Eligibility
- 18 years of age or above
- Good academic and disciplinary standing at Penn State
- 3.0 cumulative GPA or better at the time of application review
- Junior standing or above at the start of the program
Program Description
On this program, Engineering students take classes directly at the University of Southampton with other international students and degree seeking students at the institution.
Dates
Spring: Early January-mid-June
Refer to the program website for the specific dates, if available.
Program Note
This program may have limited space, so we recommend that you identify an appropriate backup program and complete the Education Abroad Backup Questionnaire in your Penn State Application when applying to this program. Should you not be accepted for your first-choice program, you will automatically be reviewed for your backup choice. For help on choosing an appropriate backup, please contact your education abroad adviser.
Location
With major international events, many pubs, clubs, and restaurants, and the region's principal arts and entertainments venues, Southampton is southern England's leading leisure destination. Southampton's parks also make it the Greenest City in the UK. The city is home to 215,000 people.
The University of Southampton is a well-established university located on the southern shore of England with study options for Penn State students studying engineering or marine science.
The University of Southampton's various Schools of Engineering are part of the Faculty (equivalent to College at Penn State) of Engineering, Science, and Mathematics. Courses are offered in areas that are related to Penn State's programs in civil, environmental, aerospace, mechanical, industrial engineering, engineering science, bioengineering, and acoustics. The University also offers courses in mathematics, physics and chemistry that may be relevant to all engineering majors. The University of Southampton has strong links with industry that benefit the engineering programs by providing visiting lectures, site visits, and industry-related projects.
Education Abroad in Countries with a Penn State Restricted Travel Designation
In order to comply with Penn State’s International Travel Policy, students interested in studying abroad in countries that Penn State has designated as “restricted” for travel, a petition for a waiver must be submitted. Once a petition is complete, and if the student is approved for study on the program in question, the student may be asked to meet with the Director of Education Abroad and the petition will be reviewed by the Penn State International Restricted Travel Committee (IRTC). The necessary petition will be included in the online application process for this program. To see if your program is taking place in a restricted travel country, please visit the Penn State Global website.
Housing
Students will arrange their housing directly with the University of Southampton. You will live in a dormitory, where either food may be provided or you may need to cook for yourself (depending upon what kind of placements are available). To explore options, visit the Southampton accommodations page.
Meals
Students will choose either an accommodation with a fully equipped kitchen where they will shop and cook for themselves, which is called “self-catered,” or they can choose accommodations with a meal plan, which is known as “catered”. Accommodations varying in price depending on the amenities.
Program Costs
Spring Costs
The cost of a program is based on Penn State tuition rates and partner institution fees. Due to the variety of locations and partner institutions, costs will vary depending on the program. Education Abroad works closely with our partners to ensure the most accurate cost estimates, however, fees can change quickly and without prior notice. Consult the cost sheets for your chosen program often and if you have any questions please contact your Education Abroad Adviser.
Scholarships
The Education Abroad Office awards a number of grants and scholarships to students who participate in an education abroad program through Penn State Global. The application for the scholarships awarded through the Education Abroad Office is included with your program application. Eligibility is based on academic merit and/or financial need. You must have a current FAFSA on file to be awarded. There are additional scholarship opportunities through our partner universities, Penn State Academic Departments, and other sources. To view a full list of scholarships, eligibility requirements, and deadlines visit Funding Study Abroad.
BUTEX (British Universities Transatlantic Exchange Association) Scholarship is for North American Students studying on exchange programs in the UK. Apply on the the Butex website.
Student Aid
Penn State students who plan to study on a Penn State approved program can use most forms of financial aid towards the cost of the program. Exceptions include work-study awards and some athletic scholarships. If you have specific questions regarding your aid awards, contact the Penn State Office of Student Aid.
Withdrawal & Refund Policy
Withdrawal and refund details are dependent on the timing and reason for your withdrawal from a Penn State Education Abroad Program. For specific details and steps on how to withdraw, read the Education Abroad Policies.
After Commitment
Once a student has committed to a Penn State Education Abroad program, they are financially responsible for any fees incurred on their behalf. Therefore, if a student plans to withdraw from a program it is their responsibility to immediately notify the Education Abroad office, in writing; email is preferred.
Regardless of the timing or reason for the withdrawal, the student will be responsible for paying the Education Abroad Administrative Fees. Additional fees from the partner institution will be assessed according to their withdrawal and refund policies at the date of the withdrawal notice.
After the Start of the Program
If a student withdraws after the start of a program, any adjustment of Penn State tuition charges will be made according to the Tuition Adjustment Schedule as determined by the Office of the Bursar. Students may be responsible for up to 100% of program costs. In most cases, partial credit cannot be awarded for leaving a program before its successful completion.
For additional information on withdrawal policies, separate and apart from financial consequences, please consult the University Senate Policy on Withdrawal and Leave of Absence.
