ISEP Study Abroad


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ISEP Study Abroad


Academic Disciplines: -Open to All Majors
Open to non-KU Students: No
Fulfills KU Core 4.2: No
Fulfills KU Core 5: No

  • Study Abroad through ISEP, International Student and Exchange Programs
  • Immersive international programs. 
  • Over 267 different programs to choose from in over 50 different countries
  • Semester, Academic Year and Summer programs available. 
  • Programs for every budget.
  • Search for Programs directly on ISEPs website using the map tool and multiple filters.
  • Check out this great ISEP – Opening the Way to Study Abroad (video) from ISEP students

ISEP is a non-profit consortium of international universities with the purpose of exchanging students for study abroad.  As a member of ISEP, KU students can study abroad through ISEP to multiple countries and 267 programs. ISEP greatly expands the amount of programs available to KU students. 

ISEP has two different program types, ISEP Exchange and ISEP Direct. 

ISEP exchange is similar to a KU Exchange program in that you are swapping spots with a student from another ISEP university. However, instead of just a tuition exchange, it includes housing and board at the KU in-state rate. ISEP Exchange is competitive based on the number of incoming spots available at the host university. Depending on demand, it can affect the number of students who can go to a particular site. Chance of placement is disclosed on every program page.  

Unlike ISEP Exchange, ISEP Direct programs guarantee that you get to study at the university of your choice (as long as you meet minimum academic requirements). In addition to not relying on Exchange space at your top choice institution, ISEP Direct programs have later deadlines and flexible housing and meal packages. You pay a program fee (placed on your student account) that includes tuition and fees and also may include housing and meals. 

Both ISEP exchange and direct are the same academic program but just different for billing. Both programs are billed to your KU student account making the use of financial aid and scholarships convenient.

Search for Programs directly on ISEPs website using the map tool and multiple filters.

ISEP has member universities in many countries around the world, in over 50 countries. 

ISEP programs offer multiple courses in almost every field of study at KU. Fields of study such as international business, economics, engineering, architecture, the humanities, natural and social sciences, communications, fine arts, journalism, education, exercise and sports sciences and languages are available at locations throughout the world. Study at the graduate level is also available at most institutions.

Generally, the language of instruction is the language of the host country, although there are many sites in countries whose primary language is not English which offer university-level courses in English.

Generally, accommodations are provided in student housing. Homestays and/or apartments may be options at some sites.

ISEP is a total immersion program. In most cases, ISEP participants register as a regular student at the host institution, take the same courses and have the same assignments, and participate in the same activities as the local students at that institution. This means that a student applying for an ISEP site must be more proactive and prepared to handle being in a location where they may be the only KU student in the program

SAGE is dedicated to creating international engagement opportunities that meet the needs of all our students and providing resources to support you through the process of studying abroad. Study abroad is achievable for students of all identities including our BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ students, students with disabilities, and students with religious/non-religious viewpoints. Before selecting a program, consider how your identities may impact your experience abroad in unique ways and talk with your Program Coordinator about any program-specific concerns. Students with documented disabilities should discuss any accommodation needs with their Program Coordinator early in the planning process.

Check our Identity Abroad page and resources listed below for information specific to you and other students who may be on your program.

Application Procedures:

Step 1: Complete KU application by application deadline listed in "Location" section for location you are applying to.  

  1. Statement of Purpose Essay
  2. GPA Requirement Questionnaire
  3. Un-official Transcript or Advising Report
  4. One recommendation - academic or professional
  5. Authorization to Release Student Information
  6. Academic Plan & Approval Form
  7. Student Conduct Verification
  8. Financial Aid Questionnaire
  9. Passport Information Required Reading

Step 2: Complete ISEP application by deadline specified for each program. Priority deadline for exchange in the Spring is September 15th and March 1 for Fall programs. 

Grants & Scholarships:

ISEP offers scholarships and grants to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality. Scholarships are available for both Direct and Exchange programs 

To be considered, submit scholarship the scholarship application on Jayhawks abroad and on ISEP.