Study Abroad Policies

Students who participate in a study abroad experience must follow policies and guidelines regarding academics and conduct.

Please refer to these policies at:

• Academic Catalog
• Student Conduct Code

Full-Time, Off-Campus Study

Prior to departure, students planning to undertake full-time off-campus study during the fall of spring semester should present to the dean of the college of their enrollment an academic form that seeks authorization to be enrolled as “full-time off-campus study”. Following a review of the form and of the proposed course of study, the dean may endorse it.  This form will then be submitted to the study abroad advisor.

Since some colleges of the University do not permit full-time off-campus study, students should ascertain the policy of their college before pursuing arrangements with other institutions. Students who wish to pursue full-time off-campus studies are advised that they must satisfy academic and residency requirements concerning courses in the major field (cf. General Degree Requirements: Residency Requirements).

Matriculating students in satisfactory academic standing may be permitted to apply off-campus courses to their degree programs when they comply with established procedures. Students wishing to apply credits earned off-campus must obtain approval prior to off-campus enrollment, through a form available from the Study Abroad Advisor in the Centers for Learning on South Campus (O’Leary 300D)  Off-campus courses may be taken in accredited institutions only, and ordinarily should be taken at baccalaureate colleges or universities.

Transfer of Credits

All off-campus courses must be taken under the regular grading system and may not be taken on a pass-no credit (pass/fail) basis.  Courses taken abroad that are approved for transfer will be added to the student’s academic record as transfer credit.  In general, the University of Massachusetts Lowell will accept on an hour-for-hour basis semester credits with grades of C- (1.750 on a 4.000 scale) or better as shown on official transcripts of record which are received directly from other accredited collegiate institutions and which are applied to an initial baccalaureate degree.* Students are permitted to pursue off-campus courses after at least one semester of academic evaluation.  In order to receive three credits at UMass Lowell, a pre-approved course must have a minimum of 37.5 class contact hours.

Questions? Contact studyabroad@uml.edu or call 978-934-2936