International Student and Scholar Services | Reduced Course Load
The regulations allow students to take a reduced course load under limited, very specific circumstances. The International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) director must authorize in advance any reductions in your course load for any of the reasons described below. The ISSS must report to the Department of Homeland Security those students who have been authorized to take a reduced course load. Likewise ISSS is required to report your return to full-time study.
Even under the provisions for a reduced course load, you are required to take a certain number of credits. In severe circumstances due to medical conditions it is possible to take no courses at all.
1. Academic Difficulties
The ISSS director may authorize a reduced course load if you experience initial difficulties with the English language or reading requirements, unfamiliarity with United States teaching methods or improper course placement. This reason for a reduced course load is only available to you during your first semester at SAIS. If you take a reduced course load your first semester due to academic difficulties, you must take a full course load the following semester.
2. Medical Conditions
The ISSS director may authorize a reduced (or no) course load for an aggregate period of up to 12 months should you experience a temporary illness or medical condition.Before this reduction in course load can be authorized, you must obtain medical documentation from a licensed medical doctor, doctor of osteopathy or a licensed clinical psychologist. The reduced course load must be re-authorized each semester it is needed. It is important to remember that the 12-month allowable period of reduced course load due to medical conditions is an aggregate period that is available to you during a course of study at a particular program level. When you change educational levels, you are eligible for another 12-month period.
3. Completion of Course of Study
The ISSS director may authorize a reduced course load in your final semester if fewer than three courses are needed to complete your course of study. If you are not required to take additional courses to satisfy the requirements for completion, but continue to enroll for administrative purposes, you are considered to have completed your course of study and must take action to maintain your legal status in the United States by applying for optional practical training or applying for a change of status to another nonimmigrant category.