This page encompasses both the student and program cancellation policies.
Please review the following information thoroughly. Refer to program cost sheets and other financial information and ensure you understand your responsibilities prior to committing to participating in an Office of International Affairs or Office of Global Business study abroad program.
The student cancellation policies outlined below apply to cancellations resulting from the student’s decision to withdraw, failure to respond to acceptance/nomination notifications or other administrative removal from the program.
The program cancellation policy applies when the program is cancelled by Ohio State, the program provider or host institution.
Within 10 days of receiving notification of acceptance to your study abroad program, you are required to commit to the program or decline the offer of acceptance. Failure to respond to the acceptance offer within this window will result in removal from the program.
- If you decide to withdraw from the program after you have committed, you must immediately inform Global Education via email. The decision not to participate after you have committed to the program will have financial consequences as outlined below.
- If you cease to meet the conditions for participation in an Ohio State study abroad program after you have been notified of your acceptance, you may not be permitted to participate in the program and will face the same financial consequences as outlined in the policy below.
You are strongly encouraged to share this policy with anyone who will be providing you with financial assistance or guidance during the program.
Student cancellation policy for faculty-led in-person Ohio State programs
The Office of International Affairs works closely with overseas institutions, travel agencies and suppliers to provide a full array of program services. These services often require International Affairs to make deposits and other non-refundable financial commitments on your behalf well in advance of program travel.
Once paid, the application fee will be refunded only if you submit a written request to withdraw prior to the application deadline, you are not accepted to the program or if the program were to be cancelled.
If you decide to withdraw from the program, you will be subject to the following scaled cancellation fees in addition to the forfeiture of the application fee. Please use this date duration calculator to determine the number of days between when you received an acceptance notification and the start of the program.
| Timing of withdrawal prior to program start date | Withdrawal fee |
|---|---|
| 11 days after acceptance notification and more than 95 days prior to program start date | $200 withdrawal fee |
| 60-95 days prior to program start date | 25% of the Global Education program fee |
| 45-59 days prior to program start date | 50% of the Global Education program fee |
| 30-44 days prior to program start date | 75% of the Global Education program fee |
| Less than 30 days prior to program start date | 100% of the Global Education program fee |
| Any time after program commences | 100% of the Global Education program fee and $50 OIA Admin Fee |
Student cancellation policy for in-person Fisher College of Business experiential programs
This policy applies to the following programs: Fisher Global Internships, Fisher Global Consulting and the European Innovation Academy.
The application fee will be refunded only if you withdraw prior to the application deadline, you are not accepted to the program or if the program were to be cancelled.
If you withdraw 14 days after the acceptance/nomination notification, you will forfeit the application fee and all program fee deposits and final payments that you have already submitted. If you withdraw anytime after the program start date, you will also forfeit the $50 OIA Admin Fee and be assessed a pro-rated rate for International Accident and Sickness Insurance (“OIA Program Fee” on your student statement of account).
For more information, please refer to the respective program brochure or contact the Office of Global Business at fcob-global@osu.edu.
Student cancellation policy for in-person third party provider, direct enroll or medical rotations
The application fee will be refunded only if you submit a written request to withdraw prior to the application deadline, you are not accepted to the program or if the program were to be cancelled.
If you withdraw 11 days after the acceptance/nomination notification, you will forfeit the application fee, are liable for a $200 withdrawal fee, and are subject to the provider’s cancellation and withdrawal policies. If you withdraw any time after the program start date, you will additionally forfeit the $50 OIA Admin Fee and be assessed a pro-rated rate for International Accident and Sickness Insurance (“OIA Program Fee” on your student statement of account).
Student cancellation policy for in-person international exchange programs
Your application fee will be refunded only if you submit a written request to withdraw prior to the application deadline, you are not accepted to the program or if the program were to be cancelled.
If you withdraw 11 days after the acceptance/nomination notification, you will forfeit the application fee, are liable for a $200 withdrawal fee and and are subject to the exchange partner’s cancellation and withdrawal policies, as applicable. If you withdraw any time after the program start date, you will additionally forfeit the $50 OIA Admin Fee and be assessed a pro-rated rate for International Accident and Sickness Insurance (“OIA Program Fee” on your student statement of account).
A refund of your tuition, if applicable, will be handled via normal student refund processes. For more information, please consult the University Registrar’s Tuition and Fees resources.
Student cancellation policy for global online learning experiences
The Office of International Affairs works closely with overseas institutions and partners to provide a full array of services for global online learning experiences. These services may require International Affairs to make deposits and other non-refundable financial commitments on your behalf.
If you decide to withdraw from the global online learning experience, you must immediately notify Global Education and Ohio State Instructor or third-party provider program coordinator, as applicable.
Student cancellation policy for an Ohio State faculty-led global online learning experience with a program fee
Students will be charged non-recoverable costs, if applicable, and will forfeit the $50 OIA Admin Fee if the program has begun.
Student cancellation policy for third-party provider, direct enroll or international exchange global online learning experiences
Students will forfeit the $50 OIA Admin Fee if the program has begun. Students are additionally subject to the provider’s cancellation and withdrawal policies.
Program cancellation policy
If the program is cancelled by Ohio State, the application fee will be refunded and the program fee and OIA Admin Fee will be refunded or removed from your student account if not already paid.
If the event of a Third-Party Provider Program, Direct Enroll, or International Exchange Program modifying method of delivery from in-person to any other format, including, but not limited to hybrid, virtual or any combination therein, application fees and program fees still apply. A change in program format is not a valid reason for a withdrawal fee appeal and does not constitute a program cancellation.
Please note that Ohio State reserves the right to cancel any program prior to departure or while in progress. Ohio State also reserves the right to change without notice any statement contained herein, concerning but not limited to rules, policies, tuition, fees, curricula and courses.
Refund of tuition
A refund of your tuition, if applicable, will be handled via normal student refund processes. For more information, please visit the Office of the University Registrar.
Student financial aid
If you withdraw from a study abroad program at any time prior to departure or after the program commences, you should inform the Student Service Center of your withdrawal, so that your financial aid can be reviewed, if necessary, and will continue uninterrupted.
Academic consequences
Any withdrawal from a study abroad program may have academic and financial consequences, especially the nearer to departure the withdrawal occurs. Depending on the date of your withdrawal, you may receive a “W” on your Ohio State academic record and may forfeit partial or full Ohio State tuition.
You are also encouraged to contact your academic advisor to help ensure minimal interruption of your academic progress. For details on add/drop deadlines for tuition refunds, please visit the Office of the University Registrar.
Withdrawal fee appeal
Appeals are reviewed by the Global Education Appeal Committee, and determinations are made based on reason for appeal and supporting documentation. Appeals decisions are rendered within 10 business days of appeal submission, and notification of committee decision will be sent to the student via email to their Ohio State email account.
Extenuating circumstances are defined as:
- Medical: Can be physical, mental, emotional, etc. and requires documentation from attending physician.
- Illness/Death in the Immediate Family: Family medical emergency (surgery, long-term illness diagnosed) which requires documentation from attending physician. Death of an immediate family member—parents, guardians, siblings, children, spouses, registered domestic partners—requires appropriate documentation.
- Military Activation: Requires a copy of the military activation orders showing dates that conflict with the program dates.
- Unanticipated Change in Financial Situation: Termination of main source of income, filing of bankruptcy, unforeseen financial hardship, etc. are examples of changes in financial situation and require appropriate documentation.
- Note: this does not include not receiving a scholarship or other anticipated funding sources, nor does it include not understanding the financial commitment you’ve agreed to.
- Other: A circumstance of “other" must be out of the student’s control and requires supporting documentation of situation, process and timeline.
Note: Failure to obtain a valid passport or any required travel documentation or being refused entry due to any customs and immigration violation is not considered an extenuating circumstance.
Travelers are encouraged to apply for any travel documentation as soon as possible, and no later than advised by International Affairs and/or any program provider, partner or institution.
Such travel documentation is granted solely at the discretion of the issuing government. Neither International Affairs nor Ohio State has control over application decisions, processing times and/or any changes to any requirements. Travelers are solely responsible for securing required travel documentation.
Students sign an acknowledgement of understanding at the time of confirmation of acceptance which includes a statement that they have read and understand this Cancellation Policy in full.
If you wish to appeal the cancellation fee, please complete the Global Education Cancellation Fee Appeal form within four weeks of your withdrawal.