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Online Coursework in Sanctioned Countries

Some U.S export control regulations prohibit offering and taking online (internet-based) courses abroad without an appropriate license.

Federal export licenses are required to provide educational services, such as distance learning or online instruction, to students located in the comprehensively embargoed and sanctioned countries. There may also be license requirements for the e-learning or web conferencing software used to deliver the courses virtually.

Contact the U-M Export Controls Office when planning to conduct courses or webinars to students/audiences located outside the United States to determine the licensing requirements. Note: it may take 6 months or longer to obtain federal export licenses.

Country-specific licensing requirements for online courses

Country

Course Level/Description

License Requirement

Cuba Undergraduate or below Allowable under General license
Graduate Unallowable without OFAC license
Online course software EAR licensing determination required
Iran
  • Fee-based, non-degree seeking undergraduate level courses
  • Humanities, social sciences, law, or business classes
Allowable under General license 

Introductory undergraduate level courses in science, technology, engineering, or math, intended or required for the completion of undergraduate degree programs in the humanities, social sciences, law, or business.

Not allowed for degree programs in science or engineering.

Allowable under General license 
Introductory undergraduate level courses required for the completion of degree programs in engineering, science, or math Unallowable without OFAC license
Graduate level Unallowable without OFAC license
Online course software EAR licensing determination required
North Korea All levels Unallowable without OFAC license
Syria Undergraduate and graduate level Unallowable without OFAC license
Crimean, Donetsk, & Luhansk Regions of Ukraine Undergraduate and graduate level Unallowable without OFAC license
Foreign Students within U.S. Those on non-immigrant visas may “carry out in the United States those activities for which such a visa has been granted.” (31 CFR § 560.505)

AUECO chart adapted by the University of Michigan Export Controls Program

Questions?

Questions? Email the Export Control Office at: [email protected]