How to Apply
It's Time to Apply
Rolling admissions. No application fee. 29 program offerings across 12 countries, starting every semester and summer.
Application to Airport
Four Steps to the Field
1
Explore
Browse our 12 centers and 29 program offerings. Use our Compare tool to find your fit, and ask anything about locations, research, daily life, or academics.
2
Review Health & Safety
Field life is demanding by design. Read the Essential Eligibility Criteria and your center's Know Before You Go guidance, so you know what the field will ask of you.
3
Apply
Create an account, submit a personal statement and an unofficial transcript, and coordinate with your study abroad office. No application fee, no letters of recommendation.
4
Get Ready
Accept your offer, complete SFS's pre-departure checklist items, and pack your bags for the field.
Before You Apply
Who Can Apply
Semester
Semester Programs
Minimum GPA of 2.8
One college-level course in Biology, Ecology, or Environmental Studies/Sciences (or Geology for Chile) with a grade of C or higher, or one of the following:
- AP Biology or AP Environmental Science exam, with a minimum score of 4
- International Baccalaureate Higher Level (HL) exam, with a minimum score of 5
Must be 18+ by program start
Summer
Summer Programs
Minimum GPA of 2.6
No course prerequisite
Must be 18+ by program start
Slightly below the GPA minimum? Still apply, we review holistically.
Eligibility is more than grades. Every SFS student agrees to and signs the Essential Eligibility Criteria (EEC) before their program. Read the EEC to make sure field life fits your health, abilities, and expectations.
Your Application
What You'll Need
Personal Statement
Tell us why you want to study in the field and what you hope to gain.
Unofficial Transcript
From each college or university you've attended. No official copies needed.
Study Abroad Approval
Your campus study abroad office confirms your enrollment.
Submitted online. Reviewed by a real person, on a rolling basis.
Accepted students also complete SFS's pre-departure medical review. Preview what field life asks in Know Before You Go, and email studentlife@fieldstudies.org with questions about health, safety, or the medical review process. For questions about your program or visa/flight paperwork, email admissions@fieldstudies.org.
Application Deadlines
Rolling admissions: apply early, programs fill fast.
Fall
Jun 1
Spring
Nov 1
Summer I
Apr 1
Summer II
May 1
Ready to Start?
Rolling admissions. We read every application as it comes in.