Registration Requirements
As an international student, you must register for and complete a full course of study each term during the academic year. Full-time status varies by the type of student you are. Summer and vacation periods normally do not require registration as long as you are a continuing student.
It is very important NOT to withdraw from or audit any classes that will result in less than a full course load. If you have serious academic or medical concerns, you will need to make an appointment with an international student advisor for possible exceptions prior to dropping below full-time status.
Undergraduate students may apply for a "reduced course load" at the start of their final term if they have less than 12 credits remaining to complete their degree. Graduate students who have completed all required coursework and all requirements listed on their specific graduate program of study may apply for a "reduced enrollment". Reduced enrollment may be approved for up to 4 terms for a master's student or 6 terms for a doctoral student. Both forms are available on the ISAS website and in the ISAS and International Living and Learning Center reception lobby.
Vacation Term: Students on an F-1 or J-1 visa are allowed to take one vacation term during the year in which no registration is required. Most students choose summer as their vacation term, and degree-seeking students can take an annual vacation in summer without any additonal paperwork. Students who are studying in INTO OSU programs who wish to take a vacation term at any time and degree-seeking students who wish to take a term off other than summer term should make an appointment with an international student advisor to determine eligibility.
