Off-Campus Study Planning Timeline
| Ongoing | Make sure that you have a passport valid through at least January 2027 Start your Global Bobcats account! |
| Before October | Off-Campus Study Information Session |
| Sept, Oct, Nov. | Study Abroad information sessions, Q&A sessions, and returnee panels – check our calendar for dates. |
| September 24th 2025 | Study Abroad Fair 11 AM – 1:00 PM Commons 2nd Floor |
| September -February | Explore approved programs and complete the Off-Campus Study Registration in your Global Bobcats portal. Utilize various advising resources found in your portal. |
| By Mid-January | Declare a Major; obtain major department chair/advisor signature on Academic Approval Form. |
| February 5, 2026 | Bates Off-Campus Study Registration due by 11:59 PM EST |
| Mid-February-> Mid-March | Apply for Fall or Year programs (Pay attention to specific program application deadlines) Please ignore program/school deadlines, we advise early applications for many reasons. |
| April / May | Pre-departure information sessions for Fall and Year students |
| By May 1 | Financial Aid students renew financial aid applications. |
| Late June | Students studying off-campus for Fall 2025 and 2025-2026 academic year (one program) receive financial aid letter. (Financial aid disbursed by early September) |
| Spring/Summer | Fall/Year students apply for visas (if applicable). Visa process details. |
| Early September | Financial Aid disbursed for Fall and Year students |
| May – September 1 | Apply for Winter programs (Pay attention to specific program application deadlines) |
| September – December | Winter students apply for visa (if applicable). Visa process details. |
| November | Winter students receive financial aid letter (Financial aid disbursed by early January) |
| Early December | Pre-departure information sessions for Winter students |
| Early January | Financial Aid disbursed for Winter students |