University of Pennsylvania Academic Program

Academic
Times Top 100
Delivery Method:
In-Person
Duration:
Multi Term, Single Term

About the Program

Founded in 1740 by Benjamin Franklin, the University of Pennsylvania is a living testament to the vision of America’s Founding Fathers: strive for greatness and produce the finest minds for future generations. Expand your horizons at this Ivy League institution, which has produced over 35 Nobel laureates, more billionaire alumni than any other university globally, and the highest number of graduates who have gone to become Fortune 500 CEOs.

 

Alma mater to the brightest minds: Warren Buffett, Elon Musk, Noam Chomsky

UPenn's arts and science programs rank in the national top 10

The historic city of Philadelphia is the birthplace of the United States

Connect with future leaders of the most globally influential organizations

Fall 2024 Academic
Program dates:
Early September - Mid December
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
$
42,380

Program Advisor

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Student Counselor SAFFY
Your Student Counselor is your study abroad ambassador and supporter. They join your application journey when you’ve confirmed you’re interested in studying abroad. At this point, they guide you through each stage of the application, notify you of the documents you need, let you know when your admission results are in, and walk you through the next steps, including class enrollment and organizing pre-arrival tests.
Schedule a Consultation

At a Glance

Language of Instruction:
English
Language Prerequisite Level:
Advanced
GPA Requirements:
3.30
Academic Level:
Undergraduate
Academic Strengths:
Business, Economics & Finance, International Business, Finance, Communications, Media & Marketing
Housing:
On-campus dormitory
Visa Required:
Maybe
Credits:
16 credits

Stay Healthy & Safe While You Study Abroad

WHAT STUDENTS SAY

Shina Lee

In class, everyone was enthusiastic and raised their hands to ask questions and share their opinions with the professor—it's very important to do the reading each week, so you're prepared and can have a conversation.

University of Pennsylvania SAF Alumni

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About the University

University of Pennsylvania

Founded in 1740 by Benjamin Franklin, the University of Pennsylvania lives the Founding Father’s aspiration: to be a school that produces greatness and educates the finest of future generations. 

Penn has affiliations with over 25 Nobel Laureates, including economist Lawrence Klein, physicist Raymond Davis Jr, and many heads of state. Penn’s arts and sciences programs rank in the national top 10, and graduate prospects are among the brightest in the world, with Penn boasting more billionaire alumni than any other university globally and one of the highest numbers of graduates who become Fortune 500 CEOs.

Learn more at University of Pennsylvania's official website.

Academics

University of Pennsylvania's Academic Approach

The university’s goal is to equip you with knowledge and skills employers most value. You are eligible to take a wide range of courses at this Ivy League institution. Specifically, classes at the highly ranked Warton College of Business, School of Engineering and Applied Science, and the College of Liberal and Professional Studies (LPS) are available. You should be capable of handling challenging courses and be flexible in your course choices.

Courses

You register for classes prior to your arrival on campus. You must take at least 2 courses in the School of Arts & Science or LPS. The other two courses, you can take in any available college (Wharton or Engineering).

First, you arrange an academic advising session with your personally selected university academic advisor. Second, the university will setup an online portal (PennInTouch) so you can register for classes. By using this portal, you can independently add or drop courses during the Course Selection Period. You will be sent detailed instructions on this process after acceptance. 

You should submit immunization forms as early as possible to avoid a registration hold on your student account. A registration hold will delay the course registration process.

Course & Departmental Restrictions

Courses in biochemistry, biotechnology, and telecommunications have limited availability due to their popularity, so you should be prepared to take other courses. You may not take courses at the School of Nursing. 

The School of Architecture at Penn is a graduate school. Therefore, there are few courses available to international students. Available courses often require permission from the department to enter and/or prerequisites.

Some courses may require professor permission or proof of pre-requisites. You will learn about this during your UPenn advising session prior to course registration.

 

Get To Know Our Application Process

From academics to visa requirements, our structured process helps you choose the right program and university for your goals. Complete a strong application, and prepare for success abroad.

Personalize Your Study Abroad Plan With Your SAF Counselor

Each student has unique academic goals for a study abroad experience. As you think about studying abroad, your SAF Counselor will help you plan for success and support you every step of the way.

Application Requirements

When applying to study abroad, you must meet the entry requirements set by the host university - and SAF is here to set you up for success.

The requirements outlined in this section include the language proficiency scores you may need to demonstrate your language skills, a guide to the GPA range and other academic prerequisites required by your host university, and a list of documentation and other application materials you will need to finalize your application. You may need to supply additional information throughout the process, and you will be alerted through your emails and SAF Student Portal if this is the case for you.
  • Language Proficiency
  • Academics & GPA
  • Application Documents & Materials

Language Test Score Requirements

To prove your language proficiency, you can use any of the following:

  • Duolingo: 130 *If you’re submitting Duolingo scores, request your scores sent to the University of Pennsylvania, College of Liberal and Professional Studies. Please download your Duolingo Certificate and upload it to your SAF student portal.
  • IELTS: 7.0 *Minimum sub-score is 6.5
  • TOEFL iBT: 100 *Minimum sub-score is 23

Learn More About Language Requirements

Program Dates

When studying abroad, you will want to consider the time of year and how long you are away. Most programs follow the host university's academic calendar.

The dates shown below are general estimates, and as you get closer to the start of the term, you will get more detailed information from SAF. If you have any questions, your Student Counsellor and Program Specialist are always here to support you and point you to the correct information.

Spring 2024 Academic

Program dates:
Mid January - Mid May
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
$
41,320

Fall 2024 Academic

Program dates:
Early September - Mid December
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
$
42,380

Fall 2024 Academic + Spring 2025

Program dates:
Early September - Mid May
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
$
80,620

Housing Information

University of Pennsylvania Content 11

On-Campus Dormitory

The SAF program fee includes a shared accommodation with roommates on campus. Some accommodations have communal study areas and activity centers where you can meet your American peers.

*Housing is subject to availability. For specific questions regarding housing please contact SAF.

About Philadelphia

Why Philadelphia

See the iconic Liberty Bell and explore the National Constitution Center: Philadelphia is a history book you walk through. Reenact Rocky's iconic run up Museum steps then grab a cheesesteak or roast-pork sandwich at Reading Terminal Market, the oldest farmers market in the US, for the classic Philadelphia experience before diving into all things Founding Fathers at Independence Hall.

Learn more about Philadelphia

The Student Experience

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Student Health & Safety

We champion health, safety, and security. As part of IES Abroad, the largest study abroad organization in the United States, we have set the standard for health and safety in study abroad for decades. We plan for the ‘what if’, so you can get on with the experience of a lifetime.
International Health Insurance

International health insurance included in the cost of your program

24/7 Emergency Phone Support

Total coverage to support you while traveling and in your new city

Location-Specific Information

Health and safety information prepared based on your destination

Health In Your Language

Highly trained multilingual staff to connect you to healthcare providers

Secure Housing

Quality, safe, secure housing within close proximity to your classes

Dedicated Expertise

Protection by a Dean of Students Office advocating for your interests

Orientation

On Arrival

Your SAF pre-departure process will arm you with all the information you need for a smooth arrival to your new campus, city, and country.

To Housing

Your SAF program will include a safe transfer from your arrival airport to your new study abroad housing. We'll even provide you with top tips to make the most of your new city!

Home Sweet Home

Your SAF Program Specialist will coordinate with you to ensure you have arrived safely and settled into your new secure housing.

Keeping You Safe

As you settle in, you will learn about the SAF emergency alert system, our 24/7 phone support, and any safety concerns relevant to you.

Get Social

Your new university and SAF will arrange social and cultural events so that you can meet other study abroad and local students. Make the most of your adventure!

Advising and Support

The process of studying abroad could quickly feel overwhelming, but we have been doing this for decades and do everything we can to support you through it. 

Many SAF staff are alumni and have walked this path. They have real-life experience to draw on as they advise and support you through every step of our comprehensive services. They’re in your corner, taking care of all the details and explaining what you need to do next.

Take the first step in your study abroad journey by scheduling a consultation with your closest Student Counselor. You can discuss your for-credit academic courses and language programs and explore internships, research programs, and study tours. When you know what you want to do, we guide you through the pre-program steps, help you arrange your visa and transport, and finalize your accommodation or digital experience.

Get To Know Our Application Process

From academics to visa requirements, our structured process helps you choose the right program and university for your goals. Complete a strong application, and prepare for success abroad.

Personalize Your Study Abroad Plan With Your SAF Counselor

Each student has unique academic goals for a study abroad experience. As you think about studying abroad, your SAF Counselor will help you plan for success and support you every step of the way.

Commonly Asked Questions About Studying Abroad

Commonly Asked Questions About Academic & Concurrent Programs

Student Blogs

Upcoming Events

Why Travel With SAF?

Studying abroad is an unforgettable experience, one that stays with you in your career, your contacts, your future. It can define you. At any of our prestigious university partners, you can build personalized for-credit programs that can last up to a whole year.

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