Federal Regulations require that F-1 students maintain a full course of study while attending CIIS. In order to maintain legal status in the United States, you must be enrolled full-time. Federal regulations also require international students to seek permission from the international student advisor to drop below a full course of study. A student who drops below a full course of study without prior approval will be considered out of status.

International students are NOT required to enroll in summer classes. The requirement for full-time enrollment is only applicable to the fall and spring terms.

Full time enrollment is 12 units/semester for undergraduates and 9 units/semester for graduate students, or as defined by the Institute. To view a list of CIIS's current definitions for full-time enrollment please click on the following link: Full-time Enrollment Definitions.

****CIIS recently added one new definition of full-time coursework for students enrolled in practicum. Students enrolled in 2 units of practicum will be required to take 3 units of coursework to be considered full-time.****

There are three possible exceptions to the full course load requirement:

1. Academic difficulties: This is defined as difficulty with the English language or reading requirements, or unfamiliarity with U.S. teaching methods. (This exemption is permitted only once and only for a single term of study.)

2. Medical conditions: This requires documentation from a medical professional. (The exemption may not exceed an aggregate of 12 months and permits students to withdraw from classes if necessary.)

3. Completion of course of study: A reduced course load may be authorized in the student's final term.

If you would like to request a reduced course load, please fill out a request form and submit the necessary supporting documentation.

Download Request for Reduced Course Load form

"Except as otherwise noted, a reduced course load must consist of at least six semester or quarter hours, or half the clock hours required for a full course of study" (Federal Register 214.2 (f) (6) (iii) ). At CIIS a reduced course load is 4.5 units.

Due to strict federal regulations regarding full-time enrollment, we encourage all international students to develop an academic plan for their entire course of study at CIIS. Please take the time to meet with you academic advisor. It will help you to complete your degree in a timely and financially feasible manner.