F-1 Enrollment Requirements and Advising Considerations

All international students attending St. Cloud State University under F-1 student status are required to be enrolled in a full-time course load to maintain their F-1 student status.

Full-time enrollment at St. Cloud State University includes:

• 12 credits for undergraduate students
• 6 credits for master's students
• 6 credits for doctoral students

In certain circumstances, international students under F-1 student status may be eligible to enroll in less than a full-time course load. All enrollment adjustments require prior approval from the Center for International Studies. See below for links on how to complete a reduced course load (RCL) and Full-Time Equivalency (FTE).

Advising International Students

International students under F-1 student status at St. Cloud State University have unique advising needs because they must maintain their non-immigration status and meet university academic requirements:

Enrollment Periods

• They are required to be enrolled full-time in both the fall and spring semesters. Full-time enrollment is not required during the summer unless it is the student's first semester at St. Cloud State University.

Online/Distant Education

• They can only count 3 credits of online/distant education toward their full-time enrollment each semester. An online/distant education course is a course that is offered principally through the use of television, audio, or computer transmission including open broadcast, closed circuit, cable, microwave, or satellite, audio conferencing, or computer conferencing.
• They cannot enroll in only an online/distant education course their final semester of study.
• They cannot pursue 100% online/distant education certificate or degree programs.

Under-Enrollment

• They can enroll in less than a full-time course load if they are approved for either a Full-Time Equivalency (FTE) or Reduced Course Load (RCL).
• If a student is not enrolled in a full-time course load and is not approved for a FTE or RCL, their SEVIS record will be terminated.

Concurrent Enrollment

• They can enroll in course(s) at another institution as long as the following are met:
  • Enrolled at least part-time at St. Cloud State University
  • The student's academic department accepts the course(s) to count directly toward the student's degree requirements
  • Proof of enrollment at a SEVIS-approved school

Employment

• They are allowed to work on-campus up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session. During breaks and summer vacations, they may work more than 20 hours per week on-campus.
• They must be enrolled in a full-time course load or be approved for a FTE or RCL to work on-campus.
• During the summer break, they must be enrolled in a full-time course load during the upcoming fall semester or be approved for a FTE or RCL.