Passport to the World

A passport is like a driver’s license to the world, a critical part of a pathway to global study, research, and careers.

As part of our mission to expand access to global learning for Rutgers University students, Rutgers Global-Study Abroad is excited to announce the return of our annual initiative to increase the number of Rutgers University matriculated students (including Newark, Camden, RBHS, and New Brunswick) with U.S. passports.

For 2023-2024, Rutgers Global-Study Abroad had earmarked approximately 200 passports for Rutgers students. RGSA is also awarding is also awarding an additional 25 passports to qualified students as part of the IIE Passport Grant. Thanks to an exciting new development, ALL qualified Camden students are eligible to be awarded!

Applications for the academic year 2024-2025 are OPEN!
How it Works

This passport initiative will cover the cost of applying for a first-time U.S. passport at a passport-processing USPS location, the Middlesex County Clerk‘s Office, or Camden County Clerk’s Office.

Cost breakdown of U.S. Passport fees:

RGSA Study Away Passport Initiative will cover up to $180.00 of associated passport fees which will cover:

  • Application fee: $130.00
  • Post Office Photo fee: $15.00
  • Execution fee: $35.00
Eligibility

This initiative is open to all matriculated Rutgers U.S. citizens who have never received an adult U.S. passport. If a student is found ineligible at any point, Rutgers Global-Study Abroad reserves the right to revoke award funding.*

*Funding is limited.

There is no obligation to complete a study abroad program through Rutgers Global or through OGIEL. This initiative is NOT tied to any particular study abroad program or academic term. It is meant to serve our students and help them acquire their first-ever passports – regardless of when they decide to travel!

Application Process

The application will consist of:

  • Learning Content on “Initiative Eligibility and Timeline”
  • Learning Content on “Passport Appointment + DS-11”
  • Virtual “Orientation” Session
  • One (1) “Dreams and Barriers” Mini-Prompt.
  • One (1) “Citizenship” Mini-Prompt.

Once you complete the application, the RGSA Committee will review the applications and issue award letters to selected students with instructions on a rolling basis.

Deadlines
  • Students Graduating Fall or Winter 2024
    • Application Submission Deadline: October 15, 2024
  • Students Graduating Spring or Summer 2025
    • Application Submission Deadline: April 1, 2025
  • Returning/Non-Graduating Students
    • Application Submission Deadline: June 1, 2026

Please Note: Passport processing times can take up to 5-6 months.

If you are taking part in a study abroad program during the current or upcoming academic term, you will not receive your passport in time for the start of your program if you apply through this initiative.

Accepting the Award
  1. Upon receiving the RGSA Conditional Letter of Award, students should prepare for the US passport application process. Informational handouts and other resources are available in this application.
  2. Sign-up for when you can pick-up the two checks at Rutgers Newark.
  3. Complete the paperwork needed for the passport services and bring them to your local U.S. Passport Office (ie. completing a DS-11 Form).
    • Some acceptance facilities require appointments and others do not. We recommend calling the acceptance facility ahead of time to verify their hours, acceptable forms of payment, and appointment requirements. Find your acceptance facility.
    • Bring a blank U.S. passport application just in case something was filled in incorrectly.
  4. Bring the two checks with you as you will be taking the passport photo at the U.S. Passport Office
  5. Make sure that you go to the U.S. Passport Office within 90 days of receiving the checks.

Once all the steps have been completed, you will receive your new passport in 8-11 weeks.

*DO NOT purchase a passport until you’ve received an official award letter.

Questions?

Learn more about this initiative from Rutgers Global!

Please review the FAQ below and on the official FAQ page for the latest on deadlines, funding availability (updated weekly), and all of the important information you’ll need.

Additional Details about the overall application and passport appointment process will be covered during “Orientation”.

If you still have questions after reading the FAQ, please email Lisha Jiang: lj302@scarletmail.rutgers.edu

FAQs

No, you must wait until you’ve received your official award letter and we will be scheduling a day and time for you to pick up the checks.

No, it is not a requirement to study abroad to receive this award.

RGSA will notify students if they have accepted within 1 week after the deadline of the application.

As per the Travel State Department, it takes between 7 to 10 weeks (processing times started when they receive your application at a passport agency or center). Depending upon your study abroad program, you may need your passport before applying for a visa (if applicable) and may be needed to purchase your flight. You will need to plan accordingly.