All international students on F and J visas must enroll and attend classes on a full time basis every semester. Only students who are approved by ISSS to enroll on a part-time basis may study for fewer credits. If you drop below full time enrollment without permission from ISSS and it is not your final semester, this is a violation of your visa status. You must have permission from ISSS to drop below full time BEFORE you drop your classes.   

If you are a visiting scholar at UConn (DS-2019 with Research Scholar, Short Term Scholar, Professor or Student Intern category) you are not required to have full time enrollment for your visa. Please disregard this message.

Full time Definitions

Bachelor's students: 12 credit minimum

Graduate Students: 9 credit minimum without GAship, 6 credit minimum with GAship, or GRAD 5930, 5960, 6930, 6960.

JD Students: 10 credit minimum

Exchange/Nondegree students: 12 credits (1000-4000 level courses) or 9 credits (5000-6000 level courses)

UCAELI: Attend all IEP classes

Final Semester in Program

If it is your final semester in your program, and you need fewer credits than a full time course load to complete your program, you may apply for permission to enroll on a part-time basis. This is called a Reduced Course Load for Last Semester. To apply for this authorization, complete the Last Semester Reduced Course Load record before September 9.

Academic Difficulties

If you attempt a full time course load, and you are having academic difficulties due to unfamiliarity with English language or U.S. academic culture, difficulty with reading requirements or improper course level placement, then you may request authorization from ISSS to take a Reduced Course Load for Academic Difficulties. ISSS will accept applications for Reduced Course Load for Academic Difficulties on September 2nd. You must first try to take a full time course load before we will accept your application. To apply, you must complete the online Academic Difficulty Reduced Course Load record, and come to ISSS in person to discuss your application. Students may only be approved to take ONE Academic Difficulty Reduced Course Load per degree level (e.g. once per Bachelors, Master’s, etc.)

Medical Issues

If you have a documented medical illness (physical health or mental health) and this prevents you from enrolling and attending classes on a full time basis, you may apply for a medical reduced courseload. To apply, you must complete the online Medical Reduced Course Load record, and you may be asked to visit ISSS in person to discuss your application. 

 

Thank you and please contact your ISSS Advisor if you have any questions. 

 

 

Rae Alexander
Director

International Student and Scholar Services

 

UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT

GLOBAL AFFAIRS

2011 Hillside Road, U-1083
STORRS, CT 06269-1083
PHONE: 860.486.3855  |  EMAIL: [log in to unmask]  
ISSS Walk-In Advising:  MON - THU: 1:30  - 3:30 pm