International Open University offers an organized and structured study/registration plan for its various Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science programs. We give utmost importance to provide the best study guide possible to meet our students’ needs and circumstances. The purpose of IOU is not only to see its students graduate with our customized programs but also to see them pass on the knowledge gained at IOU to others and implement that knowledge throughout their lives.

To achieve this goal, we have designed flexible and customized plans for our students to choose from, which are interchangeable each semester.

The qualification shall extend over the periods as reflected below, in accordance with the registration type:

*Normal program duration plus 50% of normal duration.

Full-time Registration Plan:

Full-time registration plan permits the student to register for modules totaling a minimum of 40 credits (400 notional hours) and a maximum of 60 credits (600 notional hours) per semester. For each module, there is one recorded lecture by the instructor. There are also recorded supplementary sessions conducted by the faculty members for each of the modules. Students following this semester plan are expected to devote four hours per week per subject – or at least three hours, to listening to the lectures, reading the assigned text for the session, taking the session (module) quiz, and preparing class assignments (if any). This requires twenty-four to thirty-six hours per week of studying.

NOTE:

1. The plan above is beneficial to students who want to complete their degree in four years (by taking 60 credits (600 notional hours per semester) and who wish to gain knowledge in an organized and structured manner.
2. This is an ideal study plan for students under regular/normal circumstances.

Part-time Registration Plan:

Part-time registration plan permits the student to register for modules totaling a minimum of 24 credits (240 notional hours) and a maximum of 40 credits (400 notional hours) per semester. The students must complete the entire program in a maximum of 9 years (18 semesters). We, therefore, recommend that students take half of the full load (i.e. 40 credits) and devote twelve to eighteen hours per week studying. If, due to personal circumstances, a student is unable to take the courses equivalent to 40 credits and takes only 25 credits per semester, then he/she will have to take more courses in subsequent semesters so that the entire program can be completed within nine years.

NOTE:

1. This is a plan recommended for busy students (e.g., working, studying, married). We advise students to go at a slower pace if they have time restrictions which prevent them from concentrating on a larger number of courses.

Additional Notes:

• Students are advised to choose the registration plan after considering their other commitments. You will only be allowed to change the registration plan in case of medical reason, family emergency, calamities, or other legitimate exceptional circumstances if approved by the respective committee.
• The tuition fee for the part-time registration plan is different from the full-time registration plan. Students must pay the fees according to their country of residence.
• In case the registration plan is changed during the studies the maximum study period will be recalculated.

Period of Abeyance

Should a student be unable to study during a specific semester, then he/she may apply to the Registrar’s Office to place the studies in abeyance for a period not exceeding 12 consecutive months. The abeyance period will not be considered as part of the maximum duration permitted for the completion of the program.

Please contact helpdesk@iou.edu.gm for further information.

Note: Students are not allowed to skip the semester without prior approval from the Faculty Management Committee.