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Graduate Dual Degree

Earn your dual degree while experiencing two diverse cultures

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SIS offers one-of-a-kind dual Master’s degree programs with several renowned universities abroad. These programs allow graduate students to earn two Master’s degrees from two universities in two years. With the exception of the Natural Resources and Sustainable Development (NRSD) Program in Costa Rica, students can choose any field of study in SIS and a second one at the partner institution. With degrees granted in two countries, students participating in the dual degree programs gain the knowledge, skills, and practical experience to excel in careers in both countries.

Steps to Study Abroad

Curious about the steps needed to study abroad? Read more about the process with our step by step guide!

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Program Offerings

close up of electric-colored tree frog in Costa Rican rainforest

Costa Rica: University for Peace

Students can learn about environmental & development policies from the perspectives of the south & north.

Study in Costa Rica

exterior of the ornate and brightly colored Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Kapan

Japan: Ritsumeikan University

Students can take an interdisciplinary & multicultural approach to their research and education.

Study in Japan

bright red flowers line the Gyeonbokgung Palace in Korea

South Korea: Korea University

Students can take advantage of studying with top experts in their field while promoting multicultural awareness.

Study in South Korea

How the programs work

  • Students register for regular AU/SIS courses during their first year in SIS (or first semester for NRSD students). While studying at the partner institution in the second year, students register for AU/SIS exchange credit. These exchange credits typically cover coursework only; research and/or internship credit will be registered under normal AU guidelines.
  • Students pay AU tuition and some fees. This allows them to apply their financial aid packages to their semester abroad. As dual degree programs are designed for the independent graduate student, additional program fees do not apply.
  • All applicants must submit a $50.00 application fee at the time of opening a study abroad application. 
  • Students pay limited fees to the partner institution. These fees can include welcome program, state-mandated insurance, and activities fees.
  • Students are responsible for their own accommodation, airfare, ground transportation, school supplies, and other personal living expenses while at the partner institution.

Eligibility Requirements

  • With early planning, SIS Dual Degrees at KU and RU can be compatible with all on-campus, in-person SIS MA programs.
  • Students in the online MAIR program are ineligible for the dual degrees at KU, RU, and UPEACE. With the approval of their Academic Adivsor, MAIR students may choose to pursue a SIS semester or short-term program abroad.
  • Students may choose to indicate on their SIS applications that they are interested in a specific dual degree program. Once enrolled at SIS, students will need to apply to a specific program through the SIS Office of International Programs. Note: The NRSD Program with the UN University for Peace in Costa Rica ONLY accepts applications at the time of admission to SIS. Students may NOT apply to NRSD once enrolled in another graduate program at SIS.
  • Good academic and university standing.
  • Students must meet with their academic advisors to get approval for the courses they plan to take prior to departure.
  • All programs are competitive and submitting an application does not guarantee admission.

Please note: Eligibility requirements may vary by partner institution.