Passport to the World

As part of the Access Initiatives, Rutgers Global – Study Abroad recognizes that not everyone has the ability or opportunity to obtain a US passport which is a vital first step in thinking of going abroad. We are excited to announce the first initiative to increase the number of Newark, Camden, RBHS, and New Brunswick Rutgers matriculated students with U.S. passports. We will be awarding 200 passports for the 2022-2023 cycle.

The RGSA Passport Initiative, “Passport to the World” will cover the costs associated by applying for a U.S. at a local Post Office for up to $180. This application is open to all matriculated RU students who are U.S. citizens and have never received an adult US passport before.

NOTE: Funding is limited and not guaranteed.

Cost breakdown of U.S. Passport fees:

• Application fee $130.00
• Post Office Photo fee $15.00
• Execution fee $35.00
• Total cost for student: $180.00
• Total cost covered by RGSA Study Away Passport Initiative: $180.00

Eligibility

This initiative is open to all actively enrolled RU students who are US citizens and have never received an adult US passport before. If a student is found ineligible at any point, Rutgers Global-Study Abroad reserves the right to revoke award funding*.

*Funding is limited and awarded to eligible students on a first come-first served basis.

Application Process

The application is open beginning on February 1, 2023.

Applicants must submit the application, which includes the following core components:

• Complete two (2) mini-essays
• Completing learning content items about the passport process and gathering the correct documents
• Complete a general advising session with the Office of Global Initiatives and Experiential Learning to learn about out travel opportunities

Complete applications are due by April 21, 2023.

The Rutgers Global Study Abroad Committee will review the applications and issue award letters to selected students with instructions on a rolling basis.

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

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.

FAQs