Study Elsewhere in Korea
Students who wish to take courses at another accredited institution in Korea must obtain advance approval before enrolling. Approval is granted only under extenuating circumstances and is subject to review by the appropriate academic departments.
Study Elsewhere in Korea is intended as an exception when a required Mason course is unavailable and would otherwise delay a student's academic progress. It is not intended to reduce course loads, lower educational costs, or provide scheduling flexibility.
Requests Will Not Be Approved For:
- Scheduling convenience
- Financial reasons (e.g., lower tuition costs)
- Preference for a particular course, instructor, or institution
- Advance approval is required. Students who enroll at another institution without prior written approval will not receive Mason transfer credit.
- Undergraduate students must obtain written approval from:
- Academic advisors;
- The Mason Korea Associate Dean of Academic Affairs;
- The Undergraduate Academic Affairs/Student Services Office of the Mason school or college offering the equivalent course.
- Each academic department establishes its own criteria for approving Study Elsewhere requests. Final approval rests with the department offering the Mason equivalent course.
- Submission of a Study Elsewhere application does NOT guarantee approval.
- Undergraduate students must earn a minimum grade of C (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) for transfer credit. Transfer grades do not affect the Mason GPA.
- After completing the course(s), students must submit an official transcript from the host institution to the Mason Korea Office of Academic Affairs. If the transcript is not issued in English, students must provide a certified English translation. Most Korean universities can issue official transcripts in English. If not, students may use a professional credential evaluation service such as AACRAO/IES or WES. Any associated fees are the student's responsibility.
To be eligible, students must meet all of the following requirements:
- Be enrolled in a degree program at Mason Korea.
- Be in good academic standing with a minimum cumulative Mason GPA of 2.00.
- Not be on academic or non-academic suspension.
- Meet all college or school restrictions regarding the number, type, delivery mode, location, and availability of courses taken elsewhere.
- Not be in their first semester at Mason (including first-semester freshmen and transfer students).
- Not request approval for a course previously attempted at Mason, including courses with a withdrawal (W).
Note: Credits earned through Study Elsewhere count toward each college's lifetime limit for transfer/study elsewhere credits.
| School/College | Credit Limits |
| College of Humanities and Social Sciences | 8 |
| Costello College of Business | 9 |
| School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution | Case-by-case basis |
| College of Science | 9 |
| Volgenau School of Engineering | Case-by-case basis |
| College of Education and Human Development | 12 |
| Schar School of Policy and Government | 8 |
| College of Health and Human Services | Case-by-case basis |
| College of Visual and Performing Arts | 12 |
Application Deadlines
| Term | Deadline |
| Summer | April 15, 6:00 p.m. (KST) |
| Winter | October 15, 6:00 p.m. (KST) |
Required Documents
- Study Elsewhere Application Form
- Course syllabus for each course to be taken, including the course number, if the course requires review for Mason course equivalency.
Step 1: Submit Your Application
Before enrolling at another institution, submit the required application form to your major academic advisor.
Step 2: Course Equivalency Review
The Mason academic department offering the equivalent course must review and approve the request. (Example: A Film course must be reviewed by the Mason Film Department.)
Students may refer to the Course Equivalency Database to view courses that have previously been approved through either Study Elsewhere in Korea or Study Abroad.
- Select Country: South Korea to view previously approved course equivalencies.
If the course is not listed in the Course Equivalency Database, students must submit the course syllabus for review by the appropriate Mason academic department. Students are encouraged to consult with their academic advisor before submitting their request.
Step 3: Department and College Approval
After your advisor receives your application, the request will be routed for approval by:
- The Mason Korea Associate Dean of Academic Affairs; and The Dean (or designated academic authority) of the Mason school or college offering the equivalent course.
Step 4: Registrar Processing
Once all approvals have been obtained, the Office of Academic Affairs will forward the approved request to the Office of the University Registrar.
Step 5: Submit Your Official Transcript
After completing your course(s), submit an official transcript from the host institution to the Mason Korea Office of Academic Affairs.
Submission methods
- Email: mkaa@gmu.edu or
- Mail:
George Mason University Korea
Office of Academic Affairs (#536)
119-4 Songdomunhwa-ro Yeonsu-gu
Incheon Korea 21985
Tel. +82-32-626-5060/5061
Transcript Submission Deadlines
| Term | Deadline |
| Summer | August 31 (KST) |
| Winter | February 27 (KST) |
Important: Students are responsible for enrolling in approved courses at the host institution. Approval through the Study Elsewhere in Korea process does not enroll students in courses at another university. The approval only authorizes students to receive transfer credit for eligible coursework taken elsewhere.
If you are unable to enroll in the approved course(s) or your plans change, you must notify your academic advisor as soon as possible. Your advisor will provide guidance on the appropriate next steps, including whether your Study Elsewhere request needs to be modified or withdrawn.