International Student's Guide To Surviving On Fewer Sleep Hours

International students often rely on part-time jobs to manage their daily expenses and academic costs. However, the number of hours they are allowed to work varies from country to country. For example, in the United States, international students with F-1 status can work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during classes and up to 40 hours per week when classes are not in session. In Canada, international students can work off-campus for up to 24 hours per week without a work permit. In contrast, Sweden places no legal limit on study time or work hours for international students.

International F-1 and J-1 students must obtain authorization from ISSS before dropping below a full course load

International students in the US on an F-1 or J-1 visa are required to maintain a full course load every fall and spring semester to remain in valid visa status. However, there are certain circumstances in which F-1 and J-1 students may apply for authorization to take a reduced course load (RCL).

Firstly, students in their first semester in the US may be eligible to drop credits if they are struggling significantly with the English language used in the classroom or with new teaching methods. In this case, written support from the instructor is required, indicating the student's difficulty. The student's academic advisor must also provide support for the application.

Secondly, F-1 and J-1 students in their final semester of study can request authorization to enroll in a reduced course load to fulfill their remaining graduation requirements. If you do not plan to enroll full-time in your last semester, you must submit a Final Term RCL request.

In addition, F-1 and J-1 students may request an academic RCL if they face issues such as initial difficulty with the English language or reading requirements. In this case, a letter completed by a medical doctor, doctor of osteopathy, psychiatrist, or licensed clinical psychologist must be submitted with the request.

It is important to note that students must not drop below full-time enrollment before their request for a reduced course load has been approved by the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS). Failure to obtain authorization from ISSS before dropping below a full course load will lead to the negative termination of the student's SEVIS record and the loss of their valid status in the US.

Furthermore, students who are taking some credits at another school during a semester must provide ISSS with a copy of their course schedule to ensure they meet the minimum full-time enrollment requirements. ISSS can also provide a letter or email of permission if needed when applying to another school.

Less than full-time status may impact progress towards a degree

International students intending to pursue a course of study below the minimum number of hours required for full-time enrollment status should be aware of the potential impact on their progress towards a degree. While it is possible to request exceptions or course load reductions under certain circumstances, there are important considerations to keep in mind.

Firstly, international students on F-1 or J-1 visas must obtain authorization for reduced enrollment from the relevant university department, such as the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS), before dropping below a full course load. Failure to obtain prior approval may result in the student being considered "out of status". This authorization is crucial for maintaining compliance with visa requirements.

Secondly, enrollment status can impact financial aid and scholarship eligibility. Full-time students often receive greater financial aid and scholarship opportunities compared to part-time students. Additionally, certain scholarships may have strict enrollment rules that cannot be waived by a full-time enrollment status exception. It is important for students to understand how their enrollment status may affect their access to financial support.

Moreover, the time taken to complete a degree program may be longer for part-time students. A four-year bachelor's degree typically requires the completion of 120 credit hours. By attending each semester and taking at least 15 credit hours, a student can expect to finish the program within the standard timeframe. Enrolling for fewer credit hours each semester may extend the time needed to earn the required credits for graduation.

Lastly, specific degree programs may have their own requirements regarding minimum credit hours or full-time enrollment status. It is essential for international students to consult with their academic advisor and refer to the requirements of their intended major to ensure they remain on track with their degree progress. Any exceptions to full-time enrollment status should be carefully considered in the context of these program-specific requirements.

Enrollment status is determined by the number of credit hours

Enrollment status for international students in the US is determined by the number of credit hours they are taking, with a minimum number of hours required to maintain full-time status. This minimum number of credit hours varies depending on the student's level of study and the type of institution they are attending.

For F-1 undergraduate students at a college or university, the minimum number of credit hours required is typically 12 per term. However, this may differ for students in their graduating semester, who may be allowed to take less than the standard 9 or 12 credit hours as long as they complete all remaining courses. Additionally, students with thesis or dissertation requirements may have different enrollment requirements and should consult their academic department.

F-1 students in postgraduate programs must take a full course of study as certified by their institution, which may vary depending on the specific program and institution. For graduate students with teaching or research responsibilities, exceptions may be made, and they must be officially certified full-time by their academic department.

M-1 students in vocational or non-academic programs must take 18 clock hours per week if the majority of instruction is in the classroom, or 22 clock hours per week if most of the instruction takes place outside the classroom, such as in laboratory work.

It is important to note that international students must maintain their full-time enrollment status to remain in the US in F-1 immigration status. Any requests for a reduced course load due to medical or academic reasons must be approved in advance by the designated school officials (DSOs) or the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO).

Enrollment exceptions may not apply to eligibility for certain types of financial aid

As an international student, you may be eligible for financial aid from federal, state, school, and private sources. However, it's important to note that enrollment exceptions may not apply to eligibility for certain types of financial aid. Here are some key points to consider:

Federal Student Aid: Eligibility for federal student aid is determined by factors such as financial need, U.S. citizenship or eligible noncitizenship, enrollment in an eligible program, and satisfactory academic progress. International students may qualify for federal student aid if they meet the eligible noncitizenship criteria. However, enrollment exceptions may not be considered in the eligibility criteria. To apply for federal student aid, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.

State Financial Aid: Each state has its own financial aid programs, and eligibility criteria may vary. International students should research their specific state's requirements and consider applying for state aid to supplement their educational funding. While enrollment exceptions may not impact eligibility for state aid, it's important to review the specific guidelines provided by the state agency.

School Financial Aid: Many schools offer financial aid in the form of scholarships, grants, or merit-based aid. Students should explore the financial aid options provided by their educational institution. While enrollment exceptions may not directly impact eligibility, schools often have their own unique criteria for awarding financial assistance.

Private Sources: Students can also seek financial assistance from private sources, such as scholarships or loans offered by organizations, companies, or individuals. These opportunities often have varying eligibility requirements, and students should carefully review the criteria for each scholarship or loan program they intend to apply for. Enrollment exceptions may not be a factor in private financial aid eligibility, but other specific requirements may apply.

It's important for international students to thoroughly research the eligibility criteria for each type of financial aid and stay informed about any applicable deadlines. While enrollment exceptions may not apply across the board, there could be other factors that influence their eligibility for financial assistance. A proactive approach to understanding the financial aid landscape will help international students maximize their opportunities for securing the necessary funding to support their educational goals.

Enrollment reporting for student loan repayment is based on actual hours enrolled

As an international student, your loan repayment terms are dependent on the number of hours you are enrolled for. This is referred to as the "period of enrollment" or "loan period". The loan period is defined at the beginning of the loan awarding process, and the timing and amount of loan disbursements are tied to this period.

For example, if a student is expected to be enrolled at least half-time in the fall and spring but not enrolled in the winter, separate loans must be originated for the fall and spring quarters. The minimum period for which a school may originate a Direct Loan varies depending on the school's academic calendar.

It's important to note that your school, not the Department, is responsible for determining your eligibility for a Direct Loan. Schools that originate loans for ineligible borrowers or for amounts that exceed loan limits or financial need may face administrative actions and liabilities, including repayment to the government of interest and costs paid on ineligible loans.

Therefore, it is crucial to carefully consider your enrolment hours and understand the loan period and associated repayment terms before proceeding with a Direct Loan.

Frequently asked questions