Program Overview

Introduction to the Interactive Qualifying Project (IQP)

The Interactive Qualifying Project (IQP) is a unique program that allows students to work with local organizations to tackle real-life problems and challenges where science and technology meet social issues and human needs.

Off-Campus IQP Application Process

The application process for the Off-Campus IQP is competitive, and meeting deadlines and completing all components of the application on time are crucial for a successful application.

Eligibility

• Students must be actively enrolled at WPI at the time of application.
• Only sophomores and upperclassmen are eligible to apply for off-campus IQP programs.
• First-year students can apply only for Humanities and Arts programs, unless they can prove sophomore status.
• A student can apply for a global project while on academic warning but must improve their academic standing at the next review to be eligible to participate in the program.

Explore

• Students can browse program options on eProjects and are encouraged to read the details of program opportunities carefully to understand the project center locations that interest them.
• Factors to consider when browsing programs include:
  • What type of projects have been completed at the Project Center?
  • Personal health concerns that could impact travel based on climate and/or environmental factors.
  • What term(s) can you feasibly go away?
  • What price range are you looking at for this experience?

Prepare

Preview Application Materials

The application includes several components:

• Waiver to Access Records
• Cultural Hub (optional)
• Language Ability
• Essays (two essay questions)
• Extracurricular Activities, Work, and Leadership
• Academic History (optional)
• Passport
• Preference Survey

Apply

Complete & Submit the Application

The application for an off-campus IQP can be found on eProjects, and students are reminded that they are applying to the Global Projects Program as a whole, not to an individual Project Center.

Other Steps

• Student Conduct History Response: If a student has had a judicial incident, they may be asked to complete a reflection essay after submitting their application.
• Academic Transcript: Transcripts will be reviewed at the close of A term, and students may be contacted to discuss academic standing.

Placement and Commitment

• Students will be notified of their placement by email from the Global Projects Program.
• Placements will be available on the student's eProjects dashboard.
• All placements are final, and students must commit to or decline the placement by completing the Participant Statement of Agreement form by the stated deadline.

Guidance for Non-U.S. Passport Holders

Students with non-U.S. passports applying to the Global Projects Program will need to consider entry requirements and potential travel restrictions associated with international project center locations.

Dates and Deadlines

Important dates for the IQP application process include:

• August 28, 2025: Off-campus IQP Application Kick-Off Webinar
• August 29, 2025: Application opens
• October 2, 2025: Application deadline
• January 5, 2026: Placement decisions announced
• January 13, 2026: Commitment deadline for E26 placements
• January 16, 2026: Commitment deadline for all other placements

Supplemental Application Processes

There will be supplemental application processes in January and April 2026 for available openings in the Global Projects Program.