Programs that are not approved by UW–Madison

Non-approved programs are those that have not been vetted by UW-Madison and are/or do not have a current affiliation through a formal agreement with any study abroad office at UW-Madison. This includes international students who return to their home country and enroll in classes at a higher education institution there. UW-Madison students are strongly encouraged to consider the many approved programs offered by UW-Madison before applying to and participating on a non-approved study abroad program.

UW–Madison students participating on non-approved programs do so fully unaffiliated with UW–Madison (see specific terms here). However, they may have their resulting credit reviewed by the Office of the Registrar Transfer Credit Services. Courses evaluated for transfer credit must be submitted on an official transcript from an accredited tertiary-level, degree-granting institution; a grade report from the partner will not suffice. Transcripts for students participating on a non-approved program should be sent directly to the Office of the Registrar.

Partner approval forms for students

As UW–Madison students participating on a non-approved program do so independently of UW–Madison, UW–Madison study abroad staff and academic advisors will not sign any non-approved program forms related to their participation.

Promoting non-approved programs

General promotion: UW–Madison study abroad does not participate in nor endorse the promotion of non-approved programs on campus and ask that providers refrain from doing so as well. On-campus promotion includes emailing students/faculty/staff, tabling, classroom visits, faculty meetings, placing posters on bulletin boards and handing out printed materials on campus.

Study Abroad Fair: UW–Madison’s Study Abroad Fair is open by invitation only and only for the promotion of approved programs.

Financial aid

Programs not approved or associated with UW–Madison are not eligible for consortium agreements.