Year or Term Abroad: Petition Process

Petition Process for a Year or Term Abroad

We encourage you to begin your program search by reviewing the programs on Yale's designated list. However, if you cannot find a program that is a good match for your goals and interests, you can petition for approval to attend a program not already designated by Yale. If your petition is approved, you will be eligible to earn full credit transfer and, if applicable, use your financial aid.

TOC: Petition Process

How do I know if a program is eligible for a petition?

Programs must meet these minimum eligibility requirements:

• The program will issue an official transcript with course title(s), grade(s), and credit(s) from an accredited university.
• The program will be a minimum of 12 teaching weeks in duration per term (or at least half of the host country's academic year). 
• The location of the study abroad program is not restricted by the Yale Travel Policy.
• Courses offered by the program meet Yale's credit transfer policies.

Note: Be sure to email or schedule an appointment with a study abroad adviser to discuss program eligibility.

How do I petition?

Note: You must apply for both admission into your program and Yale approval to study abroad. These are separate application processes that can be completed simultaneously. 

Apply for admission to your intended Non-Yale program:

• Apply directly to the university or program abroad you would like to attend via their website. 
• It is your responsibility to ensure all application materials are submitted to your desired program by their deadline. Program application deadlines may be earlier or later than Yale’s application deadline.
• You do not need to have already secured Yale's approval for study abroad when you apply for admission to your intended program. 

Apply for Yale's approval to study abroad and transfer credit:

• If you haven't already, review the Year or Term Abroad eligibility requirements.
• Meet with a study abroad adviser to discuss your intended program and receive confirmation that the program is eligible for a petition.
• Access and submit a Year or Term Abroad Petition via the button below. Note: You do not also need to submit the regular Year or Term Abroad application.
• You may only petition for one new program per application cycle. As we cannot guarantee that your petition program will be approved, you can list up to 2 back-up programs from the designated list. All of the programs listed in your petition will be reviewed for approval.
• Late applications cannot be accepted.
• You do not need to have already been admitted to your intended program before submitting the petition.

Where do I access the Yale Study Abroad petition application?

Petition applications for a Spring Term Abroad open at the start of Yale's fall term. Applications for a Fall Term or Full Year Abroad open at the start of Yale's spring term.

Note: Don't forget to also apply to your intended program for admission into the program.

When is the Yale petition deadline?

Your Year or Term Abroad petition application is due the semester before your intended program starts.  

Link: Review the deadlines for a Year or Term Abroad

What does the petition include?

The Year or Term Abroad Petition consists of:

• Year or Term Abroad Petition for a Program not on Yale's Designated List: This form includes questions about your intended study abroad program(s) and tentative courses along with a brief personal statement (300-500 words). In addition to listing your first-choice program, you have the option to include up to 2 back-up programs from the designated list. 
• Credit, Tuition, & Financial Aid Policy Documents: These documents include details about important Yale Study Abroad policies. You will be asked to read through the information and confirm your understanding of the policies. 
• Yale Academic Record: We will ask you to upload a copy of your Yale Degree Audit.

In addition, as part of your Year or Term Abroad Petition, you will be asked to discuss your plans with your Residential College Dean and Director of Undergraduate Studies (DUS) and to send them forms to complete on your behalf:

• Residential College Dean’s Form: This form includes questions about your academic standing, progress toward graduation, and preparedness for the study abroad experience.
• DUS Form: This form includes questions about your ability to complete your major and the possibility of earning major credit abroad. If you do not yet have a major declared, you will need to contact the DUS of the major you are most strongly considering. If you have a double major, contact the DUS from both departments, as you will need to have each DUS complete a form.

Pin: We recommend that you schedule meetings with your Dean and DUS well in advance of the deadline so that we will receive all parts of your application on time.

Do I need to complete the Year or Term Abroad application in addition to the petition application?

No, you only need to complete one application for Yale Study Abroad. The petition application includes all of the necessary information and allows you to select up to two alternate programs from the designated list.