Freshman Launch Year (FLY)

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Freshman Launch Year (FLY)

How to Apply

All admitted first-year students to Stony Brook University have the opportunity to participate in the FLY program for their first semester or year at one of our FLY locations.

Existing SBU Applicants

All newly admitted Stony Brook first-year students are eligible to apply for FLY!

After you’ve officially enrolled at Stony Brook and submitted your deposit, take some time to explore the FLY program locations and their available courses. Consider which destination aligns best with your academic goals and personal interests. Once you've made your choice, visit the webpage for that specific FLY location — there, you’ll find a direct link to submit your FLY application.

New SBU Applicants

If you haven't applied to Stony Brook but are interested in attending this fall, our Freshman Launch Year (FLY) program application is open! The FLY program application can be submitted even after the first-year application deadline for the upcoming fall semester. The FLY program is a unique experience where students apply to Stony Brook University, and if admitted, begin their studies this fall in one of the FLY locations (Seoul, Korea; Shanghai, China; or Florence, Italy). FLY students return the following spring semester to continue their studies on campus at Stony Brook University. If you're interested in joining us this fall, you can apply to FLY today!

Click the button below for a step-by-step guide on how to apply.

View step-by-step application guide

Step 1

To get started, visit our application homepage using the button below.

Step 2

Begin creating an account by clicking on the "Create an account" link (highlighted below) under the "First-time users" section at the bottom of the page.

FLY application guide step 2

Step 3

Fill in the account creation form fields which include "Email Address", "First Name", "Last Name", and "Birthdate".

Click the "Continue" button to submit the information entered.

FLY application guide step 3

Step 4

You will see a message indicating that a temporary PIN has been sent to the email address you entered during the previous step.

Please check your email to retreive this PIN as you will need it to complete this step. If you do not receive the message in your inbox after several minutes, please check your spam or junk folder.

Enter the temporary PIN into the "Temporary PIN form field.

For security, you will need to confirm your birthdate by filling in the "Birthdate" form field.

Click the "Login" button to login to your account for the first time.

FLY application guide step 4

Step 5

You will need to set a password because this is the first time you are logging in. The password you choose will be used to login to your account going forward.

Enter a password into the "New Password" field. Be sure to follow the password requirements shown. The red "X" mark will become a green check mark as each requirement is satisfied.

Enter your chosen password again in the "New Password (again)" field to confirm it.

Finish creating your account password by clicking the "Set Password" button.

FLY application guide step 5

Step 6

After setting a password, you will be returned to our application homepage where you can start your FLY program application.

To start the FLY program application click the "Start New Application" button.

FLY application guide step 6

Step 7

In the "Start New Application" pop-up that appears, select the "International FLY Program" fall semester application from the drop-down list field.

Click on the "Create Application" button to proceed.

FLY application guide step 7

Step 8

The pop-up will update to display the FLY Program application as "In Progress".

Click the "Open Application" button to proceed to the application.

FLY application guide step 8

Step 9

Complete all of the form fields on the "Personal Background" section of the application.

Click the "Continue" button to proceed to the next section.

FLY application guide step 9

Step 10

Complete all of the form fields on the "FLY Application Page" section of the application.

Click the "Continue" button to proceed to the next section.

FLY application guide step 10

Step 11

Enter your full legal name in the signature form field on the "Signature" section of the application.

Click the "Confirm" button to sign the application.

FLY application guide step 11

Step 12

Submit the application by clicking the "Finalize Application and Pay" button.

FLY application guide step 12

Step 13

You will be brought to the payment page for the $50 application fee for the FLY program.

Fill out your payment details and click the "Pay Now" button to submit your payment.

FLY application guide step 13

Step 14

After submitting your application, you will receive updates on your FLY Application through email.

About FLY

Stony Brook University prides itself on delivering a world-class education and fostering global opportunities for our students. The Freshman Launch Year (FLY) program is a unique experience designed to launch the global education of newly admitted Stony Brook University students from their very first semester as an SBU student.

  • A Tailored Academic Experience

    • Study at one of our partner institutions in Florence, Seoul, or Shanghai, where you'll take pre-mapped courses that fit seamlessly into your degree plan.
    • Earn Stony Brook credits that count toward your graduation requirements.
    • Enjoy full academic support from SBU’s on-site program directors and advisors.
  • Discover Cultures Beyond the Classroom

    • Dive into the vibrant cultures of your chosen location through social events, cultural activities, and unique local experiences.
    • Build lifelong friendships and connections that span the globe.
  • Personal and Professional Growth

    • Gain confidence and develop problem-solving and communication skills through intercultural interactions.
    • Stand out to employers with a unique global perspective — less than 3% of American students study abroad, making your experience a valuable edge.

Whether you want to explore the metropolis of Shanghai, connect to the world's leading technology hub of Seoul, or take a deep dive into the arts and culture of Florence, you will be immersed in the Stony Brook experience and making degree progress before ever stepping foot on campus!

Florence, Italy

Florence, Italy

Florence University of the Arts

Seoul, Korea

Seoul, Korea

Sogang University

Shanghai, China

Shanghai, China

Tongji University

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