International Student and Scholar Services

Full Course Load

Full Time Enrollment Requirement

International Students are required to be enrolled full-time every semester to maintain their student status.

  • Undergraduate (Bachelor's Level) Students - 12 units minimum required
  • Graduate (Master's Level) Students -  8 units minimum required

Students authorized for full-time Curricular Practical Training (CPT) are considered to be full-time students. Also consider to be enrolled full-time are graduate students who have completed all of their coursework and are working on final project, thesis, or comprehensive exam while enrolled in adjunct status.

Authorized Reduced Course Load

Some students may qualify for an Authorized Reduced Course Load - usually available during the first or last semester(s) of your program.  

Allowable temporary exceptions to the full time enrollment requirement are the following:

  • Illness or Medical Condition
  • Initial Difficulty with English Language/Reading Requirements/U.S. Teaching Methods
  • Improper Course Level Placement
  • Graduate Assistantship
  • Concurrent Enrollment
  • Curricular Practical Training (full time status only)
  • Last Semester of Degree
  • Graduate Students on Adjunct Status (working on final project, thesis or comrehensive exam)

Important Notes:

  • You must apply in advance for approval for an Authorized Reduced Course Load. 
  • Authorized Reduced Course Loads are only permitted once for academic reasons during your current degree program (number 2 or 3 above).