadline) so please allow at least a week or two for review.
Application Materials
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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. If deadlines differ, both applications must be submitted by the earlier of the two for review and approval by the Office of Study Abroad. Study abroad advisors cannot complete program provider certifications or approvals until all components of a student's application have been completed.
Application Deadlines
The Rice Office of Study Abroad sets the following deadlines to submit a completed application for study abroad. Depending on the program, some deadlines will be earlier (discussed below). Even if your program deadline is later than ours, you must still submit both applications no later than our final deadlines listed here.
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Term Abroad |
Priority Deadline (Scholarship Consideration) |
Final Deadline |
|---|---|---|
Summer, Fall, Academic Year |
March 15 |
March 31* |
Spring |
October 1 |
October 15* |
Applications must be submitted online no later than 11:59PM CDT the night of the 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).
Early Application Deadlines and Rolling Admissions
Take careful note of individual programs' deadlines, as they may fall earlier than the March* and October* deadlines set by the Office of Study Abroad (with some as early as a full calendar year before the program begins). If your program deadline falls before the Rice deadline, both the program's and the Rice Study Abroad applications must be submitted by that program's earlier deadline.
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.
These deadlines are set to allow for timely review of your Rice Study Abroad application so that your advisor can grant home school authorization (typically required by universities/programs). As a general rule of thumb, you must submit both the program application and Rice Study Abroad application by the earlier of the two deadlines.
Withdrawal Policy
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Deadlines to notify the Office of Study Abroad of withdrawal from a program
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. |