International Letter of Permission

  • Who: Undergraduate Arts and Science students in any discipline. See Eligibility for further details 
  • Where: Any accredited and approved university
  • When: Fall, Winter, or Summer
  • How long: Typically one semester/length of program
  • For academic credit? Yes
  • GPA requirement: 1.6 cum GPA (see Eligibility for further details)
  • Application fee: $60 ILOP processing fee
  • Program fee: Varies by program
  • Costs borne by student: Travel documentation, flights, accommodation, meals, insurance
  • Tuition: Payable to host university
  • Financial assistance:  No
  • OSAP eligible:  No

Faculty of Arts and Science Regulations require students to successfully apply for an International Letter of Permission if they wish to independently study abroad outside of the Arts and Science Exchange Program.*

An International Letter of Permission (ILOP) allows you to study abroad with the assurance that you will be able to transfer your credits back to Queen's.

Below are the ILOP application deadlines for each term:

  • Fall term: May 15 – July 1
  • Winter term: September 15 – November 1
  • Summer term: January 15 – April 1 

Queen’s complies with Government of Canada travel advisories. Queen’s does not permit student ILOPs for locations with active “avoid non -essential travel” or “avoid all travel” advisories. Please consult GAC travel advisories for your proposed independent study abroad location. Travel to a student’s home county may be permitted under the OCASP policy. If you have questions or concerns, please contact Environmental Health and Safety (ehssa@queensu.ca).

We also use the ILOP to enable transfer credit on several non-exchange programs facilitated by the IPO:

  • KGU Cross-Cultural College
  • OUI Summer Programs

Do you have questions about pursuing your own independent study abroad? Read our guide!

Study Abroad Programs

See what other programs Queen's students have taken part in.

Get ideas!

Eligibility and Application

Read the eligibility criteria and application guidelines closely to ensure a successful submission.

Apply now

Credit Transfer

Ensure you follow the right steps to transfer credit back to your degree at Queen's.

Find out more about credit transfer