To receive credit for major, minor, or certificate requirements, you must seek course approval from the department ahead of studying abroad. During the UMass Abroad application process, you will be guided through steps needed to gain approvals for courses abroad.
- Navigate to your abroad program's website and browse the course catalog.
- Select courses you think would satisfy your UMass requirements based on course descriptions and/or syllabi and save this information.
- Navigate to your forms in UMass Abroad. Read Approval Process for Courses Abroad.
- Fill out the International Course Approval Form (ICAF). The ICAF application link is now available for Winter and Spring 2027 applicants ONLY. All other applicants should wait until their term becomes available on UMass Abroad.
Key considerations when selecting courses for approval
We encourage you to obtain pre-approval for more courses than you expect to take and stay flexible. Courses abroad may not be offered each term, enrollment can be limited, and schedules may conflict—always have backup options.
Frequently Asked Questions
During the UMass Abroad application process, you will be guided through steps needed to gain approvals for courses abroad. This typically takes place during the term prior to studying abroad.
If you are applying for a term or year abroad, submitting an ICAF for your major is required. However, if your plan doesn't involve taking courses abroad that fulfill major requirements, simply check the box on the ICAF to indicate this. Departmental staff will review and approve depending on your academic situation.
If you have already studied abroad and are seeking retroactive course approvals, you should not submit an ICAF. Please meet with your Academic Advisor to seek approvals and update your SPIRE Academic Requirement Report (ARR).
Database of Departmental Courses Abroad
This tool allows you to explore classes that have previously received departmental approval. While this database provides a helpful reference, please note that each course still requires approval using the ICAF to fulfill specific requirements in your program.
Minor or Certificate Departmental Approvals
You may submit ICAF(s) for minor or certificate courses. Note: minor and certificate requirements do not appear on the ARR until graduation, so OGA cannot add these approvals to your ARR.