NON-AFFILIATED STUDY ABROAD 
Students who are unable to find a Rensselaer-affiliated program that meets their academic and personal needs may apply to attend a non-affiliated study abroad program. Students interested in pursuing a non-affiliated study abroad option are expected to act independently in the research of an appropriate program and must adhere to all application requirements and deadlines as set by the program sponsor.
Eligibility
Students may transfer in a maximum of 16 credits from non-affiliated study abroad. This is part of the total number of 32 allowable transfer credits. The last 30 credits of a degree program must be completed at Rensselaer unless prior approval is granted by the Advising and Learning Assistance Center (ALAC). ALAC will typically approve a maximum of 2 courses/8 credits of non-affiliated study abroad for transfer towards the last 30 credits of a degree program.
Finding a Program
In order to be considered for approval, a non-affiliated program must be associated either with an accredited overseas university or institute and/or an accredited U.S. university. When selecting a study abroad program, things to consider include location, curriculum, level of support, language, academic calendar and costs.
While the majority of non-affiliated study abroad programs are of good quality, there are others which make promises that they can’t keep. If you have any questions about the legitimacy of a program, or need help finding program, please contact the OIP staff.
- IIE Passport - The Institute of International Education (IIE) maintains a database of study abroad opportunities that allows students to search for a program by country, discipline, duration, semester, etc. Please click here for additional information and to conduct a program search.
Travel Restrictions
Rensselaer does not support travel to countries in which there is an active State Department Travel Advisory of level 4 (
do not travel) or level 3 (
reconsider travel), or a Centers for Disease Control (CDC) level 3 (
reconsider travel) or 4 (
avoid all non-essential travel) health notice. Please visit the websites of the
U.S. Department of State and the
CDC for current advisories and travel guidance.
Application Procedures
All non-affiliated programs must be approved by the Office of International Programs. Students must complete a Rensselaer application by clicking "apply now at the top of this page." If the program is approved, you will receive further instruction and must apply directly to the program sponsor. Program approval does not guarantee the transfer of credit, nor does it guarantee that the student will be accepted by the program sponsor.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Students who participate in non-affiliated study abroad pay their tuition and fees directly to the program provider and do not pay Rensselaer tuition. Rensselaer scholarships may NOT be applied to study abroad on a non-affiliated program. However, students may use their federal financial aid for non-affiliated study abroad. A Consortium Agreement is required in order to use federal aid; see document below for details. All financial aid questions should be directed to the Financial Aid Office.
Course Selection and Approval
All classes must be approved by the appropriate Study Abroad Transfer Credit Approval Evaluator. It is important to select classes that will allow you to remain on track for graduation.
Courseload
Students must enroll in a minimum of 12 U.S. credits or the equivalent in order to maintain full time status.
Registration
If your program is approved, the OIP will register you at Rensselaer with administrative status for the period of your study abroad program. Your student status will remain active and you will continue to receive regular Rensselaer communications, including a time ticket for course registration for the semester following your time abroad. YOU DO NOT NEED TO TAKE A LEAVE OF ABSENCE. The Office of International Programs plays no role in registration at the host institution. You should follow the registration guidelines as set by the program sponsor.
Accommodation and Meals
Students will make housing arrangements directly with the program sponsor, and will pay all housing costs as per the program.
Grades
Students should make arrangements with the host institution to have an official transcript sent to the Office of International Programs at Rensselaer. Credits earned on a non-affiliated study abroad program will be posted on the Rensselaer transcript as transfer credit. Grades will not be calculated into the GPA, but a grade of C- or above must be achieved in order for credit to be granted. Individual course titles will not appear on the transcript; rather, the number of credits earned will be posted. Study abroad courses can not be taken on a pass/fail basis.
Consortium Agreement Information
Questions?
Contact
Karen Dvorak, Office of International Programs