University of Pennsylvania – Summer

Founded in 1740, this private research university is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Its campus, surrounded by tree-lined areas in an urban setting, combines academic tradition with modernity. Member of the prestigious Ivy League, it is renowned as one of the finest institutions in the United States and ranks tenth in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 list of Best National Colleges and Universities.

Students may choose from the following options.

• English Language Programs: for students who wish to practice and improve their English.
  • IP (Intensive Program).
    • 7-week course with three levels of English.
    • July and August
  • IAPS (Institute for Academic & Professional Studies)
    • 4-week course ranging from intermediate to advanced level.
    • July and August
  • PSGI (Penn Summer Global Institute): for students with a high level of English.
    • Two 6-week courses
    • July–August

• Students may only participate from year two onwards.
• An excellent academic record.
• Level of English will depend on the course selected.
• Compliance with the regulations of each faculty.
• Once selected by UIC Barcelona, each student must register directly via UPenn’s online platform. Final acceptance is subject to the correct handling of all required procedures, including the student visa.

• Students will enrol in UPenn and pay the academic fees directly to UPenn. The price will depend on the courses selected. Click on the link to each programme to see the updated price (IP, IAPS and PSGI).
• Students must pay 10% of the credit charge for each subject they wish to validate and recognise as equivalent on their academic record at UIC Barcelona.
• Students must bear in mind that tuition does not include travel/visa expenses or housing expenses.

Housing is not included in the tuition for most options and is the responsibility of each student. UPenn will provide students housing advice based on the courses selected.

As a visiting international student, you will need an F-1 student visa to enter the United States and attend summer courses at UPenn.

Full-time enrolment is mandatory for international visiting students who wish to obtain the I-20 (F-1).

Each year, the International Relations Service launches a specific mobility call for this programme, where you will find all information on the process, deadlines, grants and eligibility requirements for this unique academic experience.

The process is as follows:

1. Application submission: 
   If you are interested in experiencing an international academic summer, you must complete the form and submit the required documentation before the deadline.
    
2. Faculty assessment:
   The faculties will conduct an initial evaluation to select students who meet the programme’s requirements.
    
3. Publication of the decision:
   The International Relations Service will announce the final list of admitted students and the recipients of the UPenn Summer Term grants, awarded to the top applicants.

For the latest details, see the most recent mobility call.

Don’t miss the information sessions that the International Relations Service organises each year, together with a representative from UPenn. These sessions will provide first-hand information on the latest summer programme news, the opportunities they offer and answers to any questions you may have.

Contact the International Relations team: exchange.bcn@uic.es or exchange.scu@uic.es.