The University of Georgia has achieved the top national ranking for short-term study abroad participation, according to the 2025 Open Doors Report from the Institute of International Education and the U.S. Department of State. The report also places UGA at No. 5 overall for study abroad participation.
During the 2023-24 academic year, 3,322 UGA degree-seeking students studied abroad for academic credit, with 3,038 taking part in short-term programs lasting up to eight weeks. This is the highest number recorded by any university in the country.
This recognition marks UGA’s highest combined ranking for study abroad programs and is the third consecutive year that it has been listed among the top ten universities nationally for study abroad participation.
“At the University of Georgia, we are committed to providing a world-class educational experience for our students,” said Benjamin C. Ayers, senior vice president for academic affairs and provost. “The role of study abroad in advancing student success is what drives our efforts to expand programs and develop new initiatives that allow UGA students to engage meaningfully and productively with cultures and communities around the world.”
In 2023-24, UGA students studied in 68 countries. The most popular destinations included the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, France and Australia. The university offered 115 faculty-led study abroad programs during this period and plans to increase that number to 154 by 2025-26—a growth of 34%—to meet rising student interest.
UGA’s international centers such as UGA Cortona and UGA at Oxford, along with other programs like UGA en España, Discover Abroad, Africa & Latin America Initiatives and Connect Abroad made up about one-third of total student participation. Various colleges within UGA—including Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication, and Terry College of Business—host several popular faculty-led offerings each year.
“There is tremendous support for study abroad across our campus, from the outstanding leadership of UGA’s president and provost, to the faculty directors who design amazing programs for our students, to the dedicated staff in my office who advance the university’s internationalization efforts, and to the generous donors and benefactors who make scholarships possible,” said Martin Kagel, associate provost for global engagement. “I am grateful to all of them. It is simply a joy to be engaged in helping UGA students become global citizens.”
In terms of financial support during 2023-24, a total of 679 students received more than $1.46 million through Office of Global Engagement (OGE) scholarships specifically designated for study abroad experiences. Additionally, funding from the Office of the President enabled Passport Scholarships for another 617 students; since its start this program has awarded over 2,600 scholarships.
“Achieving the top national ranking for short-term study abroad participation is a testament to UGA’s long-standing investment in global experiential learning and the extraordinary commitment of our faculty, staff and partners who create transformative global learning opportunities for our students,” said Yana Cornish, director of global education. “This recognition underscores what we see every day — UGA students are deeply eager to explore the world and bring those experiences back to strengthen their academic and personal growth.”
New initiatives are broadening access further: first-year undergraduates entering in fall 2025 will have access to thirteen EL Connect Abroad programs aimed at integrating international experiences early into their studies.
UGA’s Office of Global Engagement continues its work promoting cross-cultural understanding both on campus and overseas through its extensive range of study abroad options.
For additional details about these programs or scholarship opportunities visit UGA Global Education or the Office of Global Engagement.
