Credit Transfer

Receiving ISU Credit

All courses taken while studying abroad on an Office of International Engagement (OIE) approved program will earn ISU credit*.  All credits earned abroad will be applied towards your ISU cumulative GPA.  No classes may taken for a pass/fail mark.  

In order to ensure the courses you take abroad will receive ISU credit on OIE approved programs, students must complete the Academic Planning Form. 

If a student has not been approved by OIE, or is participating in a program not administered by OIE, any credits taken will not transfer for ISU credit, but rather, the student would be responsible for having the Office of the Registrar evaluate the course(s) for transfer credit.

* All Affiliate programs have been approved to receive ISU credit. However, you must work closely with your Study Abroad and Academic Advisors to determine the ISU equivalencies for courses taken. 

Not All Credits Are Created Equal

ISU uses a grading system where most classes are worth 3-4 credit hours per class.  However, this is not always applicable to universities abroad, as they may use a different system for measuring credit. 

You should familiarize yourself with the host university system while searching for classes.  It is your responsibility to ensure you are registered for the equivalent of ISU full-time student status while abroad. (12 hours during a semester long program)

For information on each host university's credit system, please see the grade conversions page.

Examples

Courses taken at this university are 15 and 20 credits but will transfer to ISU as 3 and 4 credits.

Edith Cowan University Credits Earned	Illinois State Credits Earned
15 credit points	3 credits
20 credit points	4 credits

Courses taken at this university range from 6 to 10 credits but will transfer to ISU between 3 and 5 credits.

Hong Kong University Credits Earned	Illinois State Credits Earned
6 credit (ECTS)	3 credits
7.5 credit (ECTS)	4 credits
10 credit (ECTS)	5 credits