Part-Time Status Request Form for International Students

This form is for international students (F-1 visa holders) to request part-time enrollment status or approval for a medical leave of absence. Review the eligibility criteria for part-time enrollment in the Policy Handbook for Students and on the ISS Part-Time and Vacation Semester page.

Note:

Part-time authorization is valid for one semester only.

Students seeking part-time enrollment due to a medical condition or disability must first meet with Accessibility Resources for Students (ARS) and submit the required documentation to ARS. Go to the Accessibility Resources for Students page to schedule an appointment. Do not use this form to request medical part-time.

Students seeking medical leave must first submit the required medical documentation to International Student Services prior to completing this form. Review the instructions for requesting a medical leave of absence.

F-1 regulations limit the number of online courses that both full- and part-time students can take each semester. Review the Online Course Policy for F-1 Students.

Taking more than one remote course during a final semester will result in the loss of F1 status and ineligibility for Practical Training.

U.S. citizens/permanent residents or international students in a visa category other than F-1 (H-4, O-1, etc.) should not use this form. Go to the Part-Time Status Request Form for U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents.

Student Details

Full Name

Colleague ID

Colleague ID (calc)

Email Address

Select the semester for which you are requesting part-time enrollment

Spring 2026

Enter the number of credits you plan to take if your part-time request is approved.

Final Semester: the number you enter here must match the number of remaining required credits shown on your degree audit.

If your degree audit is inaccurate: you must get your degree audit updated before submitting this form if you find inaccuracies that will affect your eligibility for part-time enrollment. Go to the ISS page > Part-Time to find out how to get your degree audit updated.

Special Student Relief (eligible students only): must enroll in at least 6 required credits.

Reason for Part-Time Enrollment

Carefully review the criteria for each part-time reason below. Then, select the reason for which you qualify for part-time. F-1 regulations allow part-time enrollment only for the following reasons:

Final semester with fewer than 12 required credits remaining: your degree audit must show that you have fewer than 12 required credits (with no sequential courses, e.g., Harmony 3 and Harmony 4) remaining to complete all graduation requirements, including any required internships and/or recitals.
Summer vacation semester: you must have enrolled full-time in the previous Spring semester and intend to enroll the following Fall semester.
Fall or Spring vacation semester with fewer than 24 required credits remaining: you must be eligible for a vacation semester and your degree audit must show that you have fewer than 24 credits remaining to complete all graduation requirements. Go to the ISS page to find out if you qualify for a vacation semester.
Fall or Spring vacation semester AND enrolling only in an internship: you must be eligible for a vacation semester and you plan to enroll only in an internship course (IN-299, IN-399, or IN-495).
Medical leave of absence: review the instructions for requesting a medical leave of absence.
Enrolling during USCIS-pending or -approved post-completion OPT/STEM OPT: you have completed all required coursework and your post-completion OPT/STEM OPT application is pending with or approved by USCIS.
Not in F-1 status; enrolling remotely while physically outside the U.S.: your degree audit must show that you qualify for part-time based under policies for domestic students, typically you must have have fewer than 24 credits remaining to complete all graduation requirements and you will remain physically outside the U.S. while enrolled. For students who are in F1 status, your I-20/SEVIS record will be terminated upon approval of your request.
Special Student Relief (for SSR eligible students only). Reduced course load authorization under "Special Student Relief" is authorized by Department of Homeland Security and is paired with authorization to work up to 30 hours/week through student employment. Students are not required to work to qualify for part-time authorization, nor is an on-campus position or additional hours guaranteed by the College. Undergraduates must register for at least 6 required credits and graduate students must work with their department advisor to determine the appropriate number of credits, but not less than half-time. Do not select this reason unless you have been instructed to do so by an ISS advisor.

Select your reason for part-time:

1. Final semester with fewer than 12 required credits remaining2. Summer vacation semester3. Fall or Spring vacation semester with fewer than 24 required credits remaining4. Fall or Spring vacation semester and enrolling only in an internship5. Medical leave of absence6. Enrolling during USCIS-pending or -approved post-completion OPT/STEM OPT7. Not in F-1 status; enrolling remotely while physically outside the U.S.8. Special Student Relief (eligible students only)

Will you be studying on the Valencia campus during the semester for which you are requesting part-time?

YesNo

Do you have a Berklee Scholarship and/or Berklee Grant?

YesNo

Satisfactory Academic Policy (SAP) Acknowledgment

Review the SAP Policy on the Student Success page.

I understand that I must meet or exceed the standards of Berklee's SAP Policy at the end of each semester of enrollment. Failure to meet SAP standards will negatively affect my eligibility for future enrollment, financial aid, and scholarship, and could result in the termination of my SEVIS record and loss of F-1 status.

Online Course Policy for F-1 Students Acknowledgement

Review the Online Course Policy for F-1 Students.
Contact iss@berklee.edu if you have questions about the Online Course Policy for F1 students.

I have read and understand the Online Course Policy for F-1 Students.

If I am in my final semester of study I acknowledge that enrolling in more than one remote course—at any institution, including Berklee College, BOL, or any other school—will result in the termination of my SEVIS record and the loss of my F-1 status. As a result, I will be required to depart the U.S. upon termination of my SEVIS record and will not be eligible for Practical Training, including Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT).

Financial Impact Acknowledgement

Read the Scholarship Proration Policy and calculate your prorated financial award amount.
Contact studentaccounts@berklee.edu if you have questions about your financial aid, scholarship award, or tuition bill.

I understand that enrolling part-time may impact the amount of financial aid and/or scholarship money I can receive for a semester, and that my financial aid and/or scholarship award will be prorated based on the number of credits I am registered in.

Notification Acknowledgement

Contact the Office of Student Financial Services: onestop@berklee.edu
Contact International Student Services (ISS): iss@berklee.edu

I will notify the Office of Student Financial Services and ISS if I switch back to full-time or want to enroll in more or fewer credits than the number I entered on this form.