Global Distance Learner Information and Disclosures
Ohio University offers a range of fully online programs that are accessible to students in various locations. Students who intend to complete an online program while residing outside of the United States and U.S. territories are defined as Global Distance Learners. This page outlines important information, requirements, and disclosures relevant to these students.
Enrollment in online programs from abroad may involve legal, technical, academic, and financial considerations. All students who plan to pursue their education from outside the U.S. must review and acknowledge these details before participating in coursework.
Who is Considered a Global Distance Learner?
Ohio University defines Global Distance Learner as any student who is:
- Enrolled in a fully online program, and
- Physically located outside the United States while completing coursework.
A student’s citizenship or nationality is not a determining factor. This designation is based solely on the student’s physical location while receiving instruction. International students enrolled in location based Ohio University programs in the United States are not Global Distance Learners.
Ohio University students are required to update to confirm or update their address every semester. If your permanent location is no longer within the United States for a given semester, you will be required to comply with the Global Distance Learner process.
Temporary Travel
This policy does not apply to students who are:
- Temporarily traveling outside of the U.S. for vacation or work, or
- Participating in a university-sponsored Study Away program
Students traveling temporarily should notify their instructors if their travel will impact participation.
Program Eligibility
Some online programs at Ohio University are not eligible for enrollment by students located outside the United States. Reasons a program may be ineligible include:
- Curricular requirements
- Clinical or internship placement requirements
- Accreditation or regulatory requirements specific to U.S.-based instruction
Eligibility is determined by the academic department.
Questions? Reach out to onlinegrad@ohio.edu to talk through your specific situation.
Country and Location Eligibility
Ohio University must comply with U.S. sanctions and export control laws. Students located in the following countries or regions may not be eligible to participate in online programs due to legal restrictions:
| Country/Region | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| China / Hong Kong | Concern | LMS access may be blocked; VPN use may be illegal |
| Iran | Sanctioned / Concern | |
| North Korea | Sanctioned / Concern | |
| Russia | Sanctioned / Concern | |
| Cuba | Sanctioned | |
| Syria | Sanctioned | |
| Belarus | Sanctioned | |
| Venezuela | Sanctioned | |
| Crimea, Donetsk, and Luhansk regions of Ukraine | Sanctioned |
For more information, visit the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) website.
Students who plan to access online education from a U.S. military base, U.S. embassy, or maritime vessel may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Program Interruption Due to Sanctions
If the country in which a student resides and from which they are participating in online education becomes subject to new or expanded sanctions, Ohio University may be legally required to suspend or terminate access to online courses and services. Students should consider this risk when enrolling.
Whether this qualifies for a tuition appeal will be determined by the Tuition Appeal Committee on a case-by-case basis.
Credential Recognition and Licensure
Ohio University does not guarantee that degrees or credentials earned through online study will be recognized by foreign governments, employers, or licensing bodies.
Students should be aware that:
- Some countries do not recognize online degrees from foreign institutions, which may limit employment or licensure opportunities.
- Programs may not meet the educational or professional licensure requirements outside of the United States.
It is the student’s responsibility to determine whether their chosen program meets requirements in their location or intended place of employment.
Identification and Required Documentation
When Ohio University becomes aware that a student is located outside the United States, the student will be asked to complete a Global Distance Learner Educational Acknowledgement Form. This form is required for both initial and continued enrollment.
Students may be identified through:
- Application address and phone number
- Location data submitted in the Request for Information form
- Permanent address records (for continuing students)
This process is similar to the professional licensure acknowledgment process and follows the same general guidelines.
Data Privacy
Students located outside of the U.S. should be aware of the following:
- U.S. data privacy laws may differ from laws in country where the student is residing while receiving their instruction.
- In some cases, U.S. laws may provide fewer protections
- Ohio University complies with U.S. regulations and endeavors to meet international data protection expectations in good faith
For more information, students can review the university’s Privacy Statement.
Time Zone and Service Hours
Ohio University operates on Eastern Time (ET) and observes Daylight Saving Time. All of the following are based on ET:
- Course deadlines and due dates
- Student services (academic advising, support)
- Institutional business hours (generally 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM ET)
Students are responsible for tracking time zone differences and meeting all deadlines accordingly.
Technical and Material Access
Students are responsible for ensuring they have:
- Reliable and legal internet access
- The ability to access Ohio University’s learning management system
- Access to required course materials, including textbooks, articles, and other content
Students must also comply with their local government’s laws related to internet usage and access.
Financial Information
- All tuition and fees are billed in U.S. dollars
- Some countries may impose taxes on tuition payments to U.S. institutions
- Ohio University does not determine or manage international tax obligations. Students are responsible for understanding potential additional costs related to taxation