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 reduce course load (RCL) and Full-Time Equivalency (FTE).
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 enrollment 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 a course/s at another institution as long as the following are met:
Enrolled at least part-time at St. Cloud State University
Student's academic department accepts course/s to count directly towards student's degree requirements
Proof of enrollment at 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/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/RCL.