Affiliated Study Abroad Programs
Cornell has established affiliations with a select group of off-campus programs which are recognized as reputable and educational. Students who wish to remain eligible for institutional need-based aid while participating in an off-campus program must choose an affiliated program.
Steps towards applying for an affiliated off-campus study program
Required: make an appointment to discuss your plans
Contact our office at least 90 days prior to the start of your program to schedule an appointment, create an account with Via-TRM, and learn more about affiliated programs.
Optional: meet with Financial Assistance about off-campus study impact on aid
If you have questions about how your financial aid will be impacted, make sure to meet with Financial Assistance and as always, feel free to contact us with any questions you may have about our affiliated programs.
Optional: submit your Cornell application for approval for need-based aid
To apply to remain eligible for need-based aid on the program, complete the Off-Campus Studies Need-Based Aid Petition, and submit it to the Office of International & Off-Campus Studies by April 4, 2025. You will also need to do the following:
- Submit your 2025-2026 FAFSA
- Speak with a faculty member about submitting a faculty recommendation before the April 4 deadline (the application will have you include their Cornell email).
- Personal statement (500 words) to be submitted with April 4 deadline (see petition for further details)
Required: follow the application procedures for your chosen program
You may start the application process with an affiliated program before you receive approval from Cornell. However, we recommend that you do not place a deposit with the program until you have received approval from Cornell.
Recommended: file your petition(s) for transfer of credit
In order to receive credit for courses taken on your program, you must:
- Submit a transfer credit petition for each course
- Earn a C- or above in each course
- Ensure that an official transcript is sent to the Registrar’s Office directly from your program provider or institution
Please note that if approved, your credit will transfer, but not the grade(s) you earned while off campus. Therefore, any coursework transferred from your program will not impact your Cornell cumulative GPA.
Required: complete your required waiver forms in Via-TRM
Through your Via-TRM account, complete or upload:
- Course and Program Waiver Form
- Off-Campus Course Policies Agreement of Understanding Form
- Off-Campus Studies Health Form
- Upload your passport information
- Upload summer/semester program flight information