Semester/Year Planning Process for Off-Campus Study


Review the planning timeline for a snapshot of the off-campus study process.

Getting Started in the Global Bobcats portal:
  1. Start your Global Bobcats account! 
    • Go to this link to start your Pre-Registration Phase steps by following the instructions for first time users. (Use your Bates login credentials.)
  2. Review Eligibility Requirements and Policies
    1. Off-Campus Study Eligibility Requirements
    2. Important Questions (FAQs) and Policies
  3. Review and research approved programs.
  4. Utilize the various advising resources found in your pre-registration account in Global Bobcats.  For example:

The Off-Campus Study Registration Process for semester or academic year is a two-step process:

  1. Complete the pre-registration phase which includes listing your top choice program and preferred term off-campus. (Your top choice program can change.)
    1. Your pre-registration will be reviewed by a Bates off-campus study advisor and your registration will be opened. You can switch your top choice program at any time but you only have one (1) off-campus study registration open at a time.
  2. Complete the new steps by the Off-Campus Study Registration deadline.  This includes consulting with a faculty member about how off-campus study fits into your four-year plan of study at Bates.
In your Global Bobcats account you will be able to:
Consider meeting with a Global Ambassador or Off-Campus Study Advisor to discuss the following topics:
  • your academic plans and ideas
  • your non-academic plans and ideas
  • Bates’ semester balance enrollment policy
  • topics related to your identity and living in another country.
  • the range of off-campus study possibilities
  • financing off-campus study
  • and all of your questions and concerns
By Mid-January:
  • declare your major
  • obtain signature of major department chair/major advisor on the Off-Campus Study Registration Form
By February 5, 2026 by 11:59 PM EST:
  • submit the Off-Campus Study Registration in the Global Bobcats portal
  • The registration requires a declared major and a completed Academic Approval Form signed by the department/program chair of your declared major/s.
  • Please note that the deadline for Fall 2025, Academic Year 2025-2026, and Winter 2026 was February 6, 2025 – late registrations are considered on a case-by-case basis.
By end of March or earlier:
  • apply for Fall or Academic Year programs by March 15 or earlier
  • apply for any eligible study abroad scholarships
By end of Summer:
  • apply for Winter programs by September 1
  • apply for any eligible study abroad scholarships