There are very few exceptions to the full time course load rule, and there are strict criteria for each. You must obtain PRIOR authorization from the ISSS before you drop the course. If you drop below a full course of study without the prior approval of the Office of International Student and Scholar Services, you will be considered out of status.
Eligibility
You may be eligible for a reduced course load authorization ONLY in the circumstances below.
Academic difficulty
- You have academic difficulties related to English language, reading requirements, or unfamiliarity with U.S. teaching methods in your first semester or year of study in the U.S.
- You were improperly placed in a course at the wrong level
Please note that if you are approved for a reduced course load based on academic difficulties or improper course placement, you must still be registered for at least six credits. Students may only be authorized for one semester of reduced course load for either of these academic reasons.
Medical condition
You may be eligible for authorization if you have a medical condition requiring you to take a leave of absence or reduced course load. F-1 students are eligible for a maximum of 12 months of reduced course load authorization based on an illness or medical condition. ISSS can only authorize a reduced course load one semester at a time. If you will need more than one semester of authorization, you will need to reapply at the beginning of each semester.
Final semester
You may be eligible for authorization if you are in the final semester of your program and need less than a full-time course load to graduate. You must receive authorization prior to the add/drop deadline. If you plan to graduate this semester, you should be absolutely certain that you will graduate before choosing to register for less than a full-time course load. Failure to graduate after dropping below a full-time course load may result in you being out-of-status and losing F-1 or J-1 benefits. You must also complete the appropriate certification of degree form in BU Brain.
How to apply
Gather the required documentation
- If your request is based on academic difficulties or completing your program this semester, you must meet with your academic advisor to complete the Request for Approval to Take a Reduced Course Load form. You will complete the top portion of the form, and your advisor must complete the rest of the form and sign it.
- If your request is based on a medical condition, you must provide a current letter from a licensed medical doctor, doctor of osteopathy, or licensed clinical psychologist. The letter must be on letterhead and must specifically state the doctor’s recommendation that you drop below full time and indicate the semester for the reduced course load request. We have provided a sample letter for your convenience.
- Scan the required document(s)
Submit the Reduced Course Load Request to ISSS
You must submit the Reduced Course Load Request e-form online. You will need to upload the required documentation in order to submit the e-form.
Wait for ISSS to approve the request before dropping courses
- You will receive an email from ISSS when your request has been reviewed. Please note that ISSS processing time may be 7-10 business days.
- If your request is approved, you may drop the requested courses. Check the email from ISSS to see if you were issued a new I-20. If you have a new I-20, you will need to pick it up from the ISSS office. Be sure to keep all old I-20s for your records.
- If your request is denied, you must maintain full-time enrollment for the entire semester.