Enrollment Requirements

USCIS regulations state that students must be enrolled in a full course of study each fall and spring semester.

How many credit hours am I required to take for the Fall and Spring semesters?

Fully Course of Study	Fall & Spring semesters
Undergraduates	Minimum of 12 credit hours
Graduate students (with no assistantship)	Minimum of 9 credit hours
Graduate Students (with assistantship of .4 or .5)	Minimum of 6 credit hours
English Language Program	Minimum of 18 credit hours
NOTE: No more than the equivalent of one on-line/distance education class (or 3 credits per session) may count towards the "full course of study" requirement. Summer enrollment is only required if it is the first or last semester of enrollment at K-State.

*There are very few exceptions to these full-course of study requirements. Reduced Course Load (RCL) approval required prior to the start of the semester.

For example: Students in their last semester before graduation can be authorized for a reduced course load. If you are a graduate student with an assistantship, you must maintain the 6 credit hour minimum. Exceptions can also be made for medical reasons, improper course level placement, and initial difficulties with the language.

According to regulations, a student must have prior approval from an International Student Advisor in International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) Office before dropping below a full course of study. The Reduced Course Load Approval Form must be completed and submitted to the ISSS Office prior to the beginning of the semester you intend to be in less than a full course of study. If a student drops below full time without prior approval from an advisor at the ISSS Office the student will be considered out of status. This approval can only be obtained at the ISSS Office. If this is the case or you have additional questions, please come to the ISSS Office. It is very important that you stay enrolled in a full course of study. If you feel you must drop below a full course of study for any reason, make an appointment with an International Student Advisor at the ISSS Office IMMEDIATELY.

Am I required to enroll for the Summer semester?

Enrollment in summer classes is not required unless your initial entry document (I-20 or DS-2019) indicates you are to begin your program in a summer session or the summer session will be your last enrollment at K-State. If this is the case for you, please refer to the chart below to see the minimum enrollment requirements.

Fully Course of Study	Summer Semester
Undergraduates	Minimum of 12 credit hours
Graduate students (with no assistantship)	Minimum of 6 credit hours
Graduate Students (with assistantship of .4 or .5)	Minimum of 1 credit hours
English Language Program	Minimum of 18 credit hours
NOTE: No more than the equivalent of one on-line/distance education class (or 3 credits per session) may count towards the "full course of study" requirement. Summer enrollment is only required if it is the first or last semester of enrollment at K-State.

*There are very few exceptions to these full-course of study requirements.

For example: Students in their last semester before graduation can be authorized for a reduced course load. If you are a graduate student with an assistantship, you must maintain the 1 credit hour minimum. Exceptions can also be made for medical reasons, improper course level placement, and initial difficulties with the language.