Direct enrollment entails a student applying directly to a host university in order to be accepted as a "direct enrollment," "free-mover," or "study abroad" participant. This means that the student is not participating in an exchange program nor an affiliate provider program; instead, they are choosing to facilitate the process themselves and directly enroll at the host university. Please see the following information that is important to under when choosing to directly enroll:
Choosing a Program
EA will not be able to assist with students who are searching for a direct enrollment option. With over 100 exchange options and hundreds of affiliate provider options, EA recommends students first consider applying for one of the approved programs offered. Should a student find a direct enrollment option that they prefer, they will then be able to meet with an Education Abroad Advisor to discuss their plans and be given access to a study abroad application (required). It is each student’s responsibility to research and select the program based on his or her own needs and expectations. UNC Charlotte cannot be held responsible if the program does not meet the student’s needs and expectations.
Eligibility
- Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher (for spring break or summer options)
- Cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher (for fall, spring or year-long programs)
- Good academic and disciplinary standing at time of application and prior to departure
- Complete required EA application by deadline outlined
Note that the eligibility requirements above are required by EA. The student will be responsibility for determine what the eligibility requirements are for the host university, which may differ from the criteria above.
Student Responsibility
Because the student is choosing to directly enroll, EA will not assist with communicating with the host university on behalf of the student. The student will be responsible for the following:
- Determining whether or not the option to "directly enroll" is available at the host university
- Determining the eligibility requirements of the host university and whether or not they meet those requirements
- Determining the application process in order to apply to the host university
- Determining the cost of enrollment, to include costs such as
- Tuition & fees at the host university
- Cost of housing at the host university/in the host country
- Cost of living (meals, personal expenses)
- Cost of airfare
- Cost of visa and/or residence permit (if applicable)
- Ensuring that the host university mails an official transcript at the end of the program directly to the UNC Charlotte Education Abroad (not to the student nor to any other department on campus) in order for grades to be processed
EA Policies & Services
Students choosing to direct enroll will still submit an EA application by the deadlines outlined in order to be approved to participate in a direct enrollment program in addition to any application required by the host university. Additionally, all students who study abroad are required to submit fees to Education Abroad, which may vary and is as follows:
| Students Receiving Academic Credit* |
| EA Application Fee & Deposit |
$135 |
| Remainder of Study Abroad Administrative Fee |
$475 |
| Mandatory International health Insurance |
TBD, $1.50 per day of program |
*Students who are not receiving academic credit will complete a different registration application, which charges $50 per 30 days the student is abroad. This registration fee includes the study abroad fee and the international health insurance.
Application Process
- Complete Study Abroad 101 (required)
- Meet with an Education Abroad Advisor: Once a student has successfully completed Study Abroad 101, has researched all of their options and has decided to apply for a direct enrollment program, they will then meet with an Education Abroad Advisor in order to receive access to the required EA application. This is also an opportunity for the student to ask any questions or address any concerns, discuss the total estimated cost of the program and to understand pre-departure resources & next steps. To schedule an appointment, please call our office at 704-687-7747 or stop by our front desk in CHHS 256.
- Gain access to the EA application: An Education Abroad Advisor will give the student access to the EA application during their advising appointment if they are ready to apply. Note that clicking the "Apply Now" button on the online program brochure will simply take the student back to their Advising application, which is not an application to study abroad. This is because an Advisor must give the student access to the application. If the student is not ready to apply at time of appointment or if the applicable application cycle for the term they want to go abroad is not yet open, students are not required to meet with an Education Abroad Advisor again (although they are encouraged to do so if they have questions they would like to discuss in person). Otherwise, if the student has already met with an Education Abroad Advisor and is ready to apply at a later date, they can then email EA at edabroad@uncc.edu with the following information to gain access to an EA application:
- Student's first and last name
- Program Type (Direct Enrollment)
- Name of Host University
- Application term(s) (i.e. the term the student is applying for, such as Summer 2022, Fall 2022,etc.)
- Complete the EA application to receive approval: Students will first complete an EA application in order to receive approval to study abroad. Application requirements generally include a personal statement, UNC Charlotte transcript (GPA) and Dean of Students disciplinary clearance. Students' applications are reviewed holistically within 3-5 weeks following the application deadline. If the student meets the program requirements, they will likely be approved to study abroad. However, they also need to apply to the affiliate provider concurrently in order to receive acceptance into the program. The deadline to apply for Summer, Fall or Academic Year is March 1. The deadline to apply for Spring or Calendar Year is October 1.
- Apply to the Host University: Students are required to apply to the host university or institution in order to be accepted into the program. Students should begin the application to the host university or institution once they have been approved by EA. The application requirements will vary and could include components such as letters of recommendation (if applicable). It is highly recommended students complete the EA application as soon as possible; host universities and institutions often process applications on a rolling admission basis, so students who wait to submit their applications close to the deadline may not be accepted if the program is already full. It will be the students responsibility to determine what the application process is, how to apply, the deadline by which to apply and to ensure they apply by the deadline in addition to completing the required EA application.
All information and costs listed above are subject to change.
