Below you will find answers to questions we most frequently receive regarding non-UC Study Abroad Programs. If your question is not listed here, or if you would like further clarification, please connect with us at info@ieo.ucla.edu.

Academic

Will I receive credit for my coursework on a non-UC study abroad program?

If approved by the UCLA Admissions Office, you may receive transfer credit for your coursework on a non-UC study abroad program.

To be eligible for transfer credit:

  • Students must earn a C equivalent or higher.
  • The course must be academic in nature and similar to coursework taught at UCLA.

Click here to learn more about academics on non-UC study abroad programs.

Can I fulfill UCLA degree requirements on a non-UC program?

Perhaps. UCLA does not pre-approve coursework for non-UC study abroad programs. You are responsible for carefully selecting your courses and should consult with your respective UCLA department/academic advisors.

Once the coursework has been approved for transfer credit, you may begin petitioning with the respective UCLA departments to satisfy UCLA degree requirements.

Click here to learn more about academics on non-UC study abroad programs.

Will my coursework appear on my UCLA transcript?

If approved for transfer credit, coursework will appear as upper-division or lower-division units on your UCLA transcript – grades and course titles will not appear. Non-UC study abroad coursework does not factor into your UCLA GPA.

Your course titles and grades will appear separately on your non-UC study abroad program transcript. If you are applying for graduate school, you will need to submit your UCLA and your non-UC study abroad program transcripts.

How many units will I earn on a non-UC study abroad program?

It varies. Speak with the non-UC study abroad program staff to learn more about the academic credit for your program. Additionally, you should consult with your primary advising unit (AAP, College, Honors, and School) for more information and guidance (i.e. is there a minimum units a course must carry, is there a conversion for semester vs. quarter units, etc.).

How are units from my non-UC study abroad program converted into UC units?

The UCLA Registrar Office manages all transfer credit for UCLA students. Please connect with the UCLA Registrar Office (degrees@registrar.ucla.edu) for information on unit conversion.

Financial Aid & Health Insurance

Can I receive UCLA financial aid?

UCLA Financial Aid is not available to students enrolled in non-UC study abroad program. Students are encouraged to apply to scholarships.

Will I have health insurance?

Many program providers provide health insurance policies for their programs. You should check with your provider to see what is available. You are also eligible to register for emergency health insurance coverage through the University of California Travelers Insurance Coverage. The UC Travelers Insurance Coverage is free of charge.

Programs

How do I find a program?

There are many third-party providers and institutions that offer study abroad programs. As we do not oversee non-UC study abroad programs, unfortunately, the IEO cannot provide a clear direction on where to conduct your search.

How do I choose a program?

When browsing, the IEO encourages you to review the course offerings, academic/program structure, and cost of the non-UC study abroad program. Please note, we cannot advise on any particular program, or their classes. Click here to view the IEO resource on How to choose your Program.

You may also consider reading the reviews and testimonials of former students, if available.

Can I talk to other UCLA students who have participated on my program?

The IEO does not maintain record of UCLA participants on non-UC study abroad programs. Ask the non-UC study abroad program staff if they are able to connect you to past participants.

Student Status

Do I have to take a leave of absence from UCLA?

Planned Academic Leave (PAL) is a leave of absence created specifically for study abroad on non-UC programs. You must register immediately after being accepted by your program, and no later than 1 month before the start of the UCLA term you will be away.

Remember not to declare non-attendance.

Click here to learn more about a Planned Academic Leave (PAL).

Will I be considered a UCLA student while on my non-UC program?

No. During the terms that you are abroad participating on a non-UC study abroad program, you will not be enrolled at UCLA and will not be considered a UCLA student.

Students who are granted Planned Academic Leave (PAL) will be automatically re-registered at UCLA for the quarter they return.

Am I required to tell UCLA about my study abroad?

Yes. You must register for a Planned Academic Leave (PAL) immediately after being accepted by your program, and no later than 1 month before the start of the UCLA term you will be away.

Click here to register for a Planned Academic Leave.

I’m participating on a summer non-UC study abroad program. Do I need to submit a PAL?

Yes. All students who participate on a non-UC study abroad program must register for a Planned Academic Leave (PAL) immediately after being accepted by their program, and no later than 1 month before the start of the UCLA term they will be away.

Is it possible to extend or cancel my planned academic leave (PAL) while I’m studying abroad?

At times it is possible to extend or cancel PAL. Students should contact the IEO to discuss options.