How to Apply

 

Direct/Exchange Study Abroad Process

 
 
Step 1: Attend a Study Abroad Information Session
Students must attend a required information session prior to beginning the study abroad process. Sign up for an upcoming session here.
 
Step 2: Explore Programs in the OIA Study Abroad Portal
Students can browse approved study abroad opportunities through the OIA Study Abroad Portal here. 
 
Step 3: Meet with Your OIA Study Abroad Advisor
Students must schedule an appointment with their assigned OIA Study Abroad Advisor to receive guidance on program selection, application timelines, and eligibility requirements. Advisor contact information and appointment links can be found here. 
 
Step 4: Begin the Application Process
Once students meet with their OIA Study Abroad Advisor, they may begin the application process here. Students must first complete the OIA Study Abroad Application. Upon receiving approval, they may proceed with the external application through their selected study abroad program provider.
 
Step 5: Study Abroad Financial Preparation
Students must meet with the Office of Financial Aid to complete the Study Abroad Budget Spreadsheet (the form is located within the OIA Study Abroad Application). The completed form must be uploaded to the OIA Study Abroad Portal. Students may apply for the OIA Study Abroad Scholarship here. Awards are based on financial need, the availability of funds, and the scholarship evaluation score determined by the OIA Scholarship Committee. Financial need is assessed using the student’s program invoice (requested directly by OIA from the provider) and the financial need statement included in the scholarship application. Students are encouraged to review additional financial resources provided here to identify external scholarships and other funding opportunities for study abroad.
 
Step 6: Meet with Your Academic Advisor
Upon receiving approval from both OIA and the study abroad program provider, students must meet with their academic advisor to discuss course options. Students will then complete the Course Approval Form (available within the OIA Study Abroad Application) and obtain the required departmental signatures.
 
Step 7: Finalize Study Abroad Placement
Once the student submits their completed Course Approval Form with all required signatures to OIA, they will be registered for courses by the Office of the Registrar.
 
Step 8: Attend Pre-Departure Orientation
All students participating in study abroad are required to attend a mandatory Pre-Departure Orientation hosted by OIA. This session provides critical information on health and safety, travel logistics, cultural expectations, and next steps before departure.

 
 
Step 1: Explore Programs in the OIA Study Abroad Portal
Students can browse upcoming short-term, faculty-led study abroad programs in the OIA Study Abroad Portal here. 
 
Step 2: Submit Application
Students must submit a study abroad application, which will be reviewed by OIA and the faculty leader to determine eligibility for participation in the program.
 
Step 3: Confirm Participation with Study Abroad Provider
Upon approval, students will complete required forms with the study abroad provider, including confirmation of participation and agreement to the program’s payment terms.
 
Step 4: Study Abroad Financial Preparation
Students may apply for the OIA Faculty-Led Study Abroad Scholarship here. Awards are based on financial need, the availability of funds, and the scholarship evaluation score determined by the OIA Scholarship Committee. Financial need is assessed using the student’s program invoice (requested directly by OIA from the provider) and the financial need statement included in the scholarship application. Students are encouraged to review additional financial resources provided here to identify external scholarships and other funding opportunities for study abroad.
 
Step 5: Attend Pre-Departure Orientation
All students participating in study abroad are required to attend a mandatory Pre-Departure Orientation hosted by OIA. This session provides essential information on health and safety, travel logistics, cultural expectations, and final steps before departure.

 
Think about what you want to study, where you want to go, and what you want to do. Here are some key questions to guide you:
  • What are your academic goals? Do you want to take major, minor, or elective courses abroad? Do the courses align with your degree plan?
  • When is the best time for you to go? Consider your class standing, graduation timeline, and other commitments.
  • What countries or regions interest you most, and why? Language, culture, safety, identity, and affordability all matter.
  • What kind of experience are you looking for? A short-term faculty-led program? A full semester or summer abroad? A research or internship-based opportunity?
  • What is your budget? Explore program costs, financial aid, and scholarships. Some programs may cost the same, or less, than a semester at A&T.
  • How does study abroad fit into your long-term goals? Think about your career, grad school plans, or personal growth.

Eligibility to Study Abroad
 
Study abroad opportunities vary by program type. Please review the eligibility details below:
  • Faculty-Led Programs: Open to all students, including freshmen, seniors in their final semester, and transfer students.
  • Direct (Semester/Exchange) Programs: Open to students beginning in their sophomore year through first-semester senior year. Students are not eligible to participate in direct study abroad as second-semester freshmen, during their final semester, or as transfer students without an established N.C. A&T GPA.
  • Graduate students are eligible for both faculty-led and direct study abroad programs.
 
GPA Requirement:
 
All students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 to participate in any study abroad program.
 
Application Deadlines:
  • Fall & Summer Programs: March 15
  • Spring Programs: October 15

The ideal time to study abroad depends on your academic path and goals, but most students go abroad during their sophomore or junior year, or as a first-semester senior. First-year students may also participate in faculty-led programs. We recommend that you start planning at least one year in advance of your intended study abroad term. This gives you time to:
  • Meet with your academic advisor and map out your degree plan
  • Choose a program that fits your major, minor, or electives
  • Complete application materials and secure funding
  • Prepare for passport, visa, or health requirements
Tip: Studying abroad when you have major or free electives available will give you the most flexibility.

Not necessarily! Many of our study abroad programs are taught in English, even in non-English-speaking countries. However, knowing the local language can enrich your experience and help with day-to-day interactions.
 
If you're interested in building your language skills before or during your time abroad, Duolingo is a great free app to get started. It’s fun, easy to use, and offers lessons in dozens of languages.
 
Some programs do require language proficiency, especially if you're enrolling in courses taught in the host country’s native language, be sure to check individual program requirements.

Most students who meet the basic eligibility requirements are accepted into a study abroad program. At N.C. A&T, students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 to be eligible.
 
While some programs may have additional requirements, such as higher GPAs, language proficiency, or competitive application processes, there are many options available for all majors and academic levels.
 
We encourage you to start planning early, and attend an info session to find the best-fit program for your goals and academic plan. Our office is here to support you every step of the way!
 
If your GPA is too low to apply then you can continue to work on raising it and apply at a later date.

Yes, studying abroad can be financially attainable with intentional planning. Many programs fall within the same price range as a semester at N.C. A&T, and some may even be more affordable depending on the destination and program structure.
 
Financial aid can be applied to most semester and summer study abroad programs. However, financial aid is not available for faculty-led programs, thus, early planning is essential, particularly for students considering short-term options.
 
Scholarships through the Office of International Affairs are awarded based on demonstrated financial need and the comprehensive strength of each applicant’s submission. Applications are reviewed holistically by a scholarship committee using a structured evaluation and ranking process. Strong applications clearly communicate the student’s goals, readiness, and motivations for studying abroad.
 
Students are also encouraged to explore external scholarships and utilize tools like the NCAT Study Abroad Budget Worksheet to estimate costs and develop a realistic financial plan. OIA staff are available to help identify cost-effective programs and provide personalized funding guidance.

No prior travel experience is required to study abroad. In fact, for many students, studying abroad is their first time leaving the country, or even flying. OIA provides support every step of the way, including pre-departure orientations, cultural preparation, and logistical guidance to help you feel confident and prepared. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or going abroad for the first time, you’ll be supported throughout the experience.

Students are not permitted to participate in direct (semester or exchange) study abroad programs during their final semester at N.C. A&T. This policy helps ensure that final grades and credits are received in time for graduation clearance.
 
However, students may participate in faculty-led study abroad programs during their final semester, as these are shorter in duration and typically led by N.C. A&T faculty with more predictable academic timelines.
 
If you’re considering studying abroad as a senior, we recommend speaking with your academic advisor and a study abroad advisor early to plan accordingly.