International Student Services

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) requires F-1 students to enroll in a minimum number of “physical presence” courses each semester in order to meet the full time enrollment requirement. Students who enroll in too many distance education (online) courses and who do not take the minimum number of “physical presence” hours/courses violate their F1 status.

General Info

• Graduate students must enroll in at least 6 hours of “physical presence” courses each required semester**
• Undergraduate students must take at least 9 credit hours of “physical presence” courses each required semester**
• The remainder of the hours needed to meet the full time enrollment requirement may be distance education (online) courses if the student wishes. 

*Distance Education is defined as a course where the student receives the majority of instruction in a way other than being present in a classroom on campus.  CPT and independent research courses are not considered distance education courses.  If you have questions regarding what is defined as a “physical presence” course or other elements of the full-time enrollment requirement, please contact an international student advisor.
**See Full-time Enrollment for more information about required semesters.