Nursing

General Planning Tips For Nursing 

  • With careful planning you can study abroad and still graduate on time.
  • The minimum eligibility requirements to study abroad are the completion of one semester on campus and a GPA of 2.5 or higher.  Some programs may have additional eligibility requirements.
  • Study abroad is a great way to satisfy your KU Core requirements.  Therefore, you might consider reserving some of your KU Core classes to take abroad.  
  • Scholarships are available for study abroad both through KU Study Abroad & Global Engagement and national organizations. Research your opportunities early.
  • Courses to take at KU: There may be certain courses within your pre-nursing curriculum that you should plan to take at KU.  Meet with your academic advisor to learn more about any restrictions that may exist in your curriculum so that you can effectively plan for a study abroad experience.

When To Go

Freshman

  • Schedule a meeting with a pre-nursing academic advisor during your first semester at KU to discuss your graduation plan and identify specific courses as well as specific timing opportunities for your study abroad experience.  In addition to meeting with your advisor, you should also review the online advising resources for pre-nursing majors. 
  • After you’ve met with your academic advisor, continue your program research by visiting the KU Study Abroad Info Center in Lippincott Hall. Study abroad peer advisors can help you to identify suitable study abroad options based upon the information you received from your advisor.
  • Studying abroad usually requires two letters of recommendation, so it’s good to start identifying individuals who can speak to your academic qualifications as well as your ability to be successful during an international experience.
  • There are some unique experiential opportunities available for pre-nursing students over the summer, and you may be eligible for many of these after you've successfully completed your first year at KU.
  • The summer after your freshman year would also be a great time to take some of your KU Core courses abroad.  Applications for these programs are usually due March 1st, so visit the Study Abroad Info Center early in the spring semester to learn more about your options.

Sophomore

  • Sophomore year is the best time for pre-nursing students to pursue a study abroad program.  Specific timing recommendations will depend upon your course plan, so work closely with your academic advisor to determine the best time for you to study abroad. 
  • Students often take a combination of BIOL and CHEM courses, and/or KU Core requirements during their time abroad.  Your academic advisor can help you to determine which courses to target for your study abroad experience, and Study Abroad & Global Engagement can help you to find a suitable program match based on the information you learn from your academic advisor.

Junior and Senior

  • During your junior and senior year, you will be completing the professional portion of your nursing program at KU Medical Center, and your practicums will require you to be here in the United States. Thus, junior and senior years are not good times for you to study abroad.

Courses and Credit

  • A number of study abroad courses have already been pre-approved for KU credit.  To see available pre-approved courses, visit the Course Equivalencies Database.
  • If you want to take a class/classes that have not been pre-approved, complete the credit approval process.

Recommended Programs For Nursing 

To help you get started in your search, here are some recommended programs for Nursing. We also encourage you to visit the study abroad Info Center for drop-in advising to meet with a Peer Advisor to discuss your interests and learn more about available options.