Brief Background: American Universities Abroad (AUA) is a group of private American universities located outside of the US that offer English-taught degree programs modeled on American curricula and quality oversight practices. AUA universities meet the following criteria:
AUA universities are located in different regions of the world, and encourage international perspectives and cross-cultural education within the context of their degree programs. Each AUA university enrolls a significant number of international applicants, leading to a diverse and multinational population of students on campus. American students make up the largest percentage of students at most AUA universities, but there is typically less than 50 percent of any one nationality.
Good to Know: Many AUA institutions specialize in the humanities. AUA universities offer a liberal arts style of education, including general education as well as major requirements, and grant US degrees. Some AUA universities also offer a nationally recognized degree from the local host country.
For institutions that have a US-based campus and a campus abroad—such as Webster University (MO) or Saint Louis University (MO)—degrees can be completed in their entirety at the campus abroad, or students can spend time completing academic requirements in both countries. Some AUA universities, such as John Cabot University, have direct exchange partnerships with US universities, allowing students to complete part of their undergraduate experience in the United States.
Fundamental to the student experience in AUA programs is engagement with global issues, experiential learning, travel and cross-cultural exchange, and an emphasis on global citizenship. AUA universities instill a cosmopolitan outlook and teach students how to adapt to change. Students have the opportunity to experience not only a US-style education, but are also uniquely situated to immerse themselves in the culture of the university’s host country as well.
Academic Calendar: AUA universities follow a traditional American academic calendar, generally beginning in August or September and continuing until May, with summer course options.
Search: Many AUA universities are members of The Common Application and can be found using the Common App search function. Many AUA university admission representatives are also active in events and fairs in the United States throughout the fall and spring, and some AUA institutions have admission representatives based in the United States.
Apply: AUA universities follow a traditional US timeline, with applications accepted beginning in the late summer or fall. Institutions that are members of The Common Application require students to use the portal to apply, sometimes asking applicants to complete a supplementary essay. As in the US, other requirements vary, and sometimes include an interview, meeting, or phone conversation in addition to the application. Those schools not on The Common Application use a similar approach to admission, but requirements differ among institutions.
Deadlines: AUA admission decisions are often rolling, though there are deadlines for confirmation of acceptance. For US students the May 1 deadline is generally observed.
Application Fee: Fees vary by institution, even those that accept The Common Application.
Academic Requirements: Most AUA institutions opt to review applications holistically. Counselors and students should check with each school for the required minimum GPA, as they vary by institution. The universities award academic credit demonstrated by AP test scores, IB diplomas, and A-level exams. While test scores are not always required, the institutions will accept and may assess them as a part of the application review when submitted.
Upon Acceptance: US students should confirm enrollment by May 1.
There are associated deposit fees for confirmation and in some cases for housing. AUA universities generally have an extensive pre-arrival process. Admission counselors and student life officials help students with each step they need to complete to arrive promptly and safely—including visa acquisition, as well as travel, housing, and banking arrangements. Some AUA universities direct students to websites that offer discounted student airfare.
Tuition and Fees: Tuition varies among institutions. Counselors and students should check each school for estimates regarding tuition and living costs.
Some AUA universities bill tuition in the currency of the country where they are located. Some schools list the dates when the exchange rate will be set—typically early July for the fall semester, and early November for the spring semester—so students and families can better understand what they will pay in US dollars, and budget accordingly.
Financial aid, both institutional and federal, is available at all AUA institutions. Institutional financial aid is determined by each university. US citizens can also access federal student loan opportunities by filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Note that current US government legislation prohibits US citizens enrolled in colleges or universities outside the United States from receiving Pell Grants, SEOG, Perkins Loans, or Federal Work Study funds, even though they may be eligible for such assistance. Additionally, all AUA universities offer merit-based scholarships. Some award need-based scholarships and have programs similar to American work study.
Housing: Each university strives to provide affordable housing options for their students. Accommodations vary among institutions and can include on-campus housing (some with residential advisors) and off-campus accommodations, such as apartment-style living, host families, or residence halls managed by local universities. Meal plan options also exist at many AUA universities. Most AUA institutions have a housing department and/or housing partner that will help students secure housing for their first year and beyond. Some AUA universities require that students use university-approved housing—on-campus or provided by a partner—during their first year of studies.
Visas and Other Permits: In most cases students will need a student visa to study in their AUA host country. The visa acquisition process varies in length, but students begin it once they have confirmed their attendance. Fees to obtain the student visa vary depending on the destination country. AUA institutions offer admitted students help with the required paperwork and process. However, students must follow the host country’s policies for visa application.
Students may be able to work part-time with their student visa while studying at an AUA institution, however, availability varies by country. For the most part, students are not guaranteed any type of visa or permit to remain in-country after they complete their education, unless sponsored by another organization or employer.
Advice from the Field: Communications and the assistance provided by an AUA university are similar to that of US-based institutions. One possible difference is that many of the AUA universities are smaller in size compared to many universities in the US, so the support that students and counselors receive tends to be very personalized. Students can expect one-on-one attention starting with the admission process and extending on to academic advising and on through graduation.
Because student visas are required in most cases, it is important that counselors encourage students to be in constant contact with their admission representative for help with each step of the process.
US regional accreditation is one way to assess institutional quality. In the US there are seven regional accrediting bodies that oversee postsecondary education at public and private institutions. While national accreditation seems like it would be more important, regional accreditation is older and generally more prestigious. American accrediting agencies are increasingly evaluating foreign institutions as they believe they have a role to play in promoting the mobility of students and faculty.
The following agencies keep an updated directory of accredited institutions, including non-US institutions: