Full Course of Study Requirements
F-1 students are required by U.S. immigration regulations to maintain full-time enrollment during the Fall and Spring semesters to remain in valid immigration status.
Summer and winter enrollment is generally optional unless your program requires continuous enrollment.
Minimum Enrollment Requirements
F-1 students must maintain the following minimum enrollment each required academic term:
- Undergraduate Students: 12 credits each Fall and Spring semester
- Master’s Students: 9 credits each Fall and Spring semester
- Doctoral Students: 9 credits each Fall and Spring semester, or enrollment in dissertation research with active faculty supervision
- UHub Students: 6 credits each Fall, Spring, and Summer semester
- Non-Degree Pathway Students: A combination of credit and/or clock hours as defined by the approved program of study
- English Language Study Students: 18 clock hours per week for primarily classroom-based instruction
Online Course Rules
Federal regulations allow F-1 students to count only one online course (up to 3 credits) toward the minimum full-time enrollment requirement during each required academic term.
Additional online courses may be taken if the student is otherwise meeting the full-time enrollment requirement through eligible in-person coursework.
Reduced Course Load
In limited circumstances, F-1 students may be authorized by International Services to enroll below full-time while maintaining status. This is known as a reduced course load (RCL).
Do not drop below full-time enrollment without prior approval from International Services.
Eligibility and How to Apply for a Reduced Course Load
F-1 students who are unable to maintain full-time enrollment due to a temporary illness or medical condition may be eligible for a Reduced Course Load (RCL). In some cases, authorization may be granted for no enrollment during the approved period.
To qualify, students must submit documentation from a licensed U.S. healthcare provider and receive approval from their Designated School Official (DSO) before stopping attendance, withdrawing or dropping courses.
F-1 students may be eligible for a Reduced Course Load (RCL) during their final semester if fewer than a full-time course load is required to complete their degree requirements.
Eligibility Requirements: A degree audit and written confirmation from the academic advisor are required to verify eligibility. To qualify, students must:
- Be in their final semester of study
- Need fewer than a full-time course load to complete all degree requirements
- Enroll in at least six credits or half of the required course load, as applicable
- Complete all remaining coursework by the end of the approved semester
How to Request a Final Semester RCL:
- Meet with your Academic Advisor to confirm your remaining degree requirements.
- Submit a Reduced Course Load request through the International Services Portal.
- Upload all required supporting documentation, including advisor confirmation and degree audit.
- Wait for written approval from International Services before making any enrollment changes.
Deadline: Requests must be submitted no later than the first day of classes of the semester for which the reduced course load is requested.
Important Information:
- Final semester RCL authorization may only be granted once.
- Prior approval from International Services is required before the start of the requested term
- Students who have completed all degree requirements are considered to have completed their program, even if they remain enrolled for administrative or non-required purposes.
- Failure to maintain full-time enrollment without prior authorization may result in the loss of F-1 status.
F-1 students who are unable to maintain full-time enrollment due to a temporary illness or medical condition may be eligible for a Reduced Course Load (RCL). In some cases, authorization may be granted for no enrollment during the approved period.
To qualify, students must submit documentation from a licensed U.S. healthcare provider and receive approval from their Designated School Official (DSO) before stopping attendance, withdrawing, or dropping courses.
Required Documentation: Submit the Medical Leave Request Form and supporting documentation from a licensed U.S. healthcare provider (medical doctor, psychiatrist, doctor of osteopathy, or licensed psychologist) that includes:
- Diagnosis
- Length of treatment prior to the request
- Requested leave dates (start and end)
- Treatment plan during the leave period
- Recommendation that the leave is medically necessary
- Provider signature and date
Deadlines:
- Submit your request before stopping attendance, withdrawing, or dropping classes.
- Medical documentation must be dated before you stop attending classes.
- All required materials must be submitted before the first day of classes for the requested leave term.
Maintaining F-1 Status: Students approved for a medical leave of absence and a medical Reduced Course Load by International Services may maintain their F-1 status during the authorized leave period.
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