Application Instructions

Please Note: The 2024-2025 CASA I, II, and III Deadlines and application links have been updated. Please review these instructions carefully before you apply.  

Eligibility

All CASA applicants must be U.S. citizens, nationals or permanent residents.  For CASA I, non-U.S. citizens may apply as a Pay-Your-Own-Way participant (see below for more information).

For eligibility requirements for CASA I, II, and III, please see the Applying to CASA page or the individual Program description page.

Application Components

The CASA I, II, and III application includes the following components:

  1. APPLICATION - Submit your application using the designated link at the bottom of this page
    CASA I, II and III Deadline:   Friday, april 5, 2024 at 11:59pm MT.  Reference letters and exams due on 4/5 as well. 

    Applications will not be complete until we receive your Application Fee (OPI exam fees are included in this year's fee) and Exam scores (applicants are responsible for cost of exams).  

  2. SELECTION EXAMS - Selection Exams are used to assess listening, reading, and oral proficiency skills as part of the application process. Please review the Exam page carefully to learn how to register for all sections of this exam. Below is an overview of the exam components.
    • The Reading and Listening exam deadlines
      CASA I, II and III Deadline:  friday, april 5, 2024
      • Exam Fees: $102 for Listening and Reading (includes web-based proctors). Fees must be paid when you register with the exam company using instructions on Exams page.
         
    • The Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) will be taken by scheduling an appointment with certified ACTFL test administrators. Instructions for scheduling an appointment for this exam will be emailed once you submit your application.  The fee for this exam is included in the application fee.  Oral Proficiency Interview deadlines are the same as Reading and Listening listed above.

Application Instructions:

Details on the following can be found in the links provided below (or in the menu on the left).

  • Application Fees are required by the application deadline for your application to be considered complete.
  • The CASA Selection Exam is a required component of the application. The Reading, Listening and Speaking exams must be taken by February 15. Review and follow all instructions on this page.
  • Please note, all accepted Fellows are responsible for covering Program fees and insurance.
  • We encourage all CASA I applicants to consider applying to outside funding, which could make them eligible to be a Pay Your Own Way Fellow.  This is the only option for International applicants. See the drop-downs below for details.

Returning Applicants (Importing Past Data)

If you applied previously, you can import most of your answers from your last application to save time! Here's how:

  1. Login with your previous credentials
  2. Click on "Choose Action" drop down button in the upper right corner
  3. Select "Import Responses from Existing Application"
  4. Scroll down to see that your dashboard shows the imported information in this year's application.
  5. Please review all information to confirm accuracy and feel free to change any references, update transcripts, or your statement of purpose as needed.

New Applicants (Application Instructions)

For those completing the application for the first time, you should be prepared to upload or enter the following:

  • Transcripts (CASA I/II only) of any universities, colleges, or institutes that you have attended (you may use unofficial transcripts so you can upload them yourself; only transcripts through last summer are required; DO NOT MAIL TRANSCRIPTS).
     
  • Reference Information
    CASA I:  You will enter the Name/Email for 3 references – preferably 1 language professor and 2 professors from other subject areas; you may use non-faculty, but any reference should be able to speak to your academic background.

    CASA II:  You will enter the Name/Email for 2 references – preferably 1 language professor and 1 professor from your area of research; both should be able to speak to your academic background.

    Once you enter the reference name and email address, your they will receive a message with a link to upload their letter of recommendation to your application by the deadline. It is preferred that they upload a personally signed letter on letterheadbut they will also have the option to type in their letter (or copy/paste it). The letter may be in Arabic if helpful. Please Note: The letter does not have to be uploaded for you to submit your application. Please give your references at least 2-3 weeks notice.

  • Statement of Purpose (max. 500 words) Please identify your disciplinary concentration, and explain the centrality of Arabic to your academic and professional career as well as the objectives you hope to fulfill from participation in CASA. Further details are included in the application for CASA II and III.

Application Link & Software Tips

The application is designed so that you can easily work on it over time – you can save your work and return to it later. Make sure to save before returning to the dashboard or closing out to be safe. The application has various sections that will not permit you to proceed without fully completing certain fields. Please answer all required questions or the application will be considered INCOMPLETE. 

To submit your application, all sections must read 100% and you may click the Final Review and Submit button in the upper right corner of the dashboard. If you have any technical issues or concerns while completing the application, please email CASA@arizona.edu.

The application links have been updated for 2024-25 programs: