Application process
The application deadline for summer 2025 is April 1, 2025.
Penn Summer Global Institute welcomes applications from full-time undergraduate students from around the world. All applicants are required to submit the following materials. Students must be 18 years of age by the program start date.
Please note that all application materials become the property of the University of Pennsylvania and will not be returned. Remember to retain a personal copy of your application.
- Completed online application
- Official transcripts from each college and/or university attended, with English translation and US equivalencies sent directly from the home institution
- TOEFL/IELTS scores (see below)
- Application essay
- Letter of recommendation
- $75 non-refundable application fee
All physical/hard copy documents should be mailed to the College of Liberal and Professional Studies Admissions, 3440 Market Street, Suite 100, Philadelphia, PA 19104-3335. Electronic copies can be emailed to lps-admissions@sas.upenn.edu.
Standardized test scores
A strong command of the English language is necessary for successful study at Penn. Applicants whose native language is not English must submit Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Test System (IELTS), or Duolingo English Test (DET) scores to demonstrate English proficiency. Applicants are encouraged to take a test as early as possible to avoid delays in completing the application.
- The minimum TOEFL iBT score required for consideration is 100. TOEFL scores must be sent from ETS using the institutional code 2986. To locate a testing site near you or schedule an exam, visit the TOEFL website.
- The minimum IELTS score for consideration is a 7. We encourage applicants to have IELTS send their official score report to the University of Pennsylvania College of Liberal and Professional Studies IELTS Results Service E-Delivery account. Applicants may also upload a copy of their IELTS test report to the standardized test score section of the application. The test report form (TRF) number must be visible on the uploaded IELTS score report document.
- The recommended minimum DET score for consideration is 130. Students submitting DET scores should request that their scores be sent to “The University of Pennsylvania, College of Liberal and Professional Studies.” We will also need an unofficial copy of your Duolingo English Test certificate. Please save your certificate as a PDF and send it to lps-admissions@sas.upenn.edu.
Please note, the College of Liberal and Professional Studies is accepting at-home GRE and TOEFL test scores. Visit the specific standardized testing websites for exam options in your home country.
Upon review of an applicant's file, the Admissions Committee reserves the right to request TOEFL scores.
Standardized test scores such as the SAT are not required for admission to the program. However, you may choose to submit them in support of your application. Request that your scores be forwarded to the College of Liberal and Professional Studies, using ETS institutional code 2986.
Application essay
Explain your goals for joining the Penn Summer Global Institute. Give insight into your current undergraduate coursework and how participation in the Institute will complement your current academic program. (250 word maximum)
Letter of recommendation: One letter of recommendation is required of all applicants. However, you may submit up to three letters of recommendation to support your application. Letters of recommendation should be from individuals with whom you have had a close professional or academic association and who know of your desire to enroll at the University of Pennsylvania. When completing your application, you will be asked to provide the name and contact information of your recommender, who will then be contacted directly with a link to provide their letter of recommendation online.
Visa and documentation
When applying to Penn Summer Global Institute, if you indicate that you are not a US citizen, you will be asked the following question:
If admitted as a full-time student, will you require immigration sponsorship (i.e., F-1 or J-1 status) from Penn to study in the United States?
Please respond YES to this question if you will be applying for a student visa to study at Penn. Only applicants who reply YES to this question will be issued a form I-20.
Once admitted, you will receive an email from the International Student and Scholar Services office with instructions for applying for your I-20. The I-20 is the form you need to apply for an F-1 student visa at your closest US Embassy or Consulate.
Tuition and payment
Once you register for classes, you will be sent a bill notification via email about your tuition and fees, which can be viewed through your account at the PennPay website. Payment is due according to Penn's Student Registration and Financial Services billing and payment schedule and can be made by international wire or bank transfer. If your university would like to arrange third-party billing, they can find more information at Penn’s Student Financial Services website.
