F-1 Reduced Course Load
Students in F-1 and J-1 status are required to maintain full-time enrollment each semester to properly maintain their immigration status. Students may not drop below full-time enrollment PRIOR to receiving authorization from the International Services Office (ISO).
Full time enrollment at TCU:
Undergraduate = 12 credits
Graduate (including Artist Diploma) = 6 credits
The exceptions to the “full course of study” requirement are limited, but very important. The ISO may allow an F-1 student to engage in less than a full course of study. Except as otherwise noted, a reduced course load must consist of at least six semester hours, or half the clock hours required for a full course of study. A student who drops below a full course of study without the prior approval of the ISO will be considered out of status.
Exceptions to the full course of study:
- Academic Difficulties due to a student’s initial difficulty with the English language/reading requirements or unfamiliarity with U.S. teaching methods. This reason may only be used during the student’s first semester of study.
- Academic Difficulties due to improper course level placement.
- Medical Condition: A reduced course load (or, if necessary, no course load) may be authorized 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 submit this form completed and signed by a licensed medical doctor, doctor of osteopathy, or licensed clinical psychologist to substantiate the illness or medical condition.
- Final Term: A reduced course load can be authorized in the student’s final semester if fewer courses are needed to complete the course of study.
To request a Reduced Course Load (RCL), please navigate the ISO Gateway and complete the RCL Request eform.
Note: RCLs are approved on a semester basis so a new form/request must be submitted each semester.