Statement on Online Education for Students Outside the United States

Not all countries regulate distance education, and for those that do, requirements vary by country. Some countries regulate distance education nationally, but there may also be regulations at the state or provincial level. Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology cannot guarantee that its online program meets the secular curriculum standards in other countries. 

Several countries will not formally recognize foreign online degrees, which may have implications for students who later seek to enroll in other educational programs, or for those who seek employment with employers requiring specific credentials. 

Prospective applicants interested in enrolling in Saint Meinrad’s online courses from countries outside the U.S. should be aware of potential distance learning restrictions in their country of residence. These restrictions may include, but are not limited to, the restrictions below:

• Your country may not recognize foreign online degrees or credentials from foreign institutions. 
•  As a student you may be subject to withholding taxes on tuition payments made to U.S. institutions.  
• Your country may have data collections regulations that are different than the United States.
• If you are a student living outside the U.S. and are not a U.S. citizen, taking an online course or program from Saint Meinrad will not qualify you for either a visa or for work authorization in the U.S. following your chosen program of study.

The United States Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) administers several sanctions programs. As a recipient of federal funding, Saint Meinrad cannot accept applications, enroll students, or provide educational services to individuals who are citizens of, or who reside in, countries subject to sanctions administered by OFAC. This restriction will remain in effect until such sanctions are lifted or specific authorization is obtained. These restrictions do not apply to on-campus students. For the current list of sanctioned countries, please refer to the U.S. Department of the Treasury OFAC Sanctions Programs and Country Information.

Some countries have specific regulatory requirements for foreign online education that cannot be met by Saint Meinrad.