Students may petition to study at a location that does not offer a UM study abroad program. The petition process is a way for students to request approval for a program that they feel meets their academic goals more effectively than a UM program. Petitions must present a strong academic rationale for the proposed course of study. Non-academic program rationales will not be considered.
The Office of Study Abroad offers guidance on selecting UM programs and ensures that credits earned abroad are transferable to UM. Students who participate in a UM program remain enrolled in a full-time student status at UM throughout their study abroad experience. Become familiar with UM's semester, year-long, and short-term program options:
It is also the students’ responsibility to understand how participation in a non-UM program may affect their status during their time away and upon their return to the University. This includes, but is not limited to:
For questions related to non-UM programs or pre-departure preparation, students should contact the staff of their specific non-UM program directly.
*Please note that neither program cost nor missing a UM study abroad program deadline are considered valid academic reasons. Petitions based on these grounds will not be approved.
Send the petition packet via email to studyabroad@miami.edu with the subject line "Petition to Study Abroad on Non-UM Program;” or deliver it in person to the Office of Study Abroad @ Dooly Memorial Suite 125.
Petitions will be reviewed on a rolling basis so early submissions are encouraged.
The Non-UM program review process is only for students who wish to transfer credit to UM for their program.
Students are advised to contact a representative from Office of Student Financial Assistance via CanesCentral for information specific to their financial aid package to learn if and how their scholarships, state, and federal aid apply to a Non-UM Program.
Application Advising Credits Course Equivalencies Financial Aid Grades GPA Residency Requirement (last 45 credits taken at UM) Transcript
Apply via studyabroad.miami.edu through MyStudyAbroad portal (no application fee)
Complete non-UM program petition and packet; Apply directly to host program (application fee may apply)
UM Office of Study Abroad and partner institution advisors
Host program staff
UM credit
Transfer credit; must be evaluated and approved by credit evaluator and MATES
Must complete the MATES process to get courses approved to fulfill major/minor/cognate/general education requirements
Receive same financial aid package for fall/spring semesters (exception of federal work study)
UM institutional funding is not available
Show on transcript
May display letter grades or credit status (CR/NC)
Grades earned abroad are included in UM GPA
Grades earned abroad are not included in UM GPA (may show as non-UM GPA)
Meets Residency Requirement
Does not meet Residency Requirement (can appeal to your academic dept.)
Process facilitated by the Office of Study Abroad
Processed by approved credit evaluator, Off oc Admission and University Registrar
UM Programs = U Programs and UM Partner Programs listed on UM Study Abroad website
Upon completion of your study abroad program, you must submit the official grade reports (final transcripts, mark sheets, certificates, examination results, etc.) to one of the University of Miami's approved services for a course-by-course evaluation that will be sent directly to UM Admission. Review the MATES process for transfer credit. Students who have attended a program within the US or a university that is regionally accredited in the US do not need a transcript evaluation and should follow the MATES process for transfer credit. Be sure to find out the date the program will send the transcript. If your transcript is delayed, your graduation plan and financial aid package may be affected upon your return to UM.
The Non-UM Program Form must be completed in its entirety and include the name of the institution issuing the transcript. The Study Abroad Office is not responsible for determining which institution is issuing the transcript. UM's ability to accept transfer credit from the institution issuing the transcript is based on their accreditation and is a factor necessary for the petition to be approved by the Office of Study Abroad. Approval by Study Abroad does not mean that UM will accept the transfer credit or course equivalencies from the institution. The final transcript from the program will be subject to interpretation and approval by an approved credit evaluator.
Semester Programs (Fall & Spring) Summer Programs
Courses taken for transfer credit at study abroad programs, or other non-U.S. colleges or universities, which have an accredited U.S. institution as their "institution of record" are treated as U.S. institutions, assuming the transcript is issued by the domestic U.S. "institution of record" and are evaluated accordingly. Students do not need a transcript evaluation and can have their official transcript sent directly to UM. For more information visit MATES Policies and Procedures. Follow the MATES approval process for transferring credits to UM. If the course(s) are approved, you will need to ensure that official transcripts are sent to the University of Miami upon completion of the course(s). The credits will then be added to your record.