Circumstances may change for students throughout the study abroad process and sometimes these changes may necessitate the need for students to withdraw from their study abroad program. If a student needs to withdraw after having committed to a program, the steps below MUST be followed:
- Review the Withdrawal Policy below and understand the financial ramifications.
- Contact the study abroad program director to discuss the intent to withdraw.
- Submit a Withdrawal Request.
- NDI will acknowledge the receipt of submitted requests and will process the withdrawal once it is approved.
- PLEASE NOTE: The withdrawal is NOT official until a notification is sent to the student from Study Abroad.
Withdrawal Policy
Withdrawal Fees
For Semester and Year-Long Programs:
- During the first 90 days after confirming participation: $200.00 and all non-recoverable costs incurred by the University.
- Between 91 days after confirming participation and one month before departure: $500.00 and all non-recoverable costs incurred by the University.
- One month before departure or less: $750.00 and all non-recoverable costs incurred by the University (e.g. prepaid lodging, tuition, ground transportation).
- Once on site, students who leave the program before its completion, including students who leave after the first semester of a yearlong program, are subject to a $1,000 withdrawal fee, full program cost (e.g. prepaid lodging, tuition, airline tickets, ground transportation, and host institution withdrawal fees, if applicable), and any other non-recoverable costs incurred by the University.
For Summer Programs:
All students are subject to a $200 withdrawal fee if they withdraw from their summer study abroad program regardless of reason after confirming participation. In addition, students are responsible for any non-recoverable costs incurred by the University at the time of withdrawal. Students will be informed of the non-recoverable costs of their summer study abroad program. Please email and communicate your withdrawal to your program director. Please note, non-recoverable costs can vary depending on when students withdraw.
Both the withdrawal fee and/or any non-recoverable costs will appear as a charge on the student's Notre Dame student account.
Withdrawals Prior to the Beginning of a Program
Students are responsible for all non-recoverable costs incurred by the University on their behalf after confirming to and prior to participating in a program. The likelihood of incurring such costs increases as the departure date approaches. The nature and amount of these costs will vary according to the program. All non-recoverable deposits, fees, and other costs incurred by the University will be charged to the student's Notre Dame student account. Students must inform the relevant Notre Dame Study Abroad program director in writing of their intention to withdraw. They should also contact their departmental advisor, advising dean, the Office of Residential Life, and the Registrar's Office to arrange for registration and housing, if available, for the coming semester at Notre Dame. On-campus housing is not guaranteed for students who withdraw. If a student is receiving financial aid, the student should contact the Office of Student Financial Services (Financial Aid and Student Accounts) and any other applicable funding sources.
Withdrawals from Program Sites
Written permission is required for formal withdrawal from a study abroad program once students have arrived on site. Students must submit their reason for withdrawal, in writing, to the relevant Notre Dame Study Abroad program director. Withdrawals are granted only for emergencies, serious illness, or compelling personal or academic reasons that the student may have been unaware of prior to departure. Withdrawals are effective only when approved, in writing, by the relevant Notre Dame Study Abroad program director in consultation with other relevant Notre Dame staff. In accordance with the Academic Code Articles 5.1 and 14.1, off-campus courses and examinations must be completed as scheduled prior to the student's departure from the study abroad site in order to earn academic credit.
Students who withdraw are responsible for all non-recoverable costs incurred by the University on the student’s behalf. In addition, students who leave the program before its completion, including students who leave after the first semester of a yearlong program, are subject to a $1000 withdrawal fee to help defray costs associated with their unexpected departure from a program. This fee may be waived at the discretion of the Notre Dame Study Abroad Director of Global Education in cases such as serious health problems or emergencies. Both the withdrawal fee and non-recoverable costs incurred by the University will appear as a charge on the student's Notre Dame student account. The University cannot guarantee residence hall space, nor can it guarantee admission to classes for students returning from abroad. Students are urged to contact their respective advising deans, departmental advisors, and the Office of Residential Life as soon as possible after their withdrawal has been approved.
Federal Title IV Assistance
Students receiving University and/or Federal Title IV financial assistance who withdraw from off-campus programs and are not able to enroll on the main campus within the first 60% of the credit period are not entitled to the use or benefit of University and/or Title IV funds beyond their withdrawal date. Such funds shall be returned promptly to the entity that issued them, on a pro rata basis, and will be reflected on the student’s Notre Dame student account. This Withdrawal Regulation may be subject to change according to federal regulations. Examples of the application of tuition credit calculation are available from the Office of Student Accounts upon request.
Additional Policies
Policy on Cancellation/Termination of Programs
The University's first priority is the safety and well-being of its students. In the unlikely event that a program must be canceled or shortened due to unforeseen conditions or international emergencies, Notre Dame will provide assistance to students in their departure from the study abroad site. Logistical arrangements will be made as appropriate. Although no withdrawal fees as described above will be charged to the student, other fees may apply depending on the circumstances.
Policy on Dismissals for Disciplinary and Behavioral Reasons
Students may be dismissed at any time from study abroad programs at the University's discretion for disciplinary or behavioral reasons or for other violations of University policy. Such situations will be handled on a case-by-case basis in coordination with the University’s Office of Community Standards. If a student is dismissed from a program, he/she may be liable for withdrawal fees and all non-recoverable costs incurred by the University, at the University’s discretion.
Policy on Probation and Dismissal for Academic Reasons
Students may be dismissed at any time from study abroad programs at the University's discretion for not being in good academic standing according to the University’s Academic Code or for other violations of University policy. Such situations will be handled on a case-by-case basis in coordination with the student’s Notre Dame academic dean. If a student is dismissed from a program, he/she may be liable for withdrawal fees and all non-recoverable costs incurred by the University, at the University’s discretion.