Non-IU Procedures

Alert: Our office is currently updating the non-IU program placeholder eligibility and procedures, effective for summer 2025 programs and later.  

Within specific parameters, Indiana University allows students to pursue non-IU programs abroad that are based in locations (cities) where IU does not already have a program among its approved offerings*. Students may only apply for a program using the non-IU procedures process if they wish to study in a location where IU (either via the central Education Abroad office or their College/School) does not currently offer an approved program*.  A non-IU program is defined as a program that is not managed through an IU office and yields transfer credit. Examples include:

  • an independent study abroad provider program
  • another U.S. institution’s program
  • directly enrolling at an institution abroad

*Excludes Flagship language summer programs.

Students wishing to pursue a non-IU program must complete a thorough exemption process. More information will be released here. In the meantime, questions can be directed to edabroad@iu.edu. (Spring 2025 students are NOT included in that exemption process; this policy will take effect for Summer 2025 students and beyond.)

After your program ends, have your official transcript sent to International Admissions:

International Admissions
c/o Education Abroad
Ferguson International Center
330 N Eagleson Avenue, Room 100
Bloomington, IN 47405

  1. If you had a CTA approved and there were no changes in your original course schedule, you can assume that your courses will be transferred as agreed when the official transcript arrives at International Admissions. They reserve the right to grant undistributed credit (i.e. DEPT-UN 100) if the transcript course does not exactly match what you listed in your CTA.

If you successfully transfer at least six credits (and were abroad for at least six weeks), our office will include your name on the list of students who fulfill the World Languages & Cultures (WLC) requirement. We submit this list three times per year to the University.


2) If you were not in the 0-credit OVST placeholder course, still ensure that your official transcript goes to International Admissions at the address above. Your name will not appear in our list of students seeking to fulfill the World Languages & Cultures (WLC) requirement. Once your transfer credit is posted to your IU record, email edabroad@iu.edu to have your situation evaluated for possible WLC fulfillment.

Credits and grades earned on a Non-IU program will NOT count in your IU GPA. You cannot take classes Pass/Fail. Transfer credit is only awarded for letter grades of 'C' or better.

Also review our Non-IU FAQs page for more information.