Admission Requirements
- Students must be enrolled full-time in a degree-granting program at an accredited college/university (domestic or international)
- Students must have completed at least one full term at the post-secondary level
- Students must demonstrate at least a 2.75 cumulative GPA
- Students must be in good academic and judicial standing at time of application
- Students must demonstrate their writing skills in a 300-500 word essay as indicated on the application
- Information for International Students
- Information for Gap Year Students
- Information for Post-Graduate Students
- Information for the NEW Pre-College Program
How to Apply
Semester at Sea operates on a rolling admission basis; therefore, there are no set application deadlines. However, we recommend applying as early as possible, up to one year in advance.
A completed file for admission consists of the following:
- A completed admissions application
- A short essay of 300-500 words
- A non-refundable application fee of $50
- All college-level transcripts
- A
Disciplinary Clearance Form completed by your school's judicial affairs office. Your signature provides the release for this information. The existence of a disciplinary record does not preclude your admission, but it will be considered in the overall evaluation of your application. If you have a disciplinary record, please submit a written statement explaining the events on your record. - A letter or recommendation from a current college professor is strongly encouraged, but not required.
- Personal information you feel may be relevant to our admissions committee in reviewing your application (optional).
International students applying to Semester at Sea should see this page for more specific instructions.
Visit your school's study abroad or international programs office regarding specific requirements that may be in place for students studying abroad from your home school.
Confirmation Deposit
Academic admission to Semester at Sea does not automatically provide students with a confirmed space in the program. Upon notification of acceptance to the program, a $500 deposit is required to reserve a cabin space. Further processing, such as awarding of financial aid and academic registration, cannot take place without the deposit, which is fully refundable up to 90 days before the departure of a fall or spring voyage; 60 days before the departure of a summer or short-term voyage.
In keeping with the policies of the Institute for Shipboard Education and the academic sponsor, qualified students of any race, color, nationality, or ethnic origin are eligible candidates for admission.
Your privacy is important - here's our privacy policy outlining how we protect your personal information.
