The University of Georgia ranks No. 1 in the nation for short-term study abroad participation and No. 5 overall, according to the 2025 Open Doors Report released by the Institute of International Education in partnership with the U.S. Department of State.
A total of 3,322 UGA degree-seeking students studied abroad for academic credit during the 2023-24 academic year. Of these, 3,038 students participated in short-term study abroad programs, defined as programs lasting up to eight weeks. This is the highest participation of any university in the nation.
This marks UGA’s highest combined ranking for study abroad programs in the university’s history and the third consecutive year UGA has ranked in the top 10 for study abroad participation, solidifying the university’s position as a national leader in study abroad.
“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.”
Growing globally
UGA students studied in 68 countries during the 2023-24 academic year. The most popular destinations were the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, France and Australia.
The university offered 115 faculty-led study abroad programs during that time and has expanded to 154 programs for 2025-26. This 34% increase reflects growing student demand and institutional commitment to international education.
Top programs by student participation include UGA’s international centers, UGA Cortona and UGA at Oxford, as well as UGA en España, Discover Abroad, Africa & Latin America Initiatives and Connect Abroad, together accounting for one-third of student participation. The Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication and Terry College of Business host a variety of popular faculty-led programs for students 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.”
Expanding access
In 2023-24, 679 UGA students received more than $1.46 million in OGE scholarships for study abroad programs. The UGA Office of the President provided funds for 617 Passport Scholarships, bringing those total scholarships to more than 2,600 awarded since the program’s inception.
“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 continue to expand opportunities for UGA students. First-year students in 2025-2026 have access to 13 EL Connect Abroad programs, designed to integrate international experiences early in the undergraduate journey.
UGA’s Office of Global Engagement plays a key role in promoting cross-cultural understanding and global citizenship on campus and abroad. The university’s robust portfolio of study abroad programs contributes to its standing as a leading institution for international education. For more information on UGA’s study abroad programs and scholarships, visit UGA Global Education and the Office of Global Engagement.
