Before, after, or during the application process, you may find yourself with questions about the International Gateway program, and Drexel as a whole. Below, you will find some frequently asked questions and their answers:

What are the benefits of enrolling in the Gateway program?

Enrolling in Gateway offers you many opportunities. These include earning university credits while you improve your academic English skills and while you become accustomed to studying in an American university. 

When should I apply?

Admissions decisions are rendered on a rolling basis. The application period for Fall admission is August 1 through July 15. The application period for Winter admission is July 1 through November 1.

How long will it take to receive an acceptance letter and I-20?

Admissions decisions are rendered on a rolling basis. If your application is successful, you will be notified of your acceptance via email and be able to see your acceptance letter on the Discover Drexel Portal. We will mail you an acceptance letter with additional information. You can apply for your I-20 immediately upon acceptance. We will process your I-20 application and send it by courier once it is approved.

What if I am studying at another school or English program in the U.S.?

If you are transferring to Drexel English Language Center, you will need to fill out an I-20 Transfer Form and give it to the International Student Advisor at your current school. We need to receive the completed form before we can issue an acceptance letter.

Are Gateway students required to live on campus?

No. You have the choice of living on campus or off campus.

How can I apply to live on campus?

After you are accepted, you will be able to go to DrexelOne and find instructions on the billing tab for paying the housing deposit and accessing the housing application. On-campus housing is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
All students who live on campus in the residence halls are required to select a meal plan.
Review on-campus residence and on-campus meal options.

How can I find information about living off-campus?

Review the information on the off-campus housing options for Gateway students page.

If I live on campus, do I have to purchase a meal plan?

Yes, students who live in the residence halls are required to select a meal plan. Review on-campus meal options.

Do I have to live on campus after I complete Gateway and matriculate to the university?

No. When you matriculate, you will be considered a transfer student. As such, you will be exempt from the on-campus residency requirement.

If I apply to Gateway with one major, can I change it once I enroll in the program?

Yes. You can select a different major as long as you meet the qualifications for that major. You would work with your Gateway academic advisor.

Can I change my major after I matriculate to the University?

Yes, as long as you meet the qualifications for that major. You would work with your undergraduate academic advisor.

I'm no longer able to enroll for the term I was admitted to. What should I do?

You can request a deferral if:

• You do not have enough time to get a visa.
• You need to begin your studies at a later date.
• Your visa was denied and you want to reapply for a visa.

In order to request a deferral, you must do so prior to your confirmation deadline (listed in your acceptance packet.) 

Email elc@drexel.edu to request a deferral. All deferrals are subject to approval. In order to request a deferral, you must do so prior to the start of the term.

Please note: If you are already in the United States and defer your enrollment, your SEVIS record will be terminated.

When can I learn about co-op?

You will learn about co-op during the Gateway orientation and throughout your time in the program. When you matriculate, you will also be required to take a university course on preparing for co-op.

In the meantime, you can also learn about co-op by visiting the How Co-op Works page.

Can you send all billing and academic progress information to my sponsor?

During the Gateway orientation, we will provide you with the information and steps in the process that will allow us to do this. You will need to complete a FERPA waiver for your sponsor and/or embassy.

Is there financial aid available during Gateway?

There is no financial aid for the Gateway program. However, upon successful completion of the Gateway program and matriculation to the University, you will be reviewed for merit-based aid and can apply for need-based aid.

What is the international community like on Drexel’s campus?

Drexel has a vibrant international community that is very inclusive and welcoming. The full-time undergraduate population is over 15% international and has students from 117 countries. View our "You are welcome here!" video.

How many days of vacation do we have between quarters?

The break between fall and winter quarters is the longest, at almost a month in length. The three other breaks average 10 days each. Review the Gateway calendar for more information.