International Guest Student Program

The International Guest Student Program (IGSP) at the University of Pennsylvania is the gateway for highly qualified international students to pursue credit-bearing course work and enjoy the academic experience at a top-ranked, Ivy League teaching and research university. 

The International Guest Student Program is open to international students currently enrolled in undergraduate programs.

International guest students enroll in a full-time program of study each semester. There are three "Gateway" programs for international guest students in IGSP:

• Based on English proficiency, some international guest students enter directly into University credit-bearing courses (Gateway I).
• Other international guest students begin at Penn's English Language Programs (ELP) to refine academic and cross-cultural communication skills prior to beginning university credit coursework (Gateways II and III).

What are some of the benefits, options, and outcomes of participating in the International Guest Student Program?

Achieve Your Goals

• Enhance your academic record as a result of participating in the international student program
• Change your academic direction based on your experiences in the international student program
• Earn transfer credits from the international student program to your home institution
• Build credentials for graduate study after completion of the international student program

Customize Your Experience

• Select courses from more than 50 academic departments and interdisciplinary programs as part of the International Guest Student Program
• Refine your language and cross-cultural communication skills
• Develop a personalized International Guest Student Program based on your needs
• Enroll in the International Guest Student Program from six weeks to twelve months

Expand Your Opportunities

• Enjoy an intellectually rigorous learning experience unmatched by other international student programs
• Access world-class libraries and computer facilities unavailable in other international student programs
• Participate in social and cultural activities unique to Penn’s international student program
• Live on a historic campus in the vibrant city of Philadelphia -- one of the highlights of the International Guest Student Program

Want to learn more? Visit the links below to review more details about opportunities available to you through the International Guest Student Program.

• Admissions and Eligibility
  Who is eligible for the International Guest Student Program?
• Application
  How can you apply to the International Guest Student Program?
• Curriculum
  What courses are available through the International Guest Student Program?
• Entry Dates and Deadlines
  What are the application deadlines for the International Guest Student Program?
• FAQ
  Get answers to frequently asked questions about the International Guest Student Program
• Housing
  Where do international guest students live?
• Tuition and Fees
  What are tuition and fees for international guest students?