F-1 student visa regulations require F-1 students to study full-time each term. ‘Full-time’ means 12 credits per term for undergraduate students and 9 credits per term for graduate students. Exceptions to the full-time requirement must be approved by an international student advisor except where noted. You can request permission to take a reduced course load of less than 12 undergraduate or 9 graduate credits by filling out a reduced course load form at the beginning of the term. You must be enrolled for a full course load unless your reduced course load request has been approved by an international student advisor.
Requires Online Request
To request a reduced course load, login to iConnect and complete the eForm for the reason you wish to drop below full-time enrollment.
| Final Term of Study | Available only if a full course load is not needed the final term to complete degree requirements. |
| Concurrent Enrollment | Available to students planning to enroll part-time at Lane Community College or another school in addition to taking UO classes. A minimum of 6 UO credits is required. |
| Thesis or Dissertation | Available to graduate students who have completed all course work requirements but will be enrolled in a minimum of 3 thesis/dissertation credits while they complete their research and degree requirements. |
| Vacation Term | Available to students who have enrolled full-time for three or more terms and would like to take a vacation term during the fall, winter or spring terms. Summer term is considered a default vacation term which does not require RCL approval. |
Requires Meeting with an International Student Advisor
To schedule a remote advising appointment, call 541-346-3206 or email, intl@uoregon.edu
Initial Academic Difficulties
Available only to first year students and can only be granted one time.
Medical leave
Available to students who have been recommended by a medical professional to take a term off or enrolled in a reduced course load due to an illness or medical condition. For more information please read this File Medical RCL Guide .