Before applying, review the academic procedures and policies page and your specific program brochure page for detailed study abroad eligibility requirements.

Academic Standing

To study abroad: Students are required to be in good academic standing and have a minimum GPA of 2.5. The Rome Center requires a 2.75 GPA while some programs such as exchange/direct-enroll programs may require 3.0 or higher. For students with lower GPAs, additional supporting materials may be requested to assist in the admissions decision process.

To appeal a GPA requirement: Academic advisors must actively support the student's request. Students are required to apply to both Loyola Study Abroad and their selected partner program. Loyola honors the admissions decision made by the affiliate partner program or host university when considering GPA requirements. 

Transfer Students

Transfer students are eligible to apply for a study abroad program in their first term at Loyola. Transfer students must have completed at least 12 credit hours at a higher education institution prior to submitting their program application. Study abroad program admissions decisions will be made based on the GPA stated on their transfer transcripts and an Academic Advisor recommendation. Academic advisors may request that you meet with them prior to completing a recommendation or rely on mid-term grades if available at the time of application. 

First-Year Students

First-year students can study abroad on some of our faculty-led programs offered in January Term, Spring Break, and Summer. For all other programs, students will need to have completed at least 12 credit hours at a higher education institution with at least a 2.5 GPA to apply to study abroad. For applications submitted before first term grades are published, students may receive a conditional admissions decision based on mid-term grades and an academic advisor recommendation. 

Students Rights Responsibilities, and Conflict Resolution (SRCR) Disciplinary Record

Students should have zero incomplete sanctions and fewer than three combined Category C and or B infractions as outlined by the Loyola Community Standards. 

Maintaining Eligibility 

• To participate in a study abroad program, students must be in good academic and disciplinary standing as detailed above. Before the start of the term abroad, a review of the student’s discipline record will be conducted. If a student's discipline record shows incomplete sanctions or includes three or more B/C violations, they may be prohibited from studying abroad and may be responsible for any financial costs associated with their withdrawal from the program. Please review the Payment and Withdrawal Policies. 
• Students must have met and maintained a LUC GPA of at least 2.5 to remain eligible to study abroad. If a student’s Loyola GPA falls below this threshold, the Study Abroad Office reserves the right to withdraw the student from the program at any time prior to the start of the term abroad. This withdrawal may result in financial implications for the student as a result of no longer meeting eligibility criteria. 
• Prior to studying abroad, please ensure you are in good financial standing with the university and have no holds on your account at the time of registration.
• Students must complete 12 university credit hours at Loyola University Chicago before studying abroad. 

A valid passport is required to study abroad. U.S. students can apply for or renew their passports at travel.state.gov. When applying for a study abroad program, you will need to provide proof of your passport application receipt or upload a copy of a valid passport. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your program return date. International students should follow their home country’s specific guidelines for obtaining a passport. A valid passport is not required to apply to study abroad, but it is mandatory for host university matriculation and other visa and immigration-related matters.

Academic advisors are here to ensure students make the most of their time at Loyola University Chicago and stay on track towards graduation. The earlier advisors are involved in students' plans, the more support they can provide.  

Select Term Abroad

Meet with your academic advisor to discuss the ideal term for studying abroad to stay on track with your degree plan and academic plans. 

Degree Requirements

During your meeting, talk about the degree requirements you'll need to fulfill while abroad.

These might include: 

• Major requirements 
• Minor requirements 
• Core requirements 
• General electives 
• Engaged learning credits 
• Honors

Request Recommendation

As part of the study abroad application, you'll need an academic advisor's recommendation. Let your academic advisor know early, as it takes about two weeks to complete the recommendation form in the GoGlobal portal. 

Utilize our searchable database to find a program that aligns with your goals and interests. We recommend using the map feature or searching by program city, country, term, program type, or academic disciplines. 

Review the Choosing a Program page and Academics page to learn more about the differences between program models and important factors to consider when selecting a program.

Study abroad advisors manage a portfolio of regional programs and support a discipline specific faculty-led program portfolio. They bring their own international experiences and expertise to help you find a program that aligns with your goals and interests.  

When you attend your advising meeting, be prepared to discuss the credits you hope to earn abroad, your location preferences, the term you plan to go, and any financial or personal concerns you might have.  

You can schedule advising sessions through Navigate.

For more information about our advising model and to get to know our advisors please visit our meet the team page. 

Study abroad advising is a personalized process and varies for each student. It may require multiple meetings with a study abroad advisor or you may prefer to access all relevant information on the website and GoGlobal portal. Students participating in an exchange/direct enroll programs are required to meet with a Study Abroad Advisor prior to submitting your application.

To find your desired program, you can search by

• Location
• Program type
• Program affiliate partner
• Term abroad
• Academic disciplines

Once you have found a program that interests you, explore the details by clicking through the various tabs.

Be sure to review the cost sheet on the Finances tab and the courses on the Academics tab. When you are ready to apply, click the “Apply Now” button on the main page of your program application to get started.