Application Details

You’ve done your research, talked to your advisors and are ready to move forward. Now what? It’s time to apply!

Semester Study Abroad Application Deadlines

Spiders apply for semester or year-long study abroad in the semester prior to the one they would like to be away.

  • Fall abroad application cycle normally opens in December prior to winter break with most deadlines in early February.
  • Spring abroad applications open in August with most deadlines in mid-September.
  • For current application deadlines, click here. Note that some programs may have earlier deadlines than others.

Hints for Completing the Application

Applying to study abroad is done in two phases. First, you will complete an online UR study abroad application on GatewayAbroad. Within this single application you will select three (3) programs to be considered. Then, if your UR application is approved you will apply directly to your host program/institution by their application deadline.

  • Once you’ve narrowed down your three program choices, click the "I'm Ready to Apply!" button on ANY of these programs' brochure pages in GatewayAbroad.
    • Note: Do any of your program choices have an early deadline? If so, you will need to complete your application by the EARLIEST deadline.
  • You will be asked to list your three program choices in order of preference. At least one of them must be an exchange/direct enroll program. Why do we require this? We believe that immersion in a foreign culture and in a foreign academic system is one of the best ways to really know and understand a culture different than one’s own. Our exchange/direct enroll programs are designed to facilitate this kind of immersion.
  • The application consists of some short answers to personal, academic background and interest questions; a brief motivational statement describing what you hope to achieve academically and personally through a study abroad experience; and a document to read and electronically sign. In some cases, applicants may also require faculty recommendations or approval from a language advisor.
  • If you transferred to UR after studying at one or more universities for at least one semester (fall/spring only; not summer), your official transfer school transcript may be required. Detailed instructions are provided in the "Are you a transfer student?" question on the online application.
  • Your application is editable until 11:59pm (midnight) on your deadline date, so if you decide to change and/or reprioritize your program choices, just follow these instructions.

Once the study abroad application deadline passes, all applications are reviewed and evaluated by IE staff members or the associate dean of international business (for business majors).

If you have any questions about the online application system or about any of these details, please do not hesitate to contact us at studyabroad@richmond.edu.

We look forward to working with you!