Full-time and Part-time Enrollment Information

What is part-time enrollment?

Part-time enrollment means an undergraduate student is enrolled in fewer than 12 credits during the fall or spring semester.

Why might I consider enrolling part-time?

There are many reasons a student may choose to enroll part-time, including:

• You are in your final semester and only need one or two courses to complete your degree.
• You need to reduce your course load to balance work, family responsibilities, or other personal commitments.
• You want to focus on a smaller number of courses to support your academic success, either as part of your long-term learning strategy or while transitioning back to college.
• You are considering dropping a course late in the semester and it is too late to add another course to maintain full-time status.

Am I allowed to be a part-time student?

Many students can choose to enroll part-time. However, some situations require students to maintain full-time enrollment.

Before changing your enrollment status, we strongly encourage you to speak with your academic advisor and, if applicable, other campus offices that oversee your student status.

Common situations that may require full-time enrollment include:

International Students

Students on F-1 or J-1 visas must comply with federal enrollment requirements. International Student Services (ISS) outlines these requirements and can help determine whether you qualify for a Reduced Course Load (RCL). Before making any changes to your enrollment, please consult your ISS advisor or attend ISS drop-in advising.

Student-Athletes

Students participating in Wisconsin Athletics programs may be required to maintain full-time enrollment to remain eligible. Contact your athletics academic advisor before enrolling part-time.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Some financial aid programs and scholarships require full-time enrollment. If you receive financial aid through UW-Madison, contact the Office of Student Financial Aid to understand how part-time enrollment may affect your eligibility. If you receive an external scholarship, check with the sponsoring organization.

Health Insurance

Certain student health insurance plans, including the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP), may have minimum enrollment requirements. Review your insurance policy or contact the provider for guidance.

Will being a part-time student affect my access to campus resources?

No. Part-time students continue to have access to many campus resources, including:

• Academic advising
• University Health Services (UHS)
• Campus libraries
• Recreational facilities and gyms
• Your bus pass and other student services

How will part-time enrollment affect my tuition and educational costs?

Part-time enrollment may affect both your tuition charges and financial aid eligibility.

• Tuition rates for part-time students differ from full-time tuition rates. Review the Office of the Bursar's tuition information for current rates.
• Financial aid, scholarships, and grants may be impacted by a reduced course load. We recommend speaking with the Office of Student Financial Aid before changing your enrollment status.

I think I want to enroll part-time. What should I do next?

Start by reviewing the "Am I allowed to be a part-time student?" section above to determine whether you need to consult with any campus offices before making changes.

We also recommend meeting with your academic advisor. Your advisor can help you:

• Understand how part-time enrollment may affect your graduation timeline
• Identify courses that should be prioritized
• Plan a schedule that aligns with your academic and personal goals
• Review any potential impacts on future semesters

What about summer enrollment?

Summer enrollment is calculated differently than fall and spring enrollment.

• For summer term, students enrolled in 6 to 10 credits during the DHH session are generally considered full-time.
• Many students have flexibility in deciding whether to enroll during the summer and whether to enroll full-time or part-time.
• However, if you are an international student, student-athlete, financial aid recipient, or have other enrollment-related requirements, be sure to confirm how summer enrollment may affect your status before making decisions.

Need help deciding?

If you're considering part-time enrollment, your academic advisor is a great first resource. They can help you evaluate your options, understand any potential impacts, and make a plan that supports your academic success.