In some limited situations, F-1 international students may request to take less than the usually allowed full-time course load. This is called requesting a "Reduced Course Load." Reduced course loads are allowed in certain academic situations such as an undergraduate's last term of study and students who find themselves in serious medical situations that limit their ability to study. Students must always remain enrolled half-time when on a reduced course load. Undergraduates must remain enrolled for 6 credits whereas graduate students must be enrolled at least half-time. Any student who has questions about the minimum number of credits they should maintain must speak with an international student advisor.

Prior to registering for a reduced course load, complete the online "Reduced Course Load" form located on our Forms page. Your international student advisor will be in contact with you. Please read the statement at the end of the form carefully so that you understand what effect your request has on your particular situation. Also, please visit with your academic advisor where necessary so that they are kept informed of your plans to take a lighter than usual course load.

(B) Medical conditions. The DSO may authorize a reduced course load (or, if necessary, no course load) due to a student's temporary illness or medical condition for a period of time not to exceed an aggregate of 12 months while the student is pursuing a course of study at a particular program level. In order to authorize a reduced course load based upon a medical condition, the student must provide medical documentation from a licensed medical doctor, psychiatrist, doctor of osteopathy, licensed psychologist, or clinical psychologist to the DSO to substantiate the illness or medical condition. The student must provide current medical documentation and the DSO must reauthorize the drop below full course of study each new term, session, or semester. A student previously authorized to drop below a full course of study due to illness or medical condition for an aggregate of 12 months may not be authorized by a DSO to reduce their course load on subsequent occasions while pursuing a course of study at the same program level. A student may be authorized to reduce course load for a reason of illness or medical condition on more than one occasion while pursuing a course of study, so long as the aggregate period of that authorization does not exceed 12 months.

(C) Completion of course of study. The DSO may authorize a reduced course load in the student's final term, semester, or session if fewer courses are needed to complete the course of study. If the student is not required to take any additional courses to satisfy the requirements for completion, but continues to be enrolled for administrative purposes, the student is considered to have completed the course of study and must take action to maintain status. Such action may include application for change of status or departure from the U.S.