IAP will enroll you in a study abroad placeholder course while abroad. This keeps you enrolled as a Madison student. This program requires that you be under the supervision of a UW-Madison professor/instructor supervising you for a directed study. Upon completion of your program the grades that you receive for your directed study will be added to your UW academic record along with the grade and credit.
Location
Check if the country where you intend to study is under a Travel Warning from the U.S. Department of State (or other applicable agency) by visiting https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html (U.S. Department of State Alerts & Warnings) and http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices (Center for Disease Control Travel Health Notices). For locations under a Travel Warning, IAP will review your program details carefully and if acceptable, will apply for a Travel Warning Waiver Request on your behalf with the University International Travel Committee (UITC). Students who receive approval from the UITC are eligible to be accepted to this program. As the Travel Warning Waiver Request process takes time, plan ahead and submit your application as early as possible.
Housing
You are responsible for arranging your own housing. This may or may not be provided by your program. Check with you program directly to confirm.
Program Considerations
In a physical sense, the on-site experience may be very different from life on the UW campus. You may walk or take public transportation more than you are used to in Madison. The physical activity level will vary by program, but in general you should be prepared for extended periods of time walking, potentially on uneven terrain.
For many students, discovering and experiencing new foods is a part of the experience. It is important to consider any dietary restrictions, whether they are due to health conditions, religious beliefs, or individual needs, and look into whether you can get the foods you need locally.
How you identify yourself in Madison may differ from how people will view you on-site. Consider exploring our Identity Resources to reflect on how your identities may impact your experience. Students with disabilities should keep in mind that attitudes and laws related to disabilities vary by country, and these differences may impact the level of accommodation available in a particular location. More details are available on our page on Study Abroad for Students with Disabilities.
We encourage you to contact your Study Abroad Advisor and share your accommodation needs with us as early as possible. This will allow us to help you explore your options in advance.
On-Site Support
Any in-country support will be provided by your selected program. You are responsible for reviewing and understanding the support that you receive.
Orientation
We expect you to be an active participant in preparing yourself for your study abroad experience. As a participant on an approved program, you will receive a pre-departure orientation, either in-person or online. The type and format of this orientation will vary by program and will be provided to you upon acceptance to the program.
Visa
You are responsible for obtaining your own visas for the time you are abroad. need letters confirming your UW student status, please consult your IAP Advisor.You may incur additional fees to expedite a visa application or to re-apply if your original visa application is rejected for any reason. You may also incur additional fees if your visa is delayed and you need to change your flight departure date.
Starting in 2026, U.S. citizens will need to get an ETIAS travel authorization for travel to 30 countries in Europe. If you are planning on personal travel in these countries, we encourage you to get your ETIAS travel authorization before leaving the U.S. It can take up to 30 days to process your application. If you are not a U.S. citizen check the ETIAS travel authorization web page to determine if ETIAS or another visa is required.
Getting to Your Program
You are responsible for arranging your own travel to your research site.
Insurance
You will be enrolled in the UW System required health insurance through Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) and the cost of the insurance coverage is included in program fees.
If you are a citizen of a country other than the United States and will remain/study in, or travel to your country of record (the location of your permanent residence), the insurance provided for you is the same as the “study away” insurance provided to U.S. citizens studying on domestic U.S. programs. You may want to explore alternative or additional international health and medical insurance that will cover your needs both while in and during any period of transit to/from your country of record. This may include participation in a national healthcare plan or coverage provided under a personal healthcare plan in your country of record. If you have questions about the coverage of the “study away” plan, please speak with your Study Abroad Advisor.
All other students participating on an international program will automatically be enrolled in Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI), the university's international health, medical and repatriation insurance policy.
Program cost information includes program fees, as well as out-of-pocket expenses with notes to help explain costs. Program fees are estimated and can be adjusted at any time. Once accepted, you will receive a cost sheet that includes confirmed program fees and additional out-of-pocket expenses. "The IAP Program Fee" and all processes and policies stated on this cost sheet apply to all participants on programs managed by International Academic Programs (IAP) and in partnership with the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the College of Engineering, and Wisconsin School of Business. All students participating on approved programs are all eligible to apply for scholarships administered through IAP when they meet the scholarship eligibility and selection criteria.
Fall 2026-27 Cost Details
Year 2026-27 Cost Details
Spring 2026-27 Cost Details
Summer 2027 Cost Details
Financial Aid
UW–Madison students can typically use their financial aid on UW–Madison study abroad, domestic study away, and international internship programs. You need to complete a FAFSA if you want to be eligible to receive federal and state financial aid.
Beginning in 2026-27, the Office of Student Financial Aid will require all incoming undergraduate students to submit a CSS profile.
Review our financial aid and funding your experiences pages for more information.
Scholarships
Check out our scholarships page to find:
- A scholarship chart listing internal and external opportunities, with descriptions, deadlines, and amounts.
- Timelines of when UW-Madison study abroad scholarship applications open and close.
- Tips for writing scholarship essays.
Find scholarships
How to Apply
First, make sure you have reviewed the information for Prospective Students on the IAP website.
There is also specific Academic Planning information that you should review.
Next login to the IAP Online Application.
Wondering when applications will open for this program?
View our application schedule.
After the Deadline
IAP completes a review of all applications to determine if students meet minimum eligibility requirements.
Disclosure
Students Requiring Accommodations: Consult and register with the McBurney Disability Resource Center McBurney Services if you will need academic, housing, and/or other disability-related accommodations or services abroad.
International Students: Talk with International Student Services about your visa status and study abroad.
Military-Connected Students with Veteran’s Benefits: Talk with University Veteran Services about how your benefits can be used for study abroad.
