Student Initiated Programs in Canada
- Study abroad with a program provider, another U.S. university, or directly enroll in a foreign institution
- Choose from a wide variety of destinations and academic options
- Access most financial aid and scholarships
- Receive credit at KU with approval of academic departments
Schedule a meeting with a KU Study Abroad program coordinator to learn more about the SIP process.
Student-Initiated Programs (SIPs) allow KU students to study abroad for a winter break, summer, semester, or academic year and earn KU credit for programs that are not administered by KU Study Abroad & Global Engagement. SIPs expand the types of programs and locations in which Jayhawks can study, intern, or research abroad.
- Directly enroll at a foreign institution, which is accredited by the Ministry of Education of the host country
- Participate in a program administered by another accredited U.S. university or college
- Participate in a program administered by a study abroad program provider
Students participating in a SIP remain enrolled at KU during their term abroad, which allows them to use institutional, state and federal financial aid, apply for KU and other scholarships, defer loan payments, and receive KU resident credit and grades for the courses they take. Students will work with both KU Study Abroad and their host university or program provider to complete all required paperwork.
Many Jayhawks choose SIP programs and receive application and advising assistance from KU Study Abroad & Global Engagement. SIP students will also receive supports both pre-departure and while abroad, including pre-departure orientation to receive academic, cultural, and safety information, 24-hour emergency assistance with KU Study Abroad, and emergency medical evacuation and repatriation coverage for the study period.
Program Selection
Students searching for a study abroad program are encouraged to visit the Study Abroad Info Center or visit the SIP pages online. The Info Center is located in 105 Lippincott Hall and is staffed by Peer Advisors, KU students who have studied abroad. No appointment is necessary. There are brochures for many SIPs available in the Info Center.
Once a student has a specific program or region in mind, they must schedule an appointment to meet with the appropriate Study Abroad & Global Engagement program coordinator before beginning the KU SIP application. The program coordinator will confirm that the chosen program meets University of Kansas and SIP guidelines and discuss the SIP application process, program budget, scholarship opportunities, and the KU credit approval process.
The University of Kansas does not endorse any host university or program provider. The following list is not comprehensive, but includes opportunities the University of Kansas has approved for student-initiated programs. Though unlikely, approval may be revoked at any time due to safety or academic concerns.
Students can study in a wide variety of locations around the world; however, out of concern for student safety and well-being, KU does not sponsor study abroad in locations where a U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory Level 3 or Level 4 has been issued. The classification level applied to each country can be accessed via the U.S. Department of State Website. Information on Level 3 or Level 4 regional designations within a country is available by reading the country-specific advisory. Exceptions to this policy will be considered by petition to the International Travel Review Committee (ITRC). For information on travel to high-risk locations see KU International Travel Policies.
Students participating in SIPs typically earn 12 to 18 KU credit hours during one semester abroad and 3-9 credit hours during a summer program.
All KU study abroad SIP participants maintain student status at KU while abroad by enrolling in placeholder credits. Students must enroll full-time if they are studying abroad for a semester or academic year. The University of Kansas posts all courses taken abroad, including electives, to KU transcripts. KU will calculate all grades earned in those courses into the student’s KU GPA. KU academic departments determine what credits and course equivalents students receive through Academic Plan & Approval Form and/or Credit Worksheet.
Study Abroad & Global Engagements provides comprehensive information on how to obtain KU course equivalency approval for courses you plan to take abroad. Visit our credit page for more information.
Students should ensure that their transcript of coursework completed abroad is sent by the host organization to KU Study Abroad & Global Engagement following completion of the program, and that their study abroad courses are posted to their KU transcript by the end of the following academic term. Failure to do so may result in immediate forfeiture of all financial aid, including return of scholarships and repayment of loans.
Each program provider or host institution will provide students with information about housing options for their program. Options typically include host families, residence halls, and apartments.
Students can learn from the program provider or host institution about any cultural activities and/or excursions that might be included or offered to them.
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.
Additional Resources
Check our Identity Abroad page and resources listed below for information specific to you and other students who may be on your program.
All students must have a 2.50 GPA, be in good academic standing at KU, and have completed one semester at KU prior to studying abroad. Additionally, students must meet all host organization eligibility requirements.
Students will work with their KU program coordinator to develop a comprehensive budget for their selected program that includes tuition and fees, housing and meals, travel expenses, passport and visa fees, health insurance, a KU SIP fee, and other costs associated with participating in the selected program.
The KU SIP fee includes an administrative fee, KU enrollment, KU resident credit and grade posting, access to federal and state financial aid, eligibility for study abroad scholarships, pre-departure orientation, 24-hour emergency contact services, access to the Alert Traveler safety app, and emergency medical evacuation and repatriation services. The KU SIP fee is billed through the KU Enroll & Pay system.
The KU program fee for participation in a Student-Initiated Program is as follows:
- Summer/Short-Term: $580
- Semester: $1,050
- Academic Year: $1,330
All other program related expenses such as host organization fees, tuition, room and board, etc. will be paid directly to the host organization, not through KU.
KU students who qualify for federal financial aid in the form of loans, Pell Grant, and/or SEOG Grants or scholarships may apply the aid to the cost of a SIP.
KU Study Abroad offers individualized financial aid planning and advising and limited KU Study Abroad supplemental scholarships for degree-seeking students. Additionally, there are scholarship opportunities through KU departments and others outside KU. For those students who qualify, there are passport grants and airfare assistance. Read more about these opportunities and schedule a financial aid and scholarship advising appointment on the Costs and Funding page.
Some program providers offer scholarships to students participating on their programs. Information about these scholarships can be found on the program provider's website.
Passport and Student Visa Information
Students who do not have a passport should view the processing times and apply for one immediately. Students with a passport should verify that it is an adult passport (valid for ten years), not a child's passport (valid for five years). Students with a child's passport should either apply for an adult passport or consult with the program coordinator about the expiration date.
KU Study Abroad & Global Engagement has a Passport Center where students can apply for a U.S. passport. Some countries require students to obtain student visas which can take several months to process, depending on the host country.