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Explore Programs

UC Irvine offers hundreds of programs across all majors and in countries around the world. Whether you’re an existing UC Irvine student, an international student, a graduate student, or doing independent research, there is a program for you! 

 

UCEAP 

UC-wide programs in 40+ countries

UCI Partner Exchange Programs

Study at a partner university while a student from partner university studies at UCI

UCI Faculty Led Programs

Courses or experiential learning led by UCI Faculty at partner universities or with providers

About UCEAP
UCEAP offers hundreds of study abroad programs in over 40 countries for all UC students. You can earn UC credit that appears on your UCI transcript, utilize your financial aid, and can fulfill major, minor, or GE requirements. Programs range from a quarter to a full year and may include opportunities like internships, research, or volunteering.

Learn more here.

About Partner Exchange Programs
Available only to UCI students, Partner Exchange Programs allow you to study independently at a partner university abroad for a quarter, semester, or academic year. You pay UCI tuition and fees, receive transfer credit upon approval, and immerse yourself in a local university setting while fostering international academic exchange.

Learn more here.

About Faculty Led Programs
Taught and led by UCI professors, these programs are short (usually 1–6 weeks) and take place during summer or academic breaks. You’ll travel and learn with a small group of UCI students while earning academic credit. It’s a great way to get global experience with built-in support from UCI.

Learn more here.

UCI Independent International Activity

Independent abroad travel for research, internships, conferences, or competitions separate from UCI

UC Campus Programs

Summer programs offered by other UC campuses like UCLA, Berkeley, and Davis

External Programs

Private providers or direct enrollment abroad

About UCI Independent International Activities
Independent abroad travel for research, internships, conferences, or competitions separate from UCI. If you pursue any non-UC international activity (including internships, research, or study), you must register it with UCI as an Independent International Activity.
About UC Campus Programs
These are study abroad programs run by other UC campuses, such as UCLA or UC Berkeley, and are open to all UC students. They often have smaller class sizes, are taught by UC faculty, and still offer UC credit and financial aid. This is a great option if you’re looking for a program with a UC feel but a different location or format.

 

Learn more here.

About External Programs
External Programs are run by outside organizations or foreign universities, not connected to the UC system. These might be a good fit if you’re looking for a specific location or program not offered through UC. You won’t receive UC credit automatically, and UCI financial aid doesn’t apply—but you can often petition for credit afterward.

 

Learn more here.

How to Apply For Programs

All UCI students are eligible to participate in global opportunities, including study, research, internships, and more. To take advantage of these opportunities, you must complete the two steps outlined below. You can complete both steps simultaneously. Your application to participate in a program is not complete until you do both steps!

** Don’t see your preferred study abroad program? Contact the UCI Study Abroad Center for further assistance. 

Apply for Campus Approval

Campus Approval Deadlines & Portals

ProgramTerm*Open DateDeadline DateApplication Portal
UCEAP, UC Campus Programs, External ProgramsSummer, Fall, Academic Year 202610/15/25By the Application Deadline for your Program (see Apply to Your Program above) and no later than 05/01/26.Apply Here
UCEAP, UC Campus Programs, External ProgramsWinter, Spring, Calendar Year 20274/1/26 for 2027 programsBy the Application Deadline for your Program (see Apply to a Program above) and no later than 11/1/26. Apply Here
UCI Partner Exchange ProgramsFall Semester, Academic Year 202610/15/252/15/2026Apply Here
UCI Partner Exchange ProgramsSpring Semester 20274/1/268/15/2026Apply Here
UCI Faculty Led ProgramsVaries; check with your sponsoring UCI department for details.Varies; check with your sponsoring UCI department for details.Varies; check with your sponsoring UCI department for details.Please contact the Inbound and Custom Program Advisor, Casie Bonstein (cbonstei@uci.edu).
UCI Independent International Activities Ongoing; requests can be submitted at any time, as they are always open. These requests can come from faculty members or students. Ongoing; requests can be submitted at any time, as they are always open. These requests can come from faculty members or students. Ongoing; requests can be submitted at any time, as they are always open. These requests can come from faculty members or students.Apply Here
Apply to a Program or University
You must apply to your program following the instructions provided by the program provider or host institution, adhering to their established deadlines. This ensures that your eligibility is verified and your participation is confirmed. Deadlines, which can range from 9 to 12 months in advance, and requirements, such as submitting transcripts, specific documents, and letters of recommendation, vary by program. Please refer to the information below for application information and deadlines for each program option.

Program Application Deadlines

ProgramApplication Deadline
UCEAP Programs in 2025-2026UCEAP Deadlines
UCI Partner ExchangeUCI Partner Exchange Deadlines
UC Campus Programs, External Programs, UCI Faculty Led Programs, UCI Independent International ActivitiesCheck with your program provider or the UCI department sponsoring your program for any application details and deadlines.

*Links also include information relating to how to apply in addition to deadlines.

Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH)

The Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) is one of our study abroad programs through UC Irvine Partner Exchange. POSTECH offers a wide range of courses for any undergraduate interested in studying abroad and immersing themselves in South Korean culture. Students who study abroad at POSTECH for a full academic year have the opportunity to participate in their Global Young Leaders Program (GYLP). The GYLP participants conduct research during their winter break and offer an exceptional scholarship package.  This program is ideal for those who want to expand their global perspective, interact with students from around the world, and learn from leaders in their field.

Program Highlight: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)

The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) study abroad program offers exceptional opportunities for engineering students and independent travelers to immerse themselves in one of South Korea’s most prestigious science and technology universities. Students benefit from extensive research opportunities and comprehensive support throughout their experience at this eminent institution. This program is ideal for those seeking to advance their technical knowledge while gaining valuable international experience in a cutting-edge academic environment.

Killam Fellowship Highlight

The Killam Fellowship is a scholarship program through UC Irvine Partner Exchange offered to UC Irvine undergraduate students interested in studying abroad in Canada. We partner with 10 different Canadian universities across the country through this fellowship program. The Killam Fellowship works with Fulbright Canada to offer selected students $6,000 for one semester abroad and $12,000 for an entire academic year. This program is ideal for an independent student interested in exploring Canada and earning scholarships to help fund their journey abroad.