Frequently Asked Questions
Study Abroad Program
General Program Information
Q: What is the PSA Program?
A: The PSU Semester Abroad (PSA) Program allows students at Prince Sultan University to study for one semester at one of our international partner universities. It provides valuable academic and cultural exposure in a global setting.
Q: How many Study Abroad options are available?
A: We currently offer the Semester Abroad Program during the spring and fall semesters only. Year-long or summer study abroad options are not available at this time.
Q: When is the PSA program application period?
A: Applications open early in each semester for the following semester. This gives students nearly a full semester to fulfill all requirements before their study abroad begins.
Q: How many universities can I apply to through the PSA program?
A: You may apply to only one university per application cycle. However, we recommend having backup options in mind in case your first choice is unavailable. Make sure your selected university aligns with your major and offers the courses you need.
Q: Does my chosen university need to match my PSU major?
A: Yes. The university must offer courses that align with your major to ensure academic compatibility and successful credit transfer.
Q: What if I want to study at a university that is not listed?
A: PSU is actively building new international partnerships. If your preferred university isn’t currently listed, it may become available in future semesters. Please check regularly for updates.
Q: Since I can only apply to one university, what are the chances of getting accepted?
A: Your chances depend on several factors: a strong GPA, high IELTS/TOEFL scores, a well-written Statement of Purpose, and your performance in the screening process. Meeting these criteria significantly improves your selection prospects.
Q: Is there a residency requirement to apply for the PSA program?
A: No. The PSA program is open to all eligible PSU students, regardless of their residency status.
Q: Can transfer students apply for the PSA program?
A: Yes. Transfer students are eligible to apply, provided their credits have been accepted by PSU and they meet all other PSA requirements.
Application Requirements and Process
Q: What are the eligibility requirements for the PSA Program?
A: Applicants must have completed between 36 and 104 credit hours at Prince Sultan University, demonstrate the required level of English proficiency, and maintain a competitive cumulative GPA.
Q: What factors can improve my chances of being selected for the PSA Program?
A: Selection is based on multiple criteria, including academic performance (GPA), English proficiency, the quality of the statement of purpose, and strict adherence to all application guidelines.
Q: I am a Business student. Can I register for courses offered by another department if they are available at the host university?
A: If the desired course is listed among the approved options, the International Affairs Office will coordinate in advance with the partner university to facilitate enrollment, subject to availability and approval.
Q: When will I be notified of the outcome of my PSA application?
A: Final results are typically announced within 2–3 weeks following the completion of the application review and selection process.
Cost and Financial Responsibilities
Q: What expenses are covered by Prince Sultan University (PSU), and which costs are the student’s responsibility?
A: PSU will cover all academic expenses at the host institution, including tuition, registration, and admission fees. Students are responsible for all non-academic costs, including airfare, international health insurance, accommodation, daily living expenses, visa-related fees, and a 5,000 SAR PSU registration fee.
Q: Are there any additional payments required by PSU?
A: Yes. All participating students must pay a non-refundable registration fee of 5,000 SAR to PSU prior to departure.
Q: Do students need to pay for their TOEFL or IELTS exams?
A: Yes. The cost of English proficiency exams such as TOEFL or IELTS must be covered by the student.
Q: If I am a PSU scholarship recipient participating in the PSA Program and fail a course at the host university, will I lose my scholarship?
A: Scholarship-related matters should be confirmed directly with the Scholarship Office. However, if a student receives a grade below a C, the International Affairs Office (IAO) will notify the PSU Accounts Department in accordance with the financial terms outlined in the PSA agreement.
Academic Requirements and Study Abroad Logistics
Q: How many credit hours am I allowed to take while studying abroad?
A: Students may enroll in up to 16 credit hours (or the equivalent) during their semester at the partner university.
Q: What is the minimum credit hour requirement during the semester abroad?
A: Students must register for a minimum of 12 credit hours while abroad.
Q: Can I participate in the PSA Program more than once?
A: No. Each student may participate in the PSA Program only once during their academic career at PSU to ensure fair access for all eligible students.
Q: Am I allowed to apply to a university that is not on the PSA list?
A: No. Applications are limited to PSU’s official partner universities. However, PSU regularly expands its network, and additional universities may be available in future application cycles.
Q: What happens if the partner university’s semester starts in January, during PSU’s final exams?
A: Students should select a university whose academic calendar does not conflict with PSU’s schedule. If a conflict exists, it is recommended to apply for the following semester.
Q: If I will not have between 36 and 104 PSU credit hours by the end of the current term, am I eligible to apply for the PSA Scholarship?
A: No. Eligibility for the PSA Scholarship competition requires students to have completed between 36 and 104 PSU university-level credit hours at the time of application.
Q: Will the courses I take abroad affect my PSU GPA?
A: No. Courses completed abroad are evaluated on a Pass/Fail basis and will not impact your cumulative GPA at PSU.
Q: How can I ensure the courses I take abroad will count toward my PSU degree?
A: Upon receiving your acceptance into the PSA Program, you will be provided with a Course Equivalency Form. You must list the intended courses at the host university and their PSU equivalents. These must be reviewed and approved by your department and the Registration Office to ensure academic credit is granted upon your return. This process guarantees that the courses you complete abroad will fulfill your degree requirements at PSU.
English Proficiency Tests (TOEFL/IELTS)
Q: Which English proficiency test should I take—TOEFL or IELTS?
A: Both TOEFL and IELTS are accepted. However, U.S. partner universities generally prefer the TOEFL, while other institutions may favor the IELTS. If taking IELTS, you must select the Academic version, as the General version is not accepted.
Q: What if I do not meet the English proficiency requirement for my selected PSA university?
A: You may work on improving your score and submit an updated result before the application deadline. Alternatively, you may apply to a different partner university with less stringent language requirements. If you do not meet the required score by the deadline, you will not be eligible for that cycle but may reapply in future application periods.
Q: Will I be disqualified if I miss the TOEFL/IELTS test deadline?
A: Yes. All required documents, including valid TOEFL or IELTS scores, must be submitted by the published deadline. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Q: Why do different PSA partner universities have varying English language requirements?
A: Each partner university sets its own admission standards. Generally, universities with higher academic rankings have more rigorous English proficiency requirements.
Support and Documentation
Q: If I choose to study abroad independently for a semester or academic year, what support can I expect from PSU?
A: For students pursuing study abroad opportunities outside the PSA Program, PSU can provide limited administrative support, including:
- An official copy of your academic transcript, available from the Deanship of Admission and Registration.
- Course approval support through the Course Equivalency Form, which must be completed and signed by your Department Chair or Dean to ensure credit transfer upon your return.
Q: Can PSU help me enroll in courses offered by other departments while studying abroad?
A: Yes. If the courses are listed among the approved PSA options and align with your degree plan, the International Affairs Office will coordinate with the partner university to facilitate enrollment, subject to availability and approval.
Q: When will I be notified of my acceptance into the PSA Program?
A: Final selection results will be announced after the application review and competitive evaluation process has been completed.
Q: If I meet the minimum eligibility criteria, am I guaranteed acceptance into the PSA Program?
A: No. Meeting the minimum requirements makes you eligible to apply but does not guarantee selection. Admission is competitive and depends on the overall strength of your application relative to others in the pool.
Fullbridge Program
Eligibility and Participation
Q: Who is eligible to participate in the Fullbridge Program?
A: The Fullbridge Program is open to all Prince Sultan University students who are currently enrolled in their Cooperative Training period, regardless of major or gender.
Q: When does the Fullbridge Program take place, and what is its duration?
A: The program is held at the beginning of each academic semester and spans a period of three intensive weeks. Exact dates may vary each semester; applicants are advised to refer to the most recent schedule published at the time of application.
Q: Is the Fullbridge Program offered online or in person?
A: The Fullbridge Program is delivered in person, on campus. Attendance is mandatory, and there is no online participation option.
Integration with Cooperative Training
Q: Will participation in the Fullbridge Program extend the duration of my Cooperative Training?
A: No. The Fullbridge Program is designed to be fully integrated into the Cooperative Training period and will not result in any extension of your Coop timeline.
Q: How should I notify my training provider about my participation in the Fullbridge Program?
A: Upon acceptance into the Fullbridge Program, you are required to inform your Coop training provider. The Cooperative Training Office will issue an official enrollment letter requesting that your absence during the program be excused, thereby enabling your full participation without affecting your Coop status.
Certification and Costs
Q: Will I receive a certificate upon completing the Fullbridge Program?
A: Yes. All enrolled students who successfully complete the program will be awarded an official certificate during a graduation ceremony held on the final day of the program.
Q: Are there any fees required to participate in the Fullbridge Program?
A: Yes. A participation fee of 999 SAR is required from all enrolled students. This fee must be paid prior to the start of the program to confirm your spot.