LPS international undergraduate programs
University of Pennsylvania is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania—the sixth-largest city in the United States—and is midway between New York City and Washington, DC. Our central location allows us to bring international students to campus and to send our domestic students, faculty, and staff around the world, making it possible to educate global citizens and inspire our future leaders.
Through open learning, online learning, and international programming, Penn’s College of Liberal and Professional Studies (LPS) continues to push the boundaries of education and foster interdisciplinary integration. Our liberal arts education teaches students to analyze, communicate, and transform facts into knowledge that is then applied within a real-world context. Our academic departments include subject areas from anthropology and political science to environmental sciences and South Asian studies. And our faculty scholars are leaders in creating new knowledge and are engaged in nearly every area of interdisciplinary innovation.
At Penn LPS, we are committed to creating a community of students, scholars, and staff that reflects the diversity of the world we live in.
Philadelphia is the nation's sixth largest city, a thriving urban environment rich in history, art, public parks, shopping, and entertainment.
Whether you want to join a competitive team, cheer for campus events like Penn Relays, or simply hit the gym, Penn has opportunities for sports and recreation.
West Philadelphia is home to a diverse and enticing array of cuisines—and food trucks bring a taste of Philadelphia right to where you work and study on campus
Make memories through planned program outings to experience Philadelphia food, culture, entertainment, and recreation.
A World Heritage site, Philadelphia’s Independence Hall is where the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution were drafted and signed.
While our campus is located in a large city, there are many resources available to help you feel comfortable and safe at Penn.
Located in the heart of West Philadelphia, Penn’s campus is enriched by its vibrant urban environment and accessible transit to the city center.
Study at the Ivy League and live on or near campus for an incredible US college experience
Penn LPS offers two programs that are gateways for highly qualified international undergraduate students to pursue for-credit coursework at a top-ranked Ivy League university. The International Guest Student Program and the Penn Summer Global Institute are designed to support your goals, whether you are seeking to enhance your academic record, build your credentials for graduate study, or refine your language and cross-cultural communication skills.
Our skilled advisors help you select appropriate courses based on your language proficiency, academic background, schedule, and interests. At the completion of the program, you receive transcripts from the University of Pennsylvania and are awarded credits that can be transferred to your home institution.
As a guest student at Penn, you can access world-class libraries, computing facilities, academic and language support resources, and accommodations in campus residence halls. In classes and around campus, you interact with a diverse student body of undergraduate and graduate students, providing numerous opportunities for cultural and language exchange.
| The International Guest Student Program | Penn Summer Global Institute | |
|---|---|---|
| Program length | One full semester, spring or fall | Six weeks during Penn’s Summer Session II |
| Curriculum | 4 course units* per semester | 2 course units |
| Course options | Undergraduate courses (up to the 5999 level) | Summer Session II undergraduate courses |
| Test scores | Minimum TOEFL iBT 100 Minimum IELTS 7 Recommended minimum DET 130 |
Minimum TOEFL iBT 100 Minimum IELTS 7 Recommended minimum DET 130 |
| Eligibility | Completed the first year of undergraduate studies and maintained the equivalent of a 3.3 grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) or higher | Completed the first year of undergraduate studies and maintained the equivalent of a 3.0 grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) or higher |
| Tuition | $18,740 - 33,058, depending on courses chosen | Estimated all-inclusive program fee (including tuition, housing, and activities) for summer 2024 is $13,765 |
| Learn more about the International Guest Student Program > | Learn more about Penn Summer Global Institute > |
Advance your English language skills
If you need more intensive English language training, Penn’s English Language Programs can increase your language proficiencies to achieve academic, professional, and personal goals and improve your understanding of the cultures of the United States.
*Academic credit is defined by the University of Pennsylvania as a course unit (c.u.). A course unit (c.u.) is a general measure of academic work over a period of time, typically a term (semester or summer). A c.u. (or a fraction of a c.u.) represents different types of academic work across different types of academic programs and is the basic unit of progress toward a degree. One c.u. is usually converted to a four-semester-hour course.
