Overview
- If you are an F-1 or J-1 student experiencing a temporary medical condition that prevents you from studying full-time, you may request permission for a medical reduced course load (medical RCL). A medical RCL allows you to remain in the US for a term while enrolled only part-time or, if medically necessary, not enrolled at all. To qualify for a medical RCL:
- You must submit to International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) recent medical documentation from a licensed medical doctor, psychiatrist, license psychologist, clinical psychologist or doctor of osteopathy that recommends a reduced course load based on a temporary illness or medical condition.
- Download Guide for Medical Care Providers
- The medical documentation must be signed, dated and refer to the specific term (e.g., “Fall 2026 Term”) for which you are requesting a reduced course load.
- The medical condition must be your own (a medical RCL cannot be granted for medical conditions experienced by your dependent family members).
- Authorization for a medical RCL is granted on a term-by-term basis and requires submission of updated medical documentation for each additional term of medical RCL requested.
- No more than 12 months (four quarters) of medical RCL may be granted at your current degree level. You may be eligible for an additional 12 months of medical RCL eligibility if you advance to a higher degree level.
- You must return to full-time study in the term immediately after a medical RCL term, unless you are approved for another term of medical RCL.
- Acceptable documentation must be received by ISSS before you can be authorized for a reduced course load.
Health Insurance
International students must have medical insurance while on a medical leave. You will either automatically enrolled in the UO's student health benefits plan unless you can provide evidence of insurance which meets the UO's waiver criteria.
If you are requesting a medical leave as a Graduate Employee (GE), you will no longer be covered under the GTFF insurance plan and will be automatically enrolled in the UO's student health benefits plan unless you can provide evidence of insurance which meets the UO's waiver criteria.
Additional Considerations for Graduate Students
- If you are requesting a reduced or no course load, please discuss this first with your UO graduate program.
- Students who are not registered must apply for Academic On-Leave Status with the Division of Graduate Studies.
- Academic on-leave is a separate process from GE Family/Medical Leave. See GE Absences and Leave Policies for more information about taking leave from your GE employment.