Credits & Grades

The Basics

You must earn the equivalent of a UNC “C” or better in order to earn credit, and the following will apply:

• Passed credit (courses where a “C” or better is earned) will be reflected on the UNC transcript as a “ SA” or study abroad pass and satisfy the approved requirement. The passed credit will not be calculated in your GPA.

• Failed credit (courses where a “C-” or less is earned) will be reflected on the UNC transcript as a “ SF” or study abroad fail AND impact the UNC GPA as the equivalent of an “F” grade

• Withdrawn credit (courses with a W or withdrawn grade) will be reflected on the UNC transcript as a “ SW ” or study abroad withdrawal but will not earn credit or impact the UNC GPA.

• No credit (courses where credit cannot be awarded- i.e. alcohol-based courses) will be reflected on the UNC transcript with a grade of “SN” or study abroad no credit but will not earn credit or impact the GPA.

Other Requirements:

• You must take courses abroad for a grade, not pass/fail, at your host institution.
• You must enroll in the equivalent of 12-18* UNC credit hours per semester. You may transfer a maximum of 18 credit hours per semester abroad.
• Summer enrollment may be 3 UNC credit hours or more, depending on your program; Note: 4 credit hours is considered ‘full time’ for summer.

*Study abroad courses that focus on the production and/or marketing of alcoholic beverages will not be eligible for academic credit at UNC. This includes, but not limited to, courses that focus on Wine/Beer/Liquor production, tasting, and/or tourism. If a student chooses to take a course abroad that focuses on alcohol, the student must be enrolled in the minimum equivalent of required UNC credit hours, in addition to that course.

NOTE: All programs run by Boston University, CAPA, CET, IES, SFS, SIT, and Semester at Sea use the same credit hours and grade conventions as UNC. Please search below for all other programs.

Credit Hour & Grade Scale Conversion Guide