Academics & Credit

This page covers how you will earn credit and stay on track to graduate while abroad.

UWM Study Abroad Academics & Credit Overview

Do I earn credit abroad? Yes, credit is awarded for successful completion of courses abroad (except for sports/recreation classes).
Types of credit:
- UWM Credit: These credits come from UWM‑sponsored study abroad programs, meaning the program is created, managed, or formally approved by UWM. The courses appear as UWM credits on your transcript, and the grades you earn are included in your UWM GPA.
- Transfer Credit: These credits come from non‑UWM programs run by outside universities or providers. The credits transfer back to UWM, and the grades appear on the transcript but do not affect your UWM GPA.
Do I stay enrolled at UWM while abroad? Yes. Placeholder courses will keep your student status active so you maintain eligibility for financial aid.

Course Planning & Approval

We recommend that you plan early to avoid surprises later.

Identify courses offered through program provider/host university websites.
Your academic advisor can clarify any remaining degree requirements, and you should choose suitable courses to help meet those requirements.
Most students will fulfill general elective requirements rather than specific major/minor requirements, as it may be more challenging to find those courses abroad.
You’re responsible for obtaining approvals by completing the Course Equivalency Approval Form (CEAF) (PDF).

Steps to complete CEAF:

Download the CEAF.
Meet with the appropriate department chair or faculty advisor to review your courses. Bring course syllabi or descriptions for reference.
Obtain signatures/approvals for each course.
Email the signed form to your academic advisor and study abroad program manager.

When should I start? As soon as possible, ideally before departure.

What if I change courses abroad? Update CEAF once you have your finalized schedule.

Who should I contact for equivalency approvals? Reach out to the UWM department that offers a similar course. For example, a Korean language class would go to the Korean faculty advisor, while a Korean Politics class might go to Political Science or Korean faculty, depending on what requirement you want it to fulfill. If you’re unsure, check the UWM Course Catalog or ask your academic advisor for guidance.

Course lists abroad aren’t always released in advance. Stay flexible, meet with your academic advisor early and prepare backup options, which can include:

Identifying multiple courses abroad that could fit the same UWM requirement.
Planning for elective credit in case a direct match isn’t available.
Considering both lower- and upper-level course approvals.
Having a mix of major, minor and gen-ed courses pre-approved.

Use the CEAF once courses are confirmed or update it after you return if your schedule changes.

Yes. By default, they return as elective credit. To have them count for specific requirements, submit the CEAF with departmental approval.

Pro Tip:

Save your syllabi/coursework abroad in case faculty reviewing your CEAF requests need additional information.

Enrollment (UWM & Abroad)

UWM’s Center for International Education (CIE) enrolls you in a study abroad credit placeholder, so you maintain student status and can use financial aid while abroad. You will also enroll directly with your host institution/program provider.

Credit requirements for semester programs:
If you’re abroad for a fall or spring semester, you must take the equivalent of 12–18 UWM credits while abroad. This keeps you classified as a full-time student.

Credit requirements for summer programs:
Summer credit requirements vary by program. To use financial aid, you must enroll in at least 6 total credits, which may include a combination of study abroad courses and UWM on‑campus/online courses.

How you register for your host institution/provider classes depends on your program.

Some programs require you to register for classes before you leave.
Other programs will have you register after you arrive at your host university. Your study abroad program manager will tell you which process applies to you.
Courses must be graded (not pass/fail).
Sports/recreation courses abroad do not receive credit at UWM.

Credit Processing After You Return

Here’s how your credits will move from abroad to your UWM transcript:

You must request that your official transcript be sent to CIE.
- Note: Students on faculty-led programs do not need to request a transcript.
Coursework is evaluated by UWM. Courses will be awarded as general elective credit unless otherwise noted on the CEAF.
Credits/grades are posted to PAWS [6-8 week processing time].
Check with your academic advisor to confirm your credits applied to your program degree correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Many programs offer coursework in English, even in non-English speaking countries. Check program pages for language requirements, which vary by program.

Yes, immersion is the best way to learn another language. Many programs offer language coursework from beginning to advanced levels.

Some language programs require placement testing before or during your program. Check the program brochure page to see if a placement exam is required.

No. You are eligible to apply after completing one semester of university coursework.

Yes, programs are offered across many disciplines. Some let you take a mix of classes that may count toward your major or minor, while others are more subject-specific. For example, even if there isn’t a Psychology-only program, you may find one where you can take Psychology courses alongside other electives.

It returns as elective credit unless approved via CEAF.

This will vary by program, but you should expect this may impact your GPA, progress to degree, and/or financial aid eligibility. Please seek help from your program if you are concerned this may be an issue.

No, not with early planning. In some cases students who study abroad may even graduate ahead of schedule. Work with your academic advisor to ensure courses fit your degree plan. If you study abroad in your final semester, your degree posting may be delayed while transcripts are processed, so going earlier is recommended.

It’s helpful to meet with your advisor as soon as you start thinking about study abroad. They can help you understand what coursework you still need so you can choose a program that fits your degree plan.

No. CIE supports credit-bearing programs only.

If you’re a faculty-led participant, you should ask your program leader. Other participants should refer to the program brochure or host-university website.

My experience abroad guided me to live in the most authentic and truthful way I can. I now view my capabilities as infinite, with the understanding that knowledge and growth is everlasting.

YazminWorld Language Education & Spanish, United Kingdom