New Students

To matriculate into your graduate program, SAS must receive an official transcript directly from your school containing your grades, graduation date, and the degree conferred. If your school has not already submitted an official transcript, you must arrange for it to be sent to gdasadmis@sas.upenn.edu. If your program only provides paper copies, please have it mailed directly to the following address: 3401 Walnut Street, Suite 322A, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6228.

• PennKey is your user ID and password that allows access to University of Pennsylvania’s electronic services. Visit PennKey Registration to set it up. Your PennKey is required to receive your student email, PennCard, and submit your payroll documents.

• Once you set up the PennKey, you can set up your e-mail account. Your SAS e-mail account is the main channel for University communications. 

Visit Campus Express to access a variety of services including off-campus housing, transportation, dining, and registering for your PennCard (school ID). 

Visit the Student Registration & Financial Services' SRFS Must-Do List to update and verify your contact information.

These steps must be completed by the start of classes (August 26, 2025).

• All full-time, dissertation, and exchange students (in classes for one term or longer) are required to have comprehensive health insurance. Students should enroll in the Penn Student Insurance Plan (PSIP) or obtain a waiver by providing proof of enrollment in a compliant program by July 31 to avoid a lapse or delays in coverage.

  • Students who do not submit proof of enrollment by August 31 will be auto-enrolled in PSIP during the month of September.

  • Students who enroll in PSIP may enroll their lawful spouse/domestic partner and unmarried dependent children under age 26 who reside with, and are fully supported by, the covered student for the same coverage. Details and rates available here.

• The University provides two vision care options to students:

  1. The Penn Student Health Insurance Plan (PSIP) includes a vision allowance of $125 that can be used for purchasing eyeglasses and/or contacts. This is separate from any vision insurance the student may carry.

  2. The Aetna Vision Preferred Plan is an optional, nationwide vision insurance plan. The plan is open to all students and does not require PSIP enrollment.

• There are a number of options for students seeking dental insurance or discounted services. 

  1. The Aetna Student Health Dental Plan is a voluntary program with nationwide coverage. Students do not need to be enrolled in PSIP to enroll in this plan. Please note: this plan is NOT eligible for PhD/EdD Dental Insurance Reimbursement grants.

  2. The Penn Dental Practice Student Plan covers expenses provided by the Penn Dental Faculty Practice. PhD and EdD students may be eligible to be reimbursed for 50% of cost of purchasing the Penn Dental Practice Student Plan (details below).

     • The Office of the Provost provides grants to reimburse 50% of the cost of the Penn Dental Practice Student Insurance Plan for all PhD students who purchase dental insurance through the Penn Dental School for the full academic year. Please note: students have several insurance and discount options for dental care. The Penn PhD Dental Insurance Grant applies only to the Penn Dental Practice Student Plan. Eligible students who purchase the Penn Dental plan by the deadline (August 31) will automatically qualify for the grant. No additional application or steps are needed. 

  3. Penn Dental Clinic Student Discount: Currently-enrolled Penn students without dental insurance can receive a 30% off routine preventative services and 20% savings on specialty services at the Penn Dental Clinic.

  4. Aetna Vital Savings Discount Program: The Aetna Vital Savings Discount Card provides discounted dental services at participating providers. Please note: Penn Dental Faculty Practice and Dental Clinic do not participate in the Aetna Vital Savings discount program.

If you have questions about health insurance, please email wel-shsinsur@pobox.upenn.edu or call 215-746-9355.

For more information about PhD Insurance and Family Grants, please visit official websites: www.gsc.upenn.edu/insurancegrants & www.gsc.upenn.edu/family-grants.

The University of Pennsylvania requires all incoming students to be immunized against certain diseases and to submit this information before coming to campus. Visit Student Health and Counseling for information on immunization requirements and submission instructions. If you have questions about immunizations, please email wel-immun@pobox.upenn.edu or call 215-746-9355.

Visit the Graduate Student Center for an extensive list of resources and new student events. Make sure to sign up for their newsletter to stay connected with upcoming programs!