Studying Away from W&M
Once a student matriculates at William & Mary, transfer credit for work taken elsewhere (post-W&M matriculation) is granted with pre-approval. Students must be in good standing at William & Mary, academically, in order to request or receive approval of transfer credit. Courses taken elsewhere post-matriculation at William & Mary will only transfer back as elective credit and may not be used to satisfy major, minor, or proficiency requirements without additional pre-approval(s). Below are the approved study away options:
Study Abroad
See the Reves Center for information about studying in another country and receiving credit for your studies.
Domestic Study Away
W&M students who wish to enroll full-time in a specific academic experience (e.g., "New York City Term") offered by another U.S. institution may request certification as "Domestic Study Away." In this status, the student remains an active W&M student and may be able to use financial aid for tuition if a "consortium agreement" can be created. The approval process must be completed by the last day of classes for the term before the Domestic Study Away. See our forms page for the form(s) and instructions.
Take Courses Elsewhere - Summer
During the summer, students may take courses at another institution while between academic terms at William & Mary. Before enrolling at the other institution, the student must request Permission to Take Courses Elsewhere(DocuSign). It must be approved by the Registrar's Office prior to the last day of spring classes.
Take Courses Elsewhere - Fall/Spring
During the regular academic terms (Fall/Spring), students are expected to enroll full-time (unless otherwise approved) at William & Mary with a minimum of 12 credits. If personal circumstances or opportunities require the student to leave Williamsburg, but the student wishes to take courses while away, the student must first withdraw from the university through the Student Success Office, and then request Permission to Take Courses Elsewhere (DocuSign). In addition to completing the request, students seeking major, minor, or proficiency requirements must receive approval from their department and/or the Committee on Degrees, and students seeking internship credit must petition the Dean of Undergraduate Studies. The student must be readmitted to the university by the Student Success Office before transfer credit is posted to the record.
Take Courses Elsewhere - Winter
During the winter, students may take up to 4 credits at another institution while between academic terms at William & Mary. Before enrolling at the other institution, the student must request Permission to Take Courses Elsewhere (DocuSign). It must be submitted by December 1 and approved by the Registrar's Office prior to the last day of fall classes.
