Off-Campus Study Planning Timeline

Ongoing Make sure that you have a passport valid through at least January 2029
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 30th 2026 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 Major Advising Form for Off-Campus Study
February 4, 2027 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.
February – May Pre-departure information sessions (Part 1 & 2) and Financial Aid Workshops for Fall and Year students
By May 1 Financial Aid students renew financial aid applications.
Late June Students studying off-campus for Fall and academic year (one program) receive financial aid letter.  (Financial aid disbursed by early September)
Spring/Summer Fall/Year students apply for visas (if applicable). Do not wait!
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).  Do not wait!
Visa process details.
November Winter students receive financial aid letter (Financial aid disbursed by early January)
September- December  Pre-departure information sessions (Part 1 & 2) and Financial Aid Workshops for Winter students
Early January Financial Aid disbursed for Winter students