Academics
F-1 Academics
Full-Time Requirement
As an international student on an F-1 visa you are required to maintain full-time status during the regular semester (fall/spring). Full-time status is equivalent to the following:
Status | Number of Units |
---|---|
Undergraduate Students | 12 |
Graduate Students | 9 |
Doctoral Students | 6 |
The only exception to the full-time requirement may occur only in your final semester on campus, if you require less than full-time loading to complete the final requirements or your degree.
Reduced Course Load Due to Medical Exemption/Initial Adjustment
You may request to be authorized to reduce course load on a semester basis (with a maximum of 2 semesters). A reduction of course load may be authorized due to compelling medical reasons; you must present a letter provided by your physician/medical provider stating your diagnosis, treatment plan, and why a reduction in course load is being recommended.
Discipline Issues /Academic Probation / Disqualification
Leave of Absence/Withdrawal
Concurrent Enrollment Policy
As an F-1 student you may request to take classes at another university during the regular semester only upon registering full-time at USD. (In other words, if you are an undergraduate student, you must first be registered for 12 credits at USD during the fall or spring semester in order to receive permission to take classes at another institution within the same semester.) If you have satisfied the full time load requirement and are interested in taking a class off-campus may request for a permission letter via iTorero. (Note: If you wish to take summer or intersession classes off-campus you are not required to be registered full-time at USD for either summer or intersession.)
If you interested in taking a class at another school or institution must take all measures to ensure that the class you are taking off-campus will be credited back to their degree at USD, either by confirming it with USD’s Articulation Agreement or with you respective academic adviser. You should consult with your academic department on the current process for requesting a transfer of credits to your degree.
Contact Information
International Center
Serra Hall 201
5998 Alcalá Park
San Diego, CA 92110
Phone: (619) 260-4598
Fax: (619) 260-5924
international@sandiego.edu