F-1 and J-1 student visa holders are required to enroll full-time on the campus which issued their I-20 (F-1) or DS-2019 (J-1). There are restrictions on how many online credits can count toward minimum full-time enrollment requirements. Students studying only online are not able to enter or remain in the U.S. as an F-1 or J-1 student.
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Fall and Spring Semester Enrollment
Full-time enrollment during the Fall and Spring Semesters is required. The minimum full-time credit load by program of study are listed below, including federal limitations on online enrollment.
Fall/Spring Semester Enrollment Requirements
| wdt_ID | Student Classification | Minimum total credits | Minimum "in-person" or "hybrid" credits | Maximum online/remote credits to count toward full-time enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Undergraduate | 12 | 9 | 3 |
| 2 | ||||
| 3 | Graduate | 8 | 5 | 3 |
| 4 | Graduate w/ TA/PA 33.3% | 6 | 3 | 3 |
| 5 | Graduate w/ TA/PA50% | 4 | 1 | 3 |
| 6 | Graduate w/ RA 33-50% | 8 | 5 | 3 |
| 7 | Dissertator | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Student Classification | Minimum total credits | Minimum "in-person" or "hybrid" credits | Maximum online/remote credits to count toward full-time enrollment |
Graduate students should get familiar with Graduate School policies as listed on the website.
Professional program full-time enrollment requirements may vary. Students in a professional program should confirm the minimum full-time enrollment requirement each semester with their program coordinator.
For J-1 Students: One online course can count towards full-time enrollment.
Summer Enrollment
Summer enrollment is generally not required for continuing students (that is, students who enrolled full-time for the Spring semester and intend to enroll full-time for the Fall semester). However, there are two important exceptions which require summer enrollment.
- Summer program start date: If you start your academic program at UW-Madison in the summer, you must enroll full-time during that semester. This includes students who are returning from a break in their studies and returning to resume studies during summer. In-person/hybrid course enrollment is required.
Summer 2023 Approved Start Dates
| Start Date | Program | Session Code* | Session Dates | #Wks | Minimum Full-time Credits |
| May 22 | Accelerated BS Nursing | ZNN | 5/22–8/27 | 14 | 13 credits (Undergraduate only) |
| June 5 | Nelson Institute of Environmental Studies | BBB+
DHH |
6/5–6/18 6/19–8/13 |
2 7 |
1 (BBB) + 7 (DHH) = 8 (Graduate only) |
| June 5 | Occupational Therapy Doctorate | BII | 6/5–8/6 | 10 | 9 (Graduate only) |
| June 5 | MS Curriculum & Instruction | BLL | 6/5–8/27 | 13 | 4 (Graduate only) |
| June 12 | MS Athletic Training | CHH | 6/12–8/6 | 8 | 8 (Graduate only) |
| June 19 | Any | DHH | 6/19–8/13 | 7 | 6 (Undergraduate)
4 (Graduate) |
| July 17 | ITA Training
VISP cohorts |
HEE
HDD |
7/17–8/20
7/17–8/13 |
4 | 2 (Graduate only) |
| July 31 | International Student Summer Institute (ISSI)
Mechanical Engineering Summer Launch Electrical & Computer Engineering Summer Launch |
JDD | 7/31–8/27 | 4 | 3 (Undergraduate only) |
2. Summer program end date: If you will complete your enrollment requirements during the summer term, you must enroll in UW-Madison in-person/hybrid credits. During summer, you must take the course(s) that are required to complete your program of study. If your required credits are less than the full-time enrollment minimum, you must submit a Reduced Course Load for final semester.
Students considering completion of final work while abroad or through another institution must discuss this matter with ISS as there are serious consequences for F-1 and J-1 status and benefits.
You may have institutional obligations that require you to enroll during summer, such as:
- Your academic program requires summer enrollment.
- Your award (such as a fellowship) or employment (such as a graduate assistantship) requires summer enrollment.
Online Course Enrollment
Please see our Online Course Enrollment page for details before you take online courses.