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
J-1 students are permitted to enroll in one online course per semester. The number of online credits is not specified but limited to one class. These credits count towards maintaining full time status.
F-1 students are limited to 3 online credits counting towards full time status.