Global Start
Start your Cornell degree this fall, globally.
Global Start is an option for new, first-year international undergraduate students to start their Cornell degrees at an international partner university this fall. You’re eligible only if you are unable to come to the United States in the fall due to visa delays.
As a Global Start participant, you will be a registered Cornell student and receive support from a Cornell academic advisor as you take classes for your Cornell degree. You'll be able to access Cornell systems and pre-enroll in spring semester classes—all while living alongside other Cornell and local students.
You'll indicate your interest in one or more of the following three partner universities to attend for the fall semester:
- University of Edinburgh
- Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
- Yonsei University
Locations
Consider which Global Start location best meets your needs. Each location has different academic strengths, available courses, and visa requirements. When you apply, you can indicate your first and second choice of location.
Can I apply for more than one location?
You may only submit one application—any additional applications will be automatically withdrawn. Indicate your first choice location (and if you wish to, a back-up location) within the application.
I was offered a spot in a location other than my preference. Can I be placed in my preferred location instead?
Placement decisions are final. If you are placed in a location other than your preference, you can choose to commit or withdraw.
Placement decisions are made carefully in consideration of your eligibility, visa status, academics, and available space.
What if I am only interested in one Global Start location?
You will indicate your sole preference in your application and be considered for that location. We may consider you for other locations and you may be placed at a location that was not your first choice. You can choose to commit or withdraw.
Eligibility
To participate, you must meet the following criteria:
- You do not have a U.S. student visa, and/or your visa appointment is scheduled for after August 15.
- You are an international student (not a U.S. citizen, dual citizen, or permanent resident “green card holder”).
- You are an enrolled first-semester undergraduate student with an active Cornell NetID.
- You are willing and able to live in program housing.
- You can obtain a student visa (if required) for your Global Start country.
- You meet the eligibility requirements for the specific location(s) you are applying for (see Experience for details).*
*Bachelor of Architecture and Bachelor of Fine Arts students in AAP are not eligible to participate at these locations.
I am not a new first-year student. Can I participate in Global Start?
No. Global Start is designed for students in their first semester. If you are a continuing student, transfer student, or a graduate/professional student, please work with your college if you anticipate having difficulty arriving in Ithaca on time for the start of classes.
Can I apply for Global Start if I am a U.S. citizen, dual citizen, or permanent resident?
No. U.S. citizens and permanent residents may not apply because they can enter the United States without a visa.
I have a visa appointment, but I’m afraid I won’t get my visa in time. Can I participate?
You may still apply. We will consider your visa appointment date when reviewing applications. A visa appointment before August 10 is recommended for on-time campus arrival in Ithaca. If your visa appointment is after August 15, we strongly recommend you participate in the Global Start program.
If you obtain your visa after your acceptance but before you commit, you should withdraw and come to Ithaca for on-campus enrollment.
What if I get my U.S. visa after I have committed to Global Start?
Global Start is a semester-long commitment. Withdrawal will incur a withdrawal penalty, and you will be responsible for any non-refundable housing or fees related to your host institution. Cornell cannot guarantee housing in Ithaca or campus course enrollment.
If I am unable to come to the U.S. in January, will I be able to continue at my Global Start host institution?
Global Start is for the fall 2025 semester only. We anticipate that you should be able to receive your visa in time to attend Cornell in person in January. You will receive guidance on the visa process in preparation for the spring 2026 semester.
It is possible that you could continue but this depends on availability, academic rationale, visa status, reason for postponing, and more.
How It Works
Courses
All your classes through Global Start will count toward the number of credits you need to graduate from Cornell. Your Cornell college or school will work with you to ensure a smooth transfer of credit. In most cases, credit will return as elective credit toward overall degree requirements. Courses taken at a Global Start partner will not have Cornell course codes, and grades will not factor into your Cornell GPA.
The number of credits allowed is determined by your host institution and your Cornell college. We do not recommend exceeding regular full-time enrollment (the equivalent of 15–16 credits), even if allowed by the host.
Can I get credit toward my major for classes I take at the host university?
In some cases, credit could be approved as distribution, major, minor, or concentration credit, subject to college or department review, but this is not guaranteed. Students should be prepared to be flexible around how host credits are applied to individual Cornell graduation requirements.
How will Global Start be reflected on my Cornell transcript?
You will be a registered Cornell student for the fall 2025 semester. Your official Cornell transcript will include the name of the Global Start university and indicate the number of credits successfully completed.
Can I receive a certificate, minor, or degree from my host university?
No. You are not eligible for certifications, degrees, or diplomas from your Global Start host university.
Cost
In addition to Cornell tuition and fees, you will pay for room and board at your site and incidentals. Refer to the “Cost” section of Experience for specific information about the Global Start location you are interested in.
Global Start is a semester-long commitment. Withdrawal will incur a $3,000 withdrawal fee, and you will be responsible for any non-refundable housing or fees related to your host institution.
Does my financial aid apply to Global Start?
Yes. If you receive financial aid, you are eligible to receive funding for Global Start. Upon acceptance and commitment to Global Start, a budget will be finalized for you and sent to your Cornell email address. If you indicate that you receive financial aid from Cornell, a copy will be forwarded to the Financial Aid Office.
Your expected family contribution remains the same for the academic year, and financial aid is adjusted based on the estimated costs of Global Start.
Housing
You will live with or near other Cornell students, as well as with local students. Each site offers common study and meeting spaces and opportunities to join extracurricular activities.
Can I participate in Global Start but opt out of program housing?
No. Being part of a living and learning environment is a core part of all Global Start options. Students who are not prepared to live in program housing should not apply.
Visa Process
Each country has its own visa requirements and processes. Your Global Start advisor and host institution will provide information on obtaining a visa if you are not a citizen of the Global Start location. You will need to apply immediately.
To prepare, you can begin organizing your proof of finances—a common requirement of visa applications. Check the Experience page for your Global Start location for more information.
How to Apply
Submit your Cornell application materials by July 9, 11:59 p.m. ET. We will communicate placement decisions beginning July 10. You will be required to commit to your Global Start placement no later than July 15.
If you receive a placement offer, you should be prepared to complete all the steps necessary quickly. Not doing so will impact your ability to participate and you will incur non-refundable expenses upon withdrawal.
After accepting your placement, you will complete all onboarding requirements in the application, work with your college on course review and approval, and submit an external application to your Global Start university. This process includes applying for housing and visas.
Apply Now
When can I expect to hear about my application?
You can expect to hear from us after applications close on July 9. If you have not heard from us, please assume we have not yet sent you a placement decision.
We cannot provide individual student application status updates until decisions are made. We will reach out if we have any questions about your application.
Can I defer my Cornell enrollment if I don’t participate in Global Start?
Contact Cornell's Office of Undergraduate Admissions to determine if deferment is possible. Global Start is an optional opportunity.
If you elect to withdraw from Global Start after you have committed to participation, you will be held to the withdrawal, refund, and cancellation policy that you agreed to in the application.
Contact Us
Each Global Start location has a dedicated Education Abroad advisor. The advisor’s name and email are listed on each location’s Experience page.
For general information and questions about Global Start, reach out to abroad@cornell.edu.
Who can I go to for help while I’m participating in Global Start?
Local staff and advisors are dedicated to supporting your experience on the ground. Reach out to them first if you have questions about local classes, your living situation, or other parts of the experience at your host institution.
If you have questions about Cornell academics, consult with your Cornell major or field advisor or program director.
For other questions, contact the Education Abroad advisor assigned to your location.
