Academic Summer Sessions - International Students

The University of Pennsylvania (known informally as Penn) welcomes international students from abroad and international students studying at other US universities into our Summer Sessions. Through Summer at Penn you can:

• Earn college credit and an official Penn transcript
• Study and make friends with academically talented students from Penn and other US universities
• Learn from top faculty in small discussion-based classes
• Explore one of America’s most historic cities

Summer Sessions 2009

• 6-Week Summer I: Tuesday, May 26th - Thursday, July 2nd
  [International application deadline:  April 1]
• 6-Week Summer II: Monday, July 6th - Friday, August 14th
  [International application deadline:  May 15]
• 12-Week Evening Session: Tuesday, May 26th - Friday, August 14th
  [International application deadline:  April 1]

Visas

You will need an F-1 (student) visa if you plan to study full-time.  Full-time study is 2 course units (CUs) in either of the 6-week terms or 4 course units (CUs) in the 12-week evening session.  Penn issues the Form I-20 to eligible students for full-time summer study.

You will receive information about how to apply for your I-20 with your admission information.  Visa processing times vary by country, so apply early to ensure you have enough time to get your F-1 visa before the start of classes.  Application deadlines are listed above.

For more information about visas, please visit our Visa FAQ. 

Housing

Most international students live on campus in dormitories during the summer; however, there are many housing options available on and around the campus.  Please click here to read more about summer housing. 

Proof of English Proficiency

If English is not your first language, you must submit one of the following in order to attend the Summer Sessions:

• TOEFL:  minimum score 100 iBT; 250 computer-based; 600 paper-based or institutional

• IELTS:  minimum combined score of 7.0

• Cambridge: Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) or Certificate of English Proficiency (CPE) with grade of A or B

Returning Students

Have you studied in Penn’s Summer Sessions in the past?  If you successfully completed one or more courses, you do not need to reapply – simply click here  to go to our Registration page.

New Students - Apply Today

International students who want to enroll in courses during the Summer Session should submit the following:

• Complete Online Application click here to apply now
• $70 Application Fee
• Transcripts
• English proficiency test scores (if English is not your first language)
• Current Resume
• List of courses you wish to take  

Visit the Summer Session Application Page

Summer 2009 Course Offerings

• View all 6-Week Summer Session courses
• View all 12-Week Evening Summer Session courses

Tuition & Fees

Tuition and fees for the 2009 Summer Session can be found on this page.

Need Assistance?

Contact an LPS Recruitment Specialist at 01.215.746.6902 or lps-info@sas.upenn.edu.