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Non-Rutgers Study Abroad – Approval Process

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Students may participate in both semester and short-term study abroad programs offered through other universities or outside organizations. It is always best to participate in a Rutgers program, when possible, but special consideration can be made when students take appropriate steps. Regardless of program term or duration, students must complete the SEBS Non-Rutgers Study Abroad Approval Form (291k PDF).

It is inadvisable to participate in a non-Rutgers study abroad program in a student’s final semester of study as the transfer process can delay graduation and/or lead to a required extra semester of study. Post-graduation non-Rutgers programs are not eligible for any Rutgers financial aid and will not be included on students’ transcripts.

Facts to follow and consider: 

  1. Students who interrupt their semester attendance to Rutgers for any reason must go through a leave of absence and re-enrollment process. The leave of absence should be submitted prior to your departure and the re-enrollment form should be submitted by the appropriate deadlines based on your semester away. This is not necessary for summer, winter, and spring break programs. 
  2. All courses must undergo an evaluation process by a Rutgers faculty member to be considered for major, minor, certificate, elective, or core credit regardless of program term or duration. Students should discuss approvals with a SEBS Global Engagement Advisor.
  3. All credits will be considered transfer credits. This means that the credit – but not the grade – will be applied to students’ transcripts. If you have already transferred the maximum number of transfer credits, an outside study abroad program will not be appropriate for progress toward your Rutgers degree. 
  4. Students are required to earn 30 of their last 42 credits while registered as a Rutgers student. This means students in their final year of study may only transfer 12 credits from a study abroad program. Post-graduation programs will not be included on transcripts.
  5. Students who have on-campus housing must notify the housing department in writing of their intention to cancel their contract. Students who miss the deadline are subject to a cancellation fee. Students are further responsible for any off-campus housing arrangements per their lease agreements.
  6. SEMESTER ONLY: Students will not lose financial aid and/or most scholarships, but they may not apply Rutgers aid to their study abroad program. Nationally awarded scholarships/grants should transfer when the FAFSA is completed (i.e., Pell Grants). NOTE: Students studying in the summer, spring break, or winter are still eligible for the SEBS Global Engagement Scholarship.
  7. Non-Semester Only: Students participating in non-Rutgers programs must submit proof of insurance and complete the Rutgers International Travel Registration Form. If the chosen program does not include insurance, students must apply for insurance through the Rutgers Office of Risk Management.