Purdue University

Purdue University Study Abroad Programs

Purdue University offers students more than 400 study abroad opportunities across 50+ countries, from short-term spring break and Maymester trips to semester- and year-long exchanges. Through the Office of Study Abroad, students can explore faculty-led programs, international exchanges, direct-enroll and co-sponsored options, or independent study and internship experiences abroad.

Purdue’s study abroad advisors help students identify programs that align with their academic plans and budgets, navigate eligibility and credit transfer, and access millions of dollars in scholarship funding. Students can also use federal financial aid toward many Purdue-approved programs, including Semester at Sea.

Purdue University & Semester at Sea

Purdue University students regularly sail on Semester at Sea’s spring semester voyages. Boilermaker Natalie Penry was a student on the Spring 2023 voyage. 

“Here you’re pushed out of your comfort zone,” Natalie says. “You’re with people from all across the world who have much different beliefs than you. When else do you have the opportunity to learn about the world on such a global stage as this?” 

See Natalie’s interview here. 

Work with your academic advisor and a Study Abroad Liaison early in your planning process, since they can help you navigate the academic side of the experience. Download a Study Abroad Pre-Planning Sheet to get started.

Admissions Requirements 

Eligibility varies depending on the study abroad program; in general, any Purdue student pursuing a semester abroad must be at least 18 years of age by the program’s start date and have a valid passport. 

Students who have transferred to Purdue, or who are returning after being dropped from the university for academic reasons, must complete at least one semester of academic work at Purdue before they can apply to study abroad. Students on academic notice or disciplinary probation are not eligible to apply for study abroad. 

Additionally, Purdue undergraduate students embarking on a Semester at Sea voyage must:

• Maintain at least a 2.5 GPA 
• Be at least in their sophomore year of college
• Obtain a student visa (U.S. citizens)
• Provide an acceptable English language proficiency test score if their first language is not English

Also important to note: Purdue University students are generally only approved to sail on Spring voyages. 

Early application is highly recommended, as cabin space fills up quickly. 

Please review the full Semester at Sea admissions requirements before applying.

Financial Aid

It is important to understand that each study abroad program available through Purdue University has its own fee structure and billing arrangements — though many existing financial aid options can be applied to study abroad. You are responsible for learning whether the aid you use while on campus can be used for study abroad.

The Purdue Office of Study Abroad recommends that students explore all funding avenues available to them, from traditional to the unconventional options:

• Understand the types of financial aid that can be applied to study abroad
• Explore study abroad scholarships
• Submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), even if you don’t think you qualify for federal aid
• Explore other scholarships through Semester at Sea!

Please note that partnership program participants (including Semester at Sea voyagers) do not pay tuition to Purdue for the courses completed during their study abroad program.

Cost

Student Program Fees Include:

• Semester’s tuition and travel
• Housing, meals, and amenities
• Academic Field Classes
• Email account
• Starter Internet package
• Comprehensive travel health insurance
• Pre-voyage advisement and on-site residential student services staff
• Fuel fee — subject to change depending on global cost fluctuations

Student program fees vary depending on voyage and cabin type. In general, here is what you can expect to pay for a Semester at Sea voyage (before financial aid): 

Billable Expenses (“Program Fees”)

Student program fees vary depending on voyage and cabin type. To learn more about these fees check out our program costs breakdown.

*(Expenses are subject to change depending on global cost fluctuations. Please review our fuel surcharge policy.)

Additional Voyager Expenses:

• Flights to embarkation/from debarkation
• Overnight stay prior to embarkation
• Travel visas and costs associated with passport renewal
• Textbooks
• Any appropriate vaccinations and boosters 
• Between-meal food and beverages while onboard
• Laundry
• SAS Field Programs and independent travel in-country
• Fuel surcharge (if applicable)

Additional Estimated Expenses:

Student program fees vary depending on voyage and cabin type. To learn more about these fees check out our program costs breakdown.

Cost Calculator

Get an estimate of program expenses for a typical Semester at Sea voyage. Please note: This calculator provides an estimate of program fees only. Tuition costs and cabin fees are subject to change.