Reduced Course Load Overview

International students must enroll full-time to maintain their international student status. In certain cases, students may request authorization to under-enroll by requesting a Reduced Course Load (RCL) authorization.

Be advised:

  • Due to the high volume of applications, processing times may be more than seven business days.
  • Applications will be processed in the order in which they are received.
  • Processing does not begin until a complete application is submitted.

Review the information below for RCL requests. For more information regarding full-time enrollment, see our enrollment requirements webpage.

Types of Reduced Course Load (RCL) Requests

  • Illness or medical conditions — allows international students to engage in less than a full-time course of study due to a temporary illness or medical condition for a period not to exceed 12 months while pursuing a course of study at a particular program level. There is no enrollment minimum requirement.
  • Academic difficulties — allows international students in their first semester in the U.S. to under-enroll, but no less than part-time (half full-time), for the following reasons:
    • Initial difficulties with the English language
    • Initial difficulties with reading requirements
    • Unfamiliarity with U.S. teaching methods
    • Improper course level placement
  • Completion of course of study — allows international students to enroll less than full-time in their final semester to complete only the remaining required courses needed for graduation. Students must be enrolled in at least one credit.

Eligibility

  • Student is currently in valid F-1 student status.
  • Student must meet all necessary requirements for the requested category, including any minimum enrollment requirements.

Reasons for ineligibility:

  • Illness or medical conditions: If a student has had a previous RCL due to illness or medical condition for 12 months, the student is not eligible for another RCL for the same reason while pursuing a course of study at the same program level.
  • Academic difficulties: If a student has had a previous RCL due to academic difficulties, the student is not eligible for a second RCL for academic difficulties while pursuing a course of study at the same program level.
  • Completion of course of study: If a student does not complete their program of study after a second RCL for completion of course of study, the student is not eligible for a third.

Key Points

  • RCL requests should be submitted no later than 1–2 weeks before the semester begins.
  • You may wish to speak with your academic advisor prior to submitting your request to discuss how it may affect progress in your academic program and course registration.
  • International students may not drop below full-time without receiving prior authorization from International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS).
  • Reduced Course Load authorizations are granted per semester. International students must resume a full course of study or apply for another authorization to under-enroll in the following semester to maintain F-1 student status.
    • An international student authorized for an RCL due to academic difficulties may still be authorized an RCL due to illness or medical condition at the same program level.
    • An international student may be re-authorized an RCL due to illness or medical condition for an additional semester if the total authorization time does not exceed 12 months. The student must reapply each term and provide current medical documentation showing a continuation of treatment.
  • An international student may continue to work on-campus while approved for an RCL if the employment does not interfere with academic studies. The student must be enrolled in at least one credit.
  • For completion of course of study, if only one course remains to finish degree requirements, the course cannot be taken through online or distance education unless there is a physical presence requirement for the course (hybrid or hyflex). The course must be taken through St. Cloud State University.

Application Procedures

  1. Discuss your plan to request a Reduced Course Load (RCL) with your academic advisor and register for any required courses.
  2. Complete the Reduced Course Load (RCL) Request Form
    • You may also access the form by visiting forms.stcloudstate.edu and signing in with your student Office365 account. Select the "Reduced Course Load (RCL) Form" under "Forms I can Submit". You may view the status of your request from the forms dashboard throughout the process.
    • Read the step-by-step user guide (PDF).
    • This form allows you to request an RCL authorization for one of the following reasons:
    Illness or Medical Condition
    • The student must provide a written statement from a licensed medical doctor, doctor of osteopathy, or licensed clinical psychologist on official letterhead that includes:
      • Full name of the student
      • Description of the illness or medical condition and how it interferes with the student's studies
      • Recommendation for a reduced course load or no courses
      • The specific term for which the RCL is recommended
      • Original signature and date
      • Practice address and phone number
    Academic Difficulties
    • The academic advisor must provide a written statement describing the circumstances and confirming the course or courses to be dropped or withdrawn.
    • If authorized, the student must remain enrolled at least part-time.
    Completion of Course of Study
    • The student must be in the final semester of their program.
    • The student must be registered for the remaining required courses prior to form submission. The academic advisor must confirm it is the student's final term and that the student is enrolled in the remaining courses.
    • If also participating in Curricular Practical Training (CPT), the RCL for completion of course of study may be included in the CPT request form. A separate RCL request is not required.
  3. Once the form is submitted, the review process will begin. You will receive email updates at each stage. RCL requests are reviewed by:
    1. Academic Advisor (options 2-3)
    2. ISSS Review (options 1-2)
    3. International Student Advisor (DSO) Final Review
      • Processing time is an estimated 5-7 business days once it is with a DSO. During peak times of the semester, processing time may be delayed due to the high volume of applications.
  4. If approved, the international student advisor (DSO) will authorize the RCL for the semester. You will be notified in a final e-mail if your request is approved. An updated I-20 showing the RCL authorization on page 2 will be attached in the final approval e-mail.

If you need general assistance, please reach out to our office by e-mail at international@stcloudstate.edu or call 320-308-4287.

For specific questions/concerns once your request is submitted, please reach out to International Student & Scholar Services by e-mail at isss@stcloudstate.edu.