Less Than Full Time

A reduced course load can be approved based on academic difficulty only once while pursuing a course of study at a particular program level. Students who receive approval for LTFT for academic reasons must remain enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours for undergraduate students or 4.5 credit hours for graduate students. To apply for a reduced course load based on any of the reasons listed below, F-1 and J-1 students must submit a letter from their academic advisor recommending them for LTFT for a specific term and explaining why the reduced course load is needed. The letter must be on an official letterhead.

• Initial difficulty with English language or reading requirements: is limited to first academic year only.
• Initial unfamiliarity with American teaching methods: is limited to first academic year only.
• Improper course level placement

If an F-1 or J-1 student has documented medical reasons that prevent them from enrolling full time, they may be eligible for a less than full-time authorization for medical reasons. To apply for a reduced course load based on medical reasons, F-1 and J-1 students must submit a letter from their medical provider recommending them for LIFT for a specified term. F-1 and J-1 students are limited to up to 12 aggregate months of medical LTFT per program level.

• The letter must be on an official letterhead signed by a licensed medical doctor, doctor of osteopathy, or licensed clinical psychologist stating that in their medical opinion, the student is not able to attend classes during a specific term or not able to attend classes full-time.
• The doctor should use the suggested letter template below. The doctor is not required to provide details about the student's diagnosis or medical condition or illness. However, the letter must include all information required on the template letter. If the student cannot take any courses, the letter must clearly state that.
• Approval for medical LTFT must be authorized by ISSS for each term requested.
• If you are approved for a medical LTFT, you are expected to return to full-time studies after their LTFT period has ended.
• F-1 and J-1 students in their final term of study are required to enroll in at least one course under medical LTFT.

Suggested Template Letter

[Must be printed on doctor’s office letterhead]
[Date]
International Students and Scholars Services
Drexel University

To Whom It May Concern: This letter is to inform you that I recommend the below named student (select one reason): be placed on a reduced course load for the (insert the term and year) due to medical reasons OR is unable to take any courses during the (insert term and year) due to medical reasons.

[Student’s Name]
[Student’s DOB]
[Doctor’s Signature]
[Doctor’s Printed Name, Tittle, and Stamp]

F-1 and J-1 students are allowed to take one vacation term each year. F-1 and J-1 students in a program that is run on a quarter system can take a vacation term after having completed three (3) consecutive quarters. F-1 and J-1 students in a program that is run on a semester system can take a vacation term after having completed two (2) consecutive semesters. During the vacation term, F-1 and J-1 students are allowed to enroll in classes. F-1 and J-1 students are expected to enroll full-time in courses after their vacation term ends.  

F-1 and J-1 students in the final term of their degree program can apply for LIFT if the credit hours they need to complete their program are less than what is needed to maintain full-time enrollment.