Learn about the off-campus study application process for Colgate Study Groups, Extended Studies, and Approved Programs.

Learn Your Options

There are three types of off-campus study programs students may consider: Colgate study groups, extended studies, and approved programs. To learn more about what each entails, visit Off-Campus Opportunities

Apply to a Colgate Study Group

Application deadline: November 1, 2023

Applications open: September 28, 2023

Most Colgate students begin to plan for and apply to Colgate study groups during their sophomore year, anticipating participating in a program during their junior year.  Students may submit up to two study group applications for an academic year (e.g., two for fall semester, two for spring semester, or one for each semester).

Students applying to a Colgate study group should take the following steps:

Each fall, the Office of Off-Campus Study offers an information session for the sophomore class in early September with additional general information sessions throughout the semester. These sessions are for students who are just getting started with their plans, and focus on understanding your options and the process as well as how to find the best off-campus study opportunity for you.

Additional information sessions for specific study groups, often led by their faculty directors, take place throughout the first half of the fall semester.

For details about information session times and locations, monitor the campus calendar.
 

After attending an information session, schedule an advising appointment to develop a short list of programs in which you are interested. Learn more about scheduling a consultation with an adviser

It is important to know all the implications of participating in an off-campus study program, from financial costs to graduation credits. Learn more about:

Review the study groups that will be offered in the coming year. Log onto the Off-Campus Study portal to see detailed information on each study group: faculty director, course offerings, and a link to the application (when open).

An application is not complete until the student has submitted all application questionnaires/documents, including:

  • Language proficiency
  • Passport information
  • Uploaded an unofficial transcript
  • Study Abroad Personal Statement
  • Personal references

Interviews

Some faculty directors may require study group applicants to participate in an interview. Directors will contact applicants directly to coordinate any interviews.

Once the faculty director has reviewed applications, conducted any desired interviews, and made acceptance decisions, applicants will receive a notification from the application system.

Students may expect to hear a decision by late December or early January.

Students who are accepted into a study group must log onto the Off-Campus Study portal to Commit or Decline their offer and to complete post-decision requirements.

A student’s acceptance is not official until they have submitted all post-decision requirements in the OCS portal. These include:

  • Study Group Student Information Letter
  • Study Group Participant Agreement
  • Study Group Family Information Letter
  • Off-Campus Study Policies
  • Confidential Medical Report
  • Emergency Contacts
  • HIPAA Authorization
  • Non-Directory Information Release Form
  • Program Deposit
     

Apply to an Extended Study Course

Application deadline: The week before course registration for the upcoming term.

Colgate students may apply to one extended study per semester. Seniors may participate in extended study courses extending beyond the end of the spring semester, with implications for their graduation date. Any seniors electing to participate in a spring extended study will be eligible to apply for participation in the May commencement ceremony, but will officially graduate at the next degree conferral date.
 

The off-campus study application system contains the most up-to-date listings of upcoming extended study courses. Explore the listings and select the extended study to which you would like to apply in the upcoming semester.

Via the same application system, students may apply online to a single extended study course per semester.

Students will receive notification that they are accepted to an extended study prior to course registration for the approaching semester. During course registration, students accepted to an extended study course should register for that course as they would for any other course.

Apply to an Approved Program

Application deadline: February 7, 2024

Applications open: November 2, 2023

Each fall, the Office of Off-Campus Study offers several information sessions for the sophomore class  These sessions are for students who are just getting started with their plans, and sessions focus on understanding your options and the process as well as how to find the best off-campus study opportunity for you.

For details about information session times and locations, monitor the campus calendar.

After attending an information session, schedule an advising appointment to develop a short list of programs in which you are interested. Learn more about scheduling a consultation with an advisor

Students must submit this Colgate application for approved programs prior to submitting an application to the approved program provider. This application can be completed online via the Off-Campus Study portal.

NOTE:  Students may participate in only one semester-long approved program.  Petitions for two different approved programs will not be allowed.

This application requires:

  • An academic plan outlining the courses/credits the student will pursue while abroad. This should be created in consultation with the student’s academic faculty adviser.
  • Faculty advisor approval. The student will enter the name and email address of their faculty advisor. The advisor will then receive an email requesting confirmation that they have consulted with the student applicant. No formal recommendation is required.
     

The Office of Off-Campus Study will review applications and notify students of their acceptance to enroll in an approved program. Students should not apply to the approved program provider until they receive notification of Colgate’s acceptance.

After receiving acceptance from Colgate, students may complete their application to the approved program provider by their stated deadline (sooner is better!). These applications are typically through the program provider’s website.

Students accepted by Colgate for participation in an approved program will complete several post-decision questionnaires via the Off-Campus Study portal by April 15 (for fall approved programs) or November 15 (for spring approved programs).

After being admitted by the approved program provider, students must confirm that acceptance on the Off-Campus  Study portal.

About two to four weeks prior to Colgate’s deadline for predeparture forms, all students must attend an information session regarding approved program transfer credit and other preparations for a semester of off-campus study.