External Programs
External programs are academic credit-bearing international programs that are not approved by UK EA and are not listed in the UK Education Abroad (UK EA) Program Search. Students must formally petition and receive approval from UK EA to participate in an external program.
Petition Requirement
Students interested in an external program must submit an External Program Petition to UK EA to have the program reviewed and considered for one-time approval.
Review Process
- UK EA will review the petition to ensure that the program meets the university’s academic, health, and safety standards. Approval decisions will only be made after this review is complete.
- Approval of external programs is not automatic or guaranteed. Programs may be denied if they do not meet UK standards or if other concerns arise during the review process. Students should not make financial commitments to a program until they receive an official decision from UK EA.
- Students will receive an official decision from UK EA via email to the student's @uky.edu account.
- If the external program petition is approved, the email will also include next steps for participation.
Mandatory Registration
If a student participates in an external program without notifying UK EA, they will be required to retroactively register their experience with UK EA and enroll in EAP 599 for the term of the program abroad before academic credit can be processed. Failure to follow this procedure may delay or prevent the awarding of credit.
Last Updated: March 10, 2026