Eligibility Policy

The Study Abroad Office encourages all students from NC State students to study abroad. The following *eligibility criteria are in place to ensure that students have been successful on campus before undertaking an academic term abroad. Students must meet and maintain all three eligibility requirements.

Minimum cumulative GPA Requirement (individual programs may vary)

  • NC State Summer, Short-Term (Spring/Winter Break) Programs: 2.0 GPA
  • NC State Semester Exchange & Direct Enroll Programs: 2.75 GPA
  • NC State Prague: 2.5 GPA semester / 3.0 GPA summer
  • Affiliated & Third-Party Programs: students should refer to the host program’s eligibility requirements but may study abroad on an affiliate or third-party program with a minimum 2.0 GPA

Class Standing

  • NC State Summer, European Center in Prague, Group and Spring/Winter Break Programs
    • Students may study abroad on a summer program anytime after at least one semester at NC State.
    • Exceptions apply for select programs designed for incoming first-year students (e.g. FYI Programs and Prague Connect).
  • NC State Semester Exchange & Direct Enroll Programs
    • Students may study abroad after completing at least two semesters at NC State.
  • Affiliate and Third-Party Programs
    • Students should refer to the host program’s eligibility requirements but may study abroad on an affiliate or third-party program anytime after at least one semester at NC State.
  • Notes for Graduating Seniors
    • NC State Group Programs
      • NC State Prague Semester: Students studying at NC State Prague can return to campus for graduation within that term if all degree requirements have been met and approved by the department and college.
      • NC State Group Summer (Prague and all other summer group programs): Students can study on summer programs in the summer following graduation as non-degree students through the continuing education program. Students can apply to the program using their Unity ID and password.
    • Transfer Credits – NC State Exchange, Direct Enroll, Affiliate and Third-Party Programs
      • Students interested in all other programs should plan to study abroad prior to their final semester. Graduation within the same term is likely not possible – it can take a few months to receive official transcripts from international partners.
      • NC State accepts official electronic transcripts at study_abroad@ncsu.edu directly from the host institution, which may expedite this process.
      • Students at the end of their degree plans should work closely with their academic advisor and Departmental Coordinator of Advising to discuss their plans for study abroad, graduation, and residency requirements at the time of application and prior to departure. In the interim between program completion and official graduation, it may be possible for a student’s College to provide a letter for employers or graduate programs indicating that the student has fulfilled appropriate degree requirements abroad and the official receipt of the diploma is forthcoming.

Conduct

For all study abroad programs, including affiliate and third-party programs, students are not eligible to participate if, at the time of program start, the student: