Apply
The Off-Campus Study program is available to all eligible Santa Clara students subject to a competitive selection process. Participation in Off-Campus Study is a privilege, not a right. While Santa Clara University values a sustained period of study in another culture and encourages students to pursue opportunities for off-campus study, it is neither a requirement nor an entitlement of an SCU education.
The application process is a two-step process:
- Applicants must submit the SCU Application for Off-Campus Study to the Study Abroad Office. It is the responsibility of the applicant to present a persuasive application and observe all deadlines. Minimally qualified applications may not be approved. Late or incomplete petitions will not be reviewed. Applicants must be approved by Santa Clara University for grades and credit to be applied as Santa Clara credit and to be eligible for financial aid.
- Applicants are responsible, also, for submitting a program specific application and all supporting documents directly to their proposed program by the program deadline. See also Eligibility Requirements. Students must have applications approved by both SCU and their program to study off-campus.
The SCU Application for Off-Campus Study
Selection is focused on the following:
The Application for Off-Campus Study offers the opportunity for the student to articulate his/her goals for off-campus study and discuss how the proposed program fits with his/her overall academic plan at Santa Clara. Selection focuses on the following areas:
A. GPA
The Santa Clara GPA requirement to apply for Off-Campus Study is 2.75; however individual programs may require a GPA higher than this. To qualify for off-campus study, students are expected to meet or exceed both Santa Clara's requirement and that of their proposed program.
B. Appropriateness of Selected Program/Country
Appropriateness of Selected Program and Country is demonstrated through the student's Personal and Academic Goals and Course Proposal. Students should address their academic background related to their proposed program, and how the specific academic program abroad fits with their major or academic trajectory.
C. Academic Preparation
Academic preparation is demonstrated through the student's transcript and Course Proposal. . It is expected that applicants meet or exceed all prerequisites for their proposed program. The Application for Off-Campus Study is the opportunity to address any concerns pertaining to adequate preparation and students are encouraged to discuss this with a Study Abroad advisor prior to submitting their application. Washington Semester applicants should contact the Political Science department for advising. Transfer students applying for Off-Campus Study should include an official transcript from previous institutions with their application. Academic Preparation includes:
1) Successful Completion of Courses in a Student's Major or Relevant Subjects Pertaining to Off-Campus Study
In many off-campus study programs students are admitted by a particular academic department at a university, rather than by the institution as a whole. To present a competitive application, students are expected to demonstrate significant academic background within their major or proposed area of study while off-campus. "Significant academic background" is generally construed as a minimum of three courses within a particular academic department on direct enrollment programs. Students should insure that they have the academic background necessary to pursue the course of study that they propose in the Application for Off-Campus Study. In addition, preparatory courses that pertain directly to the country/culture in which the student proposes to study strengthen a student's application. Applicants should list relevant courses in the Preliminary Course Proposal section of the SCU application.
2) Successful Completion of Foreign Language Prerequisites
For students who are petitioning to study in a non-English speaking country, students must meet or exceed the foreign language prerequisites required by the program prior to the semester of study abroad. If students do not meet these requirements at the time of application, a detailed and specific explanation of how, where and when the language prerequisite will be satisfied prior to the semester of participation should be included in the Application for Off-Campus Study. Students are strongly encouraged by SCU to enroll in a course in the appropriate foreign language during the semester preceding study abroad even if they meet or exceed the language requirement, and students should note that this is a requirement for admission to some programs. Students should consult the individual program information for details. Students are expected to meet all program requirements in order to qualify.
3) Number of Units Completed
Priority may be given to students based upon the number of units completed.
D. Academic Essay
The Academic Essay offer applicants the opportunity to demonstrate understanding of chosen topic and relate their understanding to their major or academic goals.
E. Personal Readiness
Personal Readiness is demonstrated through Academic and Personal Goals. In addition, the student's disciplinary record will be accessed and considered as part of the SCU Application.
F. Academic Advisor Approval
Applications to Study Abroad are approved contingent upon final approval by the student's academic advisor during the participation process; advisor approved is required for participation in an off-campus program.
The Program Specific Application
The Program Specific Application is the responsibility of the student. Students must submit all components of the Program Specific Application including faculty recommendations, official transcripts and application fee, directly to the program provider by the stated deadline. Note that some program deadlines may be prior to notification of acceptance by SCU. Students should refer to the detailed program-specific instructions for submitting their Program Specific Application in the Apply section of this website.
