Part-Time Study (Undergraduate Students)

Eligibility and enrollment

• You can be approved part-time status for reasons of:
  • Employment
  • Family responsibilities 
  • Medical
  • Graduating senior status: May apply for only one of final three quarters of enrollment. Maximum of one quarter of part-time status will be approved for reason of graduating senior. International students in F-1 or J-1 visa status may apply in their final graduating term only.
• Your college must grant approval for you to enroll as a part-time student.
• You must reapply for part-time study either quarterly or yearly, depending on the application submitted.
• International students in F-1 or J-1 visa status must be approved by the International Services and Engagement Office (ISEO), and may only be approved for Medical reason or Graduating senior status.

Application and approval

• Complete the Part-Time Study Application (E-Form).
  • Application deadline: By 11:59 PM PT on the Friday of Week 2 of the quarter, you must submit the application with supporting documents (if applicable), and be enrolled in 10 units or fewer. 
    • If you've already paid full registration fees and you are later approved for part-time study, then your student account will be automatically credited the difference. If you'd like to request a refund for credit on your student account, contact Student Financial Solutions.
• Approval for part-time study exempts students from the 36 unit-per-year minimum progress requirement.
• Approval for part-time study is granted for one of the following:
  • One full academic year (fall, winter and spring quarters)
  • Two continuous quarters (fall and winter OR winter and spring)
  • One single quarter (fall, winter or spring)
• Approval is not automatic, and should not be assumed.
• Note: If you're receiving financial assistance, be sure to contact the Financial Aid & Scholarships Office regarding eligibility requirements.
• Note: Campus housing contracts require that students maintain full-time enrollment of a minimum of 12 units per quarter. If you live on campus and plan to enroll in less than 12 units, contact your Residence Life Office to request an exception.

• Note: International students in F-1 or J-1 visa status may only be approved for Health or Final Quarter reasons. International students must receive additional authorization to drop below full time enrollment by submitting an International Student Reduced Course Load Request. You will receive an updated I-20 or DS-2019 with the reduced course load approval. Contact the International Services and Engagement Office with any questions regarding F-1 or J-1 status and reduced course load.

Change in status

• If you drop to 10 units or fewer after Friday of Week 2 of classes, you will not receive a fee reduction.
• If you receive a reduction in fees and you increase the number of units you're taking to 10.5 or more at any time in the quarter, you will be billed for the difference for full-time fees.
• If you make any adjustments to your schedule Weeks 2 through 4, please check your student account. If you see that you have been incorrectly assessed full-time tuition, please contact the Office of the Registrar.
• Any adjustments made after Week 4 could result in assessment of full-time fees. Courses dropped with a "W" grade are included in total enrolled units, including withdrawals from lab courses that may be adjusted later in the term.

Reduced fees and billing

If you have been approved for part-time study and are enrolled in 10 or fewer units by the Friday of Week 2, you are eligible for a reduction of:

• One-half of tuition
• One-half of nonresident supplemental tuition, if applicable