Medical leave/Reduced Course Load

Information for F-1 students who may need medical leave or a reduced course load

If F-1 students experience a medical emergency or event and need a break from their studies, they should work with their DSO to request a reduced course load (RCL) for medical conditions. The DSO may authorize an RCL (or, if necessary, no course load) due to a student’s temporary illness or medical condition for up to 12 months during the course of study at that program level.

The student must provide the DSO with medical documentation from a licensed medical doctor or clinical psychologist. The DSO must reauthorize medical RCL for the student at the beginning of each term.