Low GPA? No judgement—things happen! We’re here to help.

Studying abroad is a unique experience that everyone should try at least once in their lifetimes. Not only does it allow you to see new parts of the world, but it will also help you excel both in and out of the classroom. It will broaden your perspective, bringing new insight when you return to study in your home country, and it’s a resume boost that will shine bright when applying for future jobs.

So why should these experiences be exclusive to straight A students? Luckily, they’re not! If you’ve ever thought to yourself, “I want to study abroad, but I have bad grades,” put your worries aside. While the options may be limited for those with a low GPA, study abroad is still possible through excellent programs.

If you want to find out how to study abroad with a low GPA, you’ve come to the right place.

Can I study abroad with a low GPA?

If you want to study abroad with a low GPA, you may not have your pick of the crop when it comes to program selection. Most study abroad programs require a minimum of a 3.0 GPA, and programs accepting students with a GPA under 2.5 are rare.

But low grades don’t have to ruin your dreams of studying overseas. There are limited programs with relaxed requirements out there—you just have to be motivated and know where to look.

With the right research, a strong personal statement, and recommendations from teachers or mentors to offset your grades, you can have one epic experience...it just means being flexible and ready to work hard to make it happen.

Still wondering how to study abroad with a low GPA? Here are some awesome programs that accept low GPAs.

9 study abroad programs that accept low GPAs

1. IFSA London

IFSA is one of the top programs for study abroad, offering a unique experience of future-focused learning. Your study abroad experience will be different from others, with opportunities to combine study with internships or directed research. Travel to London to explore courses in politics, economics, business, communication and more, gaining knowledge and experience both in and out of the classroom. If you’re not sure where to start in the planning process, IFSA’s Global Wayfinder is an excellent tool to help you find the best-fit study abroad opportunity.

2. American University of Cairo

If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing the Pyramids, American University of Cairo offers a one-of-a-kind experience to study abroad with a low GPA in Egypt. It’s one of the only study abroad experiences that has no GPA requirement, unless you want to partake in a winter research project, for which you must have a 2.0 GPA or higher. Join one of the university’s short-term study abroad programs for two to three weeks to learn about Egyptian culture, take an Egyptian-Arabic language class, or develop your creative writing skills. You won’t regret it!

3. IFSA Auckland

IFSA offers more incredible opportunities for study abroad with a low GPA. Travel and study at the University of Auckland in New Zealand’s largest and most urban city on the North Island, and settle into the beautiful surrounding harbors, mountains, islands, and volcanoes for a picturesque study abroad experience. Here you’ll combine study with local cultural immersion, where your time outside of the classroom could be on a rugby field, visiting vineyards, hiking snow-capped mountains, or visiting black sand Kiwi beaches, all included in the tuition fee.

4. ISA Study Abroad in Florence

Even if you have a low GPA, study abroad programs through ISA are still possible. Travel to the heart of Tuscany and birthplace of the Renaissance for a truly romantic study abroad experience. In Florence, you can embrace your inner artist while studying alongside the influences of Dante, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci. With ISA, you can study anything from filmmaking and acting to Italian art, culture, and fashion, and even combine studies with internship and experiential learning opportunities. In your spare time, you can visit museums, take cooking classes, or relax at a vineyard for the most exquisite wine tasting.

• Where? Florence
• When? September-December, February-May
• GPA requirement? 2.5
• Read ISA reviews

5. Maximo Nivel

If you’re wondering how to study abroad with a low GPA in South or Central America, look no further than Maximo Nivel. This program offers several study abroad options, so you can study from a mountaintop open-air building overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Costa Rica, from the historical center of Cusco, Peru, or on the coast surrounded by volcanoes in Guatemala. From history to anthropology to veterinary science, there are many options to study abroad with a low GPA. All courses are offered in English, so no need to perfect your Spanish skills before jetting off with Maximo Nivel.

6. API Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is the perfect location for students who want to combine adventure with study in a cosmopolitan city. API can take you there, with both full-time and part-time university programs all year round. There are a range of options to study abroad with a low GPA, whether you want a Jesuit experience at Universidad del Salvador, dual degree study at Universidad de Belgrano, or a classic liberal arts program at Universidad Torcuato di Tella. There are options for every type of student with API, paired with excellent on-site support from resident directors and host families.

7. USAC England 

USAC is another excellent program for study abroad in London with a low GPA. You’ll find yourself in one of the most diverse, innovative, and historical cities in the world with world-renowned educational institutions. Their options for study abroad with a low GPA include studies in arts and social change at both London Metropolitan University and Imperial College London. Choose from courses all year round, with the most popular occurring in the summer, and even opt to include a four-week internship to top off your experience abroad with USAC.

8. Barcelona SAE 

SAE offers a boutique study abroad and internship program, combining academic, cultural, and professional experience in Barcelona. With this program, you can improve your Spanish skills, gain university credit, and participate in local tours and cultural activities. Courses are taught in both English and Spanish with options to study liberal arts, humanities, business, and entrepreneurship. With SAE Barcelona, you can study abroad with a low GPA, blending academics with experiential learning.

9. IFSA Mérida Universities Program

IFSA certainly knows how to cater to those who want to study abroad with a low GPA, offering yet another option for those with a GPA of 2.5 or higher! Their Mexico program also requires four semesters of Spanish for admission, with courses in advanced Spanish, Mexican community and culture, and optional research programs. You’ll experience the contrast of pre-Hispanic Mayan influence with 21st century Mexico through both your studies and multi-day excursions to Mexico City, San Cristóbal de las Casas, and Chiapas. Top off your studies with a home stay for the ultimate cultural experience.

• Where? Mérida, Yucatán
• When? August and December
• GPA requirement? 2.5
• Read IFSA reviews

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Low GPA study abroad programs are out there!

Low GPA study abroad exists. You just have to look for it!

“I want to study abroad, but I have bad grades” is no longer an excuse. While your options may not be endless, there are some excellent low GPA study abroad programs out there waiting for you to explore.

Whether you want to travel to Europe, South America, Africa, or Oceania to study, research, or intern abroad, these programs can make your dreams a reality. Practice your language skills, explore famous sites, lose yourself in beaches, rainforest, mountains, and metropolitan cities—the choice is yours!

Despite your grades, there are always opportunities to see the world.

Ready to go? Get matched with 5 dream study abroad programs!

This article was written with help from IFSA, Institute for Study Abroad. With diverse study abroad programs offered across four continents, IFSA has been trusted to provide participants with personal, academic, and intellectual development since 1988.