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Global Visiting Student Program

Saint Louis University offers college students from partner institutions in China an opportunity to experience academic and college life at SLU-St. Louis or SLU-Madrid.  

The Global Visiting Student Program is offered in both the fall and spring semesters, and students will have the opportunity to take classes at SLU's main campus in the U.S. or SLU's Madrid campus in Spain. 

Apply to the Global Visiting Scholars Program 

2026-2027 Dates

SLU St. Louis SLU Madrid

Fall 2026 Semester: 

Aug. 19 - Dec. 11, 2026

Fall 2026 Semester: 

Sept.1 - Dec. 18, 2026

Spring 2027 Semester: 

Jan. 11 - May 11, 2027

Spring 2027 Semester: 

Jan. 8 - May 7, 2027

 

SLU - St. Louis Program Overview

Program Cost

$14,000 per semester

Application Eligibility

Applicants must be enrolled at one of SLU's partner academic institutions in China. 

Minimum average GPA: 2.5 or above (on a 4.0 scale) 

Proof of English-language proficiency will also be required. 

Application Steps

Follow these steps to apply for the Global Visiting Student Program: 

  • Apply to SLU.
  • Once you complete the application, representatives from Saint Louis University will work with you to receive your official transcript and proof of English-language proficiency, process your registration, start your visa processes, and secure on-campus housing. 

Apply Today

Application Deadlines

Students wishing to study as a global visiting student at SLU in the fall semester must submit applications by April 1. 

Students wishing to study in the spring semester must submit applications by Oct. 1. 

Course Selection 

Students are eligible to take a minimum of four undergraduate courses and a maximum of six undergraduate courses. Follow these steps to view the course catalog and select which classes you would like to take:

  • Search for classes.
  • Undergraduate courses will be coded from 1000-4999. For example, HIST 1120: Origins of the Modern World (1500 to Present) is an undergraduate course coded at the 1000 level. PSY 3930: Special Topics is an undergraduate course coded at the 3000 level. 

SLU-Madrid Program Overview

Program Cost

$16,008 + $128 cafeteria plan per semester 

Application Steps

Follow these steps to apply for the Global Visiting Student Program: 

  • Apply to SLU-Madrid.
  • Once you complete the application, representatives from Saint Louis University will work with you to receive your official transcript and proof of English language proficiency, process your registration, start your visa processes, and inform you of next steps. 
  • Submit proof of English-language proficiency. Get full information on English-language proficiency. Students must meet the minimum score for placement into ENGL 1500. 

Apply Today

Application Deadlines

Students wishing to study as a global visiting student at SLU-Madrid in the fall semester must submit applications by March 1. 

Students studying in the spring semester at SLU-Madrid must submit applications by June 1. 

Complete applications (with supporting documents) must be submitted by the following dates:

  • Fall applicants: March 1, 2026
  • Spring applicants: June 1, 2026
Course Selection 

To view the course catalog and select which classes you would like to take, follow these steps: 

  • First, view a list of classes that SLU-Madrid offers. This will give you an idea of which classes are offered and what classes you would like to take. Undergraduate courses are coded from 1000-4999. For example, HIST 1120: Origins of the Modern World (1500 to Present) is an undergraduate course coded at the 1000 level. PSY 3930: Special Topics is an undergraduate course coded at the 3000 level.
  • Click on the button that says 'Course List by Term' to view what SLU-Madrid offers by semester. Select the term and Madrid, Spain as the campus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who do I contact if I have questions about the program and application process? 

Contact Jacob Wierson in the Office of Summer and Extended Studies at Saint Louis University - jacob.wierson@slu.edu

How will the visa process work? 

The visa process starts once students apply and are admitted into the Global Visiting Scholars program. To learn more about the visa process, visit the pages below. Saint Louis University staff can assist with any questions about obtaining a visa to the U.S. or Spain. 

If I attend the program, can I stay on campus? 

In St. Louis, students will stay in an on-campus residence hall. SLU staff will connect students with the Department of Housing and Residence Life for on-campus housing. 

At SLU-Madrid, students have opportunities to explore off-campus housing

Will I have a meal plan?

In St. Louis, students who stay in an on-campus residence hall are automatically enrolled in a SLU dining plan, providing access to the on-campus dining hall, Grand Hall. There are also on-campus restaurants and fast-food dining options

In Madrid, all students receive a SLU-Madrid ID that can be loaded with SLU/Sodexo €uros for use in The Unity cafeteria on the Madrid campus. The Unity cafeteria is on the ground floor of San Ignacio Hall. 

Can I use SLU facilities such as the library and recreation center? 

Students have access to the libraries at SLU-St. Louis and SLU-Madrid. 

In St. Louis, students can access the Simon Recreation Center, which includes a fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools, and basketball and tennis courts. 

What if I need medical treatment while I am attending SLU? 

Students in St. Louis will have access to the on-campus Student Health Center. Students can make an appointment with a doctor or nurse practitioner, which will take place either in person or through telehealth. 

At SLU-Madrid, student life staff and counselors may serve as liaisons between students and doctors. If students need to find a general practitioner or a specialist, or any other kind of support, SLU-Madrid staff will provide assistance. 

Will I be able to explore St. Louis  or Madrid if I attend the program? 

One of the goals of the Global Visiting Scholar Program is to immerse students in the culture of the cities that they will study in. 

In St Louis, students can explore the Gateway Arch, Forest Park, the Saint Louis Art Museum, a St. Louis Cardinals baseball game, musical and theatrical performances at the Fabulous Fox Theatre, and more. 

In Madrid, students will have the opportunity to explore Museo Nacional del Prado, Mercado de San Miguel, Royal Palace of Madrid, Puerta del Sol, and more. 

Explore St. Louis

Explore Madrid