Facts at a Glance

Number of Students: between 200 and 400 per voyage

Program Level: Undergraduate and Postgraduate

Origin of Students: Multi-national (Students from 35 countries have studied aboard The Scholar Ship.)

Voyages and Itineraries: Two 16-week voyages each year, commencing in January and September. Itineraries are global, calling on approximately eight ports each voyage, in which approximately seven days are spent to undertake academic field study, community service, shore excursions and independent travel. View >

Language of Instruction: English

Curriculum: Developed by the Consortium of Academic Stewards, The Scholar Ship curriculum emphasizes studies and experience which contribute to students' intercultural knowledge and competence.

Academic Teaching Staff: Appointed from Academic Steward institutions and other institutions around the world.

Program’s Distinctive Elements: Its internationally diverse student body and academic teaching staff; the integration of classroom instruction, multicultural living, and experiential learning; an academically integrated port program; and an oceangoing campus that serves as the backdrop for continuous transcultural encounters that would be virtually impossible to replicate elsewhere.

Academic Credit and Transcripts: On behalf of the following institutions which form the Consortium of Academic Stewards, Macquarie University of Australia has been designated to award academic credit for successful completion of study aboard The Scholar Ship and will issue official transcripts to all students who participate in the program.

Al Akhawayn University, Morocco
Cardiff University
Fudan University, China
Macquarie University, Australia
Tecnológico de Monterrey, Mexico
University of California at Berkeley, USA
University of Ghana, Ghana

Credentials awarded: In addition to credit for a semester successfully completed, undergraduates receive a Certificate in Intercultural Leadership issued by The Scholar Ship. Postgraduates have a variety of options for either earning postgraduate certificates or continuing their studies to earn masters degrees from our Academic Stewards and other partner institutions. (Students must apply separately for admission to the masters program(s) at each institution.)

Cost of Program (tuition, meals and standard cabin):
September 2008 voyage

Undergraduate     21395* USD
Postgraduate        22900* USD

*program cost subject to change

Visa Requirements: The number of visas required to study aboard The Scholar Ship will vary according to a student’s country of citizenship. Considering that each student will be recognized by issuing authorities as part of a large educational group on a short-term visit, obtaining visas is unlikely to be an obstacle to a student’s enrollment in The Scholar Ship program. In addition, The Scholar Ship is in close communication with such authorities as a means to facilitate the process for students and staff.

Admission and English Proficiency Requirements: Undergraduates, minimum of one year successful completion of university-level study at an officially recognized institution. Postgraduates, minimum bachelor's degree from an officially recognized institution. If English is not your first language, language proficiency must be documented by test scores or other acceptable evidence. See Admission Requirements for more information.

Application Deadlines: Admission decisions to our program are made on a rolling basis. Applications will be reviewed up to 30 days prior to the start of a voyage; however, accepted students who apply for admission to a particular voyage that has reached capacity will be placed on a waiting list for that voyage and will be given an admission deferral that may be applied to a future voyage.

Financial and Operational Support: Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd., one of the leading cruise lines in the world.