Credit Enrollment
Semester credit requirements
Many programs abroad operate on a semester system. Semester credits are calculated back into credits at Northwestern after you return.
All courses in your full-time course load must allow you to earn at least 2 semester credits. (1-semester credit courses are not transferable and, therefore, cannot be part of your full-time load.)
While abroad, you must enroll in at least the following amount of semester credits, depending on your term:
- Full Year: 30 semester credits
This converts roughly to 11 credits at Northwestern; If you need to receive 12 credits for a year abroad, you should enroll in 31-33 credits instead. - Fall Semester, Spring Semester, Fall-Winter Quarters, or Winter-Spring Quarters: 15 semester credits
- Fall, Winter, or Spring Quarter only: 12 semester credits (4 quarter credits)
- Summer Quarter: 2-10 semester credits (1-4 quarter credits)
If you are not sure of your program's term, please contact your Study Abroad Adviser.
Requirements for different credit systems
The following programs do not use semester or quarter credits. Enroll in the following credit amounts:
|
Program |
Enrollment Requirement |
|---|---|
|
Budapest Semesters in Mathematics |
|
|
Collegium Heironymi Pragensis |
|
|
C.V. Starr-Middlebury School in China |
|
|
Institut d'Etudes Politiques de Paris (Northwestern-Sciences Po Exchange) |
Consult with the Office of International Program Development at Northwestern (847-491-6953) |
|
Internships in Francophone Europe (IFE) |
Fall Semester: Full Load of Courses as determined by IFE |
|
Junior Year in France (Sweet Briar College) |
|
|
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (Northwestern-ETH, Zurich Exchange) |
Consult with the Office of International Program Development at Northwestern (847-491-6953) |
|
University of Otago, New Zealand |
|
|
Victoria University of Wellingotn (Arcadia University) |
|
Enrollment for 2 quarters
The maximum number of credits that you can earn abroad for two quarters is 6, which is also the minimum full time enrollment for two quarters (3 credits/quarter).
Thus, it is crucial that you enroll in the number of credits listed above for your program to remain fully enrolled at NU during both quarters. If you enroll in fewer credits--or if any of your courses do not transfer back to Northwestern--you will not earn the full 6 credits at Northwestern, and you may encounter serious problems in terms of the Undergraduate Registration Requirement and possibly financial aid.
To do your best planning, we strongly recommend that you discuss your plans with your degree auditor in the Office of the Registrar, once you know which courses you plan to take. To set up an appointment, call 847-491-5234 or e-mail nu-registrar@northwestern.edu.
