The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
International Admissions and Student Services Office of Global Engagement
Enrollment Requirement
Enrollment Requirements for International Students under F-1 Visa
| Level of Education | Fall | Spring |
| Undergraduate | 12 Credit Hours | 12 Credit Hours |
| Graduate | 9 Credit Hours | 9 Credit Hours |
Enrollment Requirements for International Students under F-1 Border Commuter Visa (Full-Time)
| Level of Education | Fall | Spring |
| Undergraduate | 12 Credit Hours | 12 Credit Hours |
| Graduate | 9 Credit Hours | 9 Credit Hours |
Enrollment Requirements for International Students under F-1 Border Commuter Visa (Part-Time)
| Level of Education | Fall | Spring |
| Undergraduate | 6 Credit Hours | 6 Credit Hours |
| Graduate | 3-6 Credit Hours | 3-6 Credit Hours |
Enrollment Requirements for International Students starting during the Summer Sessions
Undergraduate Students
If admitted Summer I:
- 6 Credit Hours
If admitted Summer II:
- 6 Credit Hours
Graduate Students
If admitted Summer I:
- 6 Credit Hours Summer I or;
- 3 Credit Hours Summer I and 3 Credit Hours Summer II
If admitted Summer II:
- 6 Credit Hours
Students can be exempt to these rules if the following scenarios apply for a reduced course load (RCL).
Academic Exceptions
- Improper course placement
- Initial difficulty with reading requirements (first semester only)
- Initial difficulty with the English language (first semester only)
- Unfamiliar with American teaching methods (first semester only)
- Will graduate the current semester and student will be taking the last remaining course(s) to complete his/her degree.
- Graduate student enrolled in only thesis or dissertation, considered by UTRGV as in pursuit of a full course of study, and making normal progress toward degree.
- Medical documentation signed by your licensed medical doctor, licensed doctor of osteopathy, or licensed clinical psychologist. Immigration will not accept letters signed by nurses, nurse practitioners, or physician’s assistants. Letter must state credit hours recommended for the current semester. This medical exception may not exceed 12 months.
Online Enrollment Requirements:
For F-1 students enrolled in classes for credit or classroom hours, no more than the equivalent of one class or three credits per session, term, semester, trimester, or quarter may be counted toward the full course of study requirement if the class is taken on-line or through distance education and does not require the student's physical attendance for classes, examination or other purposes integral to completion of the class.
- An on-line or distance education course is a course that is offered principally through the use of television, audio, or computer transmission including open broadcast, closed circuit, cable, microwave, or satellite, audio conferencing, or computer conferencing. If the F-1 student's course of study is in a language study program, no on-line or distance education classes may be considered to count toward a student's full course of study requirement. 8 CFR 214.2(f)(6)(i)(G
If you have any additional questions, please contact your International Student Advisor.