CURRENT STUDENTS - COURSE LOAD & PROGRAM EXTENSION

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Course Load & Program Extension Travel Plans Abroad CPT/OPT for F-1 Students
Advising / Importance of DSO's Signature Social Security Driver's License
Tuition & Payment Plans Health Care & Medical Internships
Tax Information
    

Course Load Requirement

F-1 students must register for a full course load per semester. The following are the full-time course load requirements for F-1 students at KSU:

  • For ESL students, full time is at least 18 hours per week.
  • For undergraduate students, full time is at least 12 credits per semester.
  • For graduate students, full time is at least 9 credits per semester.
  • Online classes: Only 3 hours of online classes may be taken each semester to count towards full time enrollment. F-1 students may enroll in more than 3 hours online each semester, but only 3 hours will count towards full time enrollment.

The exception to the full time enrollment or to the reduced course load are very limited. If you are unable to maintain full-time enrollment, consult a DSO immediately. Do not drop below full-time status unless a DSO has authorized it in SEVIS.

Part-time enrollment may be authorized for:

  • Severe difficulty adjusting to the U.S. educational system.
  • Unfamiliarity with American Teaching Methods
  • Severe difficulty with the English language in the first semester.
  • Severe difficulty with Reading Requirements
  • Improper course level placement.
  • Medical need (detailed documentation from a U.S. physician required).
  • Student is in his/her last semester and taking the necessary number of credits needed to complete all degree requirements.

Unacceptable reasons for part-time enrollment include, but are not limited to:

  • Poor grades in a prior semester.
  • Fear of failing a class.
  • Lack of money to pay tuition.

F-1 Student/Program Extension

International students may need to extend their F-1 status for an academic or medical reason. In other words, if you are unable to complete your program by the end date on your I-20, you will need to visit OIA to extend your status by updating your I-20 in SEVIS based on the program requirements. In order to extend your end date, F-1 students need to have the following:

  • Formal and reasonable explanation from your academic advisor
  • Current financial documents showing sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses
  • Anticipated new program end date