Reduced Course Load

Immigration regulations require that F-1 students maintain a full course of study (12 credits each semester for most students; 9 credits each semester for Graduate Students with an Assistantship). However, the regulations do permit a "Reduced Course Load" in very limited situations.

If a student cannot enroll full-time, they must be approved by International Student Services for a Reduced Course Load before dropping below full-time. 

Learn about the types of Reduced Course Loads by choosing from the pages below.

  • Academic Reduced Course Load
    1/10/22
    An Academic Reduced Course Load permits F-1 students to reduce their course load below full-time (to a minimum of 6 credits) if they are experiencing academic difficulty.
  • Final Semester Reduced Course Load
    2/23/22
    A Final Semester Reduced Course Load permits F-1 to reduce their course load below full-time (at least one credit, but fewer than 12 credits) if it is the final semester of their degree program and they need fewer than 12 credits to graduate.
  • Medical Reduced Course Load
    10/22/21
    A Medical Reduced Course Load permits F-1 students to reduce their course load below full-time (or, if necessary, not enroll in any courses) due to a student's temporary illness or medical condition.