Before applying to a program, you should review the specific eligibility requirements for that program found on the IAP web page for the program. You may only apply to one program per duration, for instance one fall term program in XXXX year.
Eligibility criteria for all programs include:
- Being a degree-seeing student at a US college or university;
- Having good academic and disciplinary standing at the time of application; and/or participation (students who are on probation at the time of application or who are put on probation prior to the start date of their program are ineligible to participate).
Eligibility criteria for programs may include, but are not limited to, any of the following:
- A minimum overall GPA requirement;
- A minimum language course GPA requirement;
- Language course pre-requisites;
- Course pre-requisites, e.g. English 100;
- Having good academic and disciplinary standing at the time of application; and/or participation (students who are on probation at the time of application or who are put on probation prior to the start date of their program are ineligible to participate;
- Having the required student standing, e.g. First Year, Sophomore, Junior, Senior, Graduate at the time of application or the time of participation.
If you do not meet a program’s minimum eligibility requirements, you may be considered on a case-by-case basis. You should contact the IAP Enrollment Specialist Advisor for the program to inquire further about this possibility.
First Year Standing
If you are in first year standing, you may apply for first year eligible programs as noted on the program page.
Transfer students
If you are a transfer student you may apply to study abroad your first semester at UW-Madison as long as you meet the program specific eligibility requirements. Additional information for transfer students applying to study abroad.
Non-UW-Madison student applicants
Some IAP programs allow students from other U.S. colleges and universities to apply. You may search for eligible programs from the IAP program search page .
If you are a non-UW-Madison student, in addition to completing the standard application for a program, you will complete an application to UW-Madison for admittance as a non-degree seeking student for the time of your participation on the IAP program. IAP will also verify that you are in good academic and disciplinary standing (i.e. not currently on probation) with your home institution.
After acceptance to a program, non-UW-Madison students follow the same acceptance process as UW-Madison students.
Program Competitiveness
Some IAP programs are competitive with limited enrollment within a given academic year. Examples include exchange programs with restricted enrollment based on the terms of agreement with the host university, some faculty led programs that can only accommodate a fixed number of students, and some programs that have rolling review and acceptance schedules (see Rolling Acceptance Decisions below). IAP uses specific criteria to evaluate applicants when making selections for competitive programs – see below Application Process for more details. You should contact the Enrollment Specialist Advisor if you have specific questions about the degree of competitiveness of a program.
If you meet all of the eligibility requirements of a program but are not accepted, you may be placed on a waitlist. IAP notifies you if you are on a waitlist, and will contact you if a place becomes available on the program and you can be accepted.
If you meet all of the eligibility requirements of a program but are not accepted due to enrollment limits you may be given the option to choose another program for which you meet the eligibility requirements. Your IAP Enrollment Specialist Advisor will work with you on identifying another program option.