Curriculum

As an International Guest student, you will enroll in a full-time program of study (4 course units*) each semester you are enrolled at Penn. You will work closely with an academic advisor to select the courses that will help you accomplish your academic goals.

Choose your courses

As a student in the International Guest Student Program, you have access to a broad range of undergraduate courses (up to the 5999 level). Each semester, the College of Liberal and Professional Studies (LPS) offers courses from more than 50 academic departments at a discounted tuition rate. 

In addition, students are eligible for courses offered by the College of Arts and Sciences, the Wharton School, and the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. As part of the International Guest Student Program, students must enroll in a minimum of 2 course units through LPS or the College of Arts and Sciences.  

Course load

International Guest Students must maintain full-time student status to meet visa requirements. Full-time student status requires a minimum of 3.5 course units during each semester of study (fall, spring, and/or summer). Typically, International Guest Students do not carry more than 4 course units during a given semester to ensure strong performance in all coursework. However, it is possible for special permission to be approved to carry up to 4.5 course units during the first semester, and up to 5 course units during the second semester following strong performance in the first term.


*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.

Everything you need to know

Penn provides a wealth of resources to support you while on campus.

Am I eligible to apply?

Learn more about applicant qualifications for the International Guest Student Program.

Get ready for the semester!

Find the classes you need and start getting ahead for the semester.