Navigating Part-Time Studies at UCLA: A Comprehensive Guide

For students seeking flexibility in their academic journey, UCLA offers part-time study options with specific requirements and considerations. This guide provides a detailed overview of these requirements, covering undergraduate, graduate, and international students, as well as financial aid and other essential aspects.

Reduced Fees and Enrollment Requirements

Undergraduate Students

Undergraduate students may be eligible for a one-half reduction in the tuition portion of registration fees and a one-half reduction in nonresident supplemental tuition, if applicable, under limited circumstances and with prior approval from their College or school. To qualify, an undergraduate student must be enrolled in 10 or fewer units as of Friday of the third week of the term. Students must consult with their College or school for specific eligibility requirements. It's important to note that if a student enrolls in or receives credit for more units than approved, a bill will be issued for repayment of the amount by which fees were reduced. Except for these qualified and approved part-time students, there is no reduction in the student services fee, tuition, nonresident supplemental tuition, IEI fee, student union, or Undergraduate Students Association fees.

To obtain approval, students must submit the fee reduction request to the appropriate College or school advising office by Friday of the second week of the term.

Graduate Students

Graduate students may be eligible for a one half-reduction in tuition, nonresident supplemental tuition, and/or professional degree supplemental tuition, when applicable, on department recommendation and approval by the Division of Graduate Education for enrollment in 6 or fewer units. For part-time status eligibility criteria, see the graduate student part-time enrollment web page. Graduate student applications for part-time status must include a memo from the student’s faculty advisor. The memo must contain sufficient detail to allow the Division of Graduate Education to independently evaluate the need for, and feasibility of, part-time status. The memo must be signed by the department chair and, if applicable, the student’s Dashew Center counselor. A memo template may be downloaded from the part-time enrollment web page. Part-time status may be requested for a maximum of three quarters. Extensions beyond this limit, for a total of up to six quarters, may be approved under exceptional circumstances. Assessment of reduced fees is based on total enrolled units. A graduate student must be enrolled in 6 or fewer units as of Friday of the third week of the term. Students in self-supporting degree programs, and those who have advanced to doctoral candidacy, are not eligible for fee reductions.

For all programs, the fee reduction request (completed application and memo) must be submitted by Friday of the second week of the term. The online fee reduction request should be completed and submitted through a browser on most devices, which is the preferred method for all requests. Downloadable PDF forms, when available, are submitted through the Message Center or per form-specific instructions. If the student is unable to use either of these methods, paper forms may be available on request by contacting the Registrar’s Office or the individual College/school/division.

Filing Fee for Graduate Students

Graduate students may be eligible for and billed a filing fee (half of the student services fee full amount) in lieu of the full student services fee for the term in which they expect to complete final degree requirements.

In Absentia Registration

Graduate students taking coursework or conducting research related to their degree programs more than 100 miles from UCLA may be eligible for in absentia registration, and reduction of the student services fee and tuition.

University Employees

Full-time UCLA employees may apply for reduced fee enrollment. Per personnel procedure 51, employees may be eligible for a two-thirds reduction of the student services fee and tuition. Other fee reductions may also be available. See the procedure for requirements and application details. Students who use the part-time fee reduction from their academic dean may not also use the employee reduction.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) and Financial Aid

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is different than satisfactory academic standing monitored by a student’s academic department or college. SAP measures your progress toward degree completion using 2 methods: QUALITATIVE (GPA) and QUANTITATIVE (units completed compared to units attempted). You must meet or exceed these standards to be eligible for UCLA financial aid. SAP allows financial aid to be awarded ONLY to students who have NOT attempted more than 150% of the units required to complete their degree. For an undergraduate student, SAP cumulative limit is exhausted at 270 attempted units. The standards apply to all college coursework taken, regardless of whether financial aid was received or not. This includes coursework transferred from other institutions. SAP is reviewed annually after winter quarter grades are available. Units attempted are captured on the census date, which is the end of third week each quarter. Students who fail to meet the Standards for Satisfactory Academic Progress will have their financial aid eligibility suspended.

UCLA Financial Aid and Scholarships checks your units on the census date at the end of the third week of classes. Enrollment below half-time on that date will result in cancellation of your aid and billing for funds received. Half-time enrollment for an undergraduate student is 6 units. Some undergraduate awards (Federal Pell Grant, Cal Grant, Blue and Gold Opportunity Grant and University Grants) require full time (12 units) enrollment in order to maintain maximum eligibility. Enrollment below 12 units on the census date will result in reduction of and billing for these awards. Federal Grants will not be reinstated if your unit count increases after the census date. State and University Grants can be reinstated through an appeal once we can verify the units completed for the term.

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Federal student aid regulations require schools to verify your participation in courses. Your certification of attendance is not acceptable confirmation of academically-related activity. That must be made by UCLA. If you have NOT commenced any academic activity in a class before the start of 3rd WEEK OF EACH QUARTER, your instructor will notify FAS. Your financial aid will be adjusted based only on enrollment in classes that you are participating in.

Academic Activities include any of the following: Physically attending a class where there is an opportunity for direct interaction between the instructor and students, Submitting an academic assignment, Taking an exam, completing an interactive tutorial, or participating in computerassisted instruction, Attending a study group that is assigned by the school, Participating in an online discussion about academic matters, Initiating contact with a faculty member to ask a question about the academic subject studied in the course. Or other documentation showing that you initiated contact with a faculty member to ask a question about the academic subject studied in the course. Academic Activities do NOT include: Living in institutional housing, Participating in the school’s meal plan, Logging into an online class without active participation, Participating in academic counseling or advisement, Course registration.

Withdrawals and Financial Aid

If you receive financial aid but do not start academic participation in any of your classes, your aid will be canceled, and YOU WILL NEED TO RETURN 100% of aid received. If you start attendance and then withdraw, you may be required to return a portion of financial aid funds received. The calculation of Return of Title IV funds received is based on published schedules, and the date you withdraw (officially or unofficially), cancel your registration, or drop all your classes. Title IV funds include Federal Pell Grant, SEOG, Work-Study and Federal Loans. STATE GRANTS (ex: Cal Grant) and UNIVERSITY GRANTS (ex: University Grant, Blue and Gold Opportunity Award, Scholarship Recognition Award, etc.) will also be subject to reduction and billing. The calculation of return of grant aid is based on published schedules and the date you withdraw, cancel your registration or drop all your classes. Information regarding withdrawal calculations is available in our Guide to the Return of Title IV Funds.

Requirements for International Students (F-1 and J-1 Visas)

F-1 Students

Currently enrolled UCLA F-1 students are responsible for maintaining their F-1 status during their UCLA degree program. Students who would like to submit requests or who have questions regarding their visa status may schedule an appointment with an F-1 Counselor.

F-1 students are required to maintain full-time enrollment and make normal academic progress toward completion of their degree program. Undergraduate Students: minimum of 12 units per academic quarter (students are not required to enroll full-time for Summer term). Graduate Students : minimum of 8-12 units per academic quarter (please check with your department for full-time course load unit requirements). F-1 students must have full-time enrollment for each academic quarter, which may include only one online class to be counted towards their full-time enrollment. If your courses include lectures and discussion sessions, the lecture component must be in-person and noted in your official student enrollment records. Students who are in their final quarter of degree completion are not required to have full-time enrollment. However, students do need to complete and submit a final quarter RCL Request E-Form request to the Dashew Center by quarter add/drop deadline for maintaining status. Please note, your final quarter enrollment must include in-person course(s). Failure to maintain full-time enrollment requirement during your program will result in severe consequences for your F-1 status.

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F-1 students are not allowed to drop below full-time enrollment without receiving prior authorization for a Reduced Course Load (RCL) from Dashew Center. Maintaining accurate local contact information in the MyBruin International portal is very important. Failure to update contact information in a timely manner can result in termination of your F-1 status. F-1 students must maintain a valid passport at all times, with validity extending at least 6 months into the future.

F-1 students who are unable to complete their degree requirements by the end date indicated on their current UCLA I-20 may request an I-20 extension for reasons such as change of major, need for more time to complete thesis/dissertation, change in the research topic, or unforeseen circumstances. I-20s may be extended for a maximum of one academic year at a time.

F-1 students may be authorized by Dashew Center to drop below full-time enrollment for the following circumstances: Academic Difficulty: student has difficulties with a course due to improper course placement, initial difficulty with reading requirements, or unfamiliarity with UCLA teaching methods (this reason can only be used during the first quarter/semester at UCLA for each degree level). Illness/Medical Condition: student has medical condition (medical doctor's recommendation letter required). Final Quarter at UCLA: student has less units remaining to complete their program than is required to maintain full-time enrollment.

F-1 students who are not planning to enroll for an academic term (Fall, Winter, or Spring quarter) for personal or academic reasons must meet with an F-1 Counselor during a scheduled appointment to discuss their eligibility for a leave of absence and its consequences for maintaining F-1 status. Eligible F-1 graduate students planning to engage in degree-related research 100 miles or more away from UCLA will be eligible to maintain F-1 status through registration in-absentia.

F-1 students are eligible to work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) during the academic year and full-time (more than 20 hours per week) during vacation terms (e.g. Summer or Winter break) on-campus. F-1 students may not engage in off-campus employment (including paid and unpaid internships) before receiving proper employment authorization from the Dashew Center or USCIS (see CPT and OPT sections).

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is employment authorization that allows F-1 students to engage in an off-campus academic internships or employment (paid or unpaid) that is a required or integral part of their academic curriculum. CPT Types: Part-time: up to 20 hours per week during the academic year (Fall, Winter and Spring) Full-time: more than 20 hours or more per week (only available during the Summer)

Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows students to work in jobs directly related to their field of study after their degree completion. F-1 students are eligible for an initial 12 months of OPT per higher degree level achieved.

Eligible F-1 students who have completed a designated STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) degree may be eligible to apply for a 24-month STEM OPT Extension.

J-1 Students

J-1 students are required to maintain full-time enrollment and make normal academic progress toward completion of their degree or exchange program. Undergraduate Students: minimum of 12 units per academic quarter (students are not required to enroll full-time for Summer Quarter). Graduate Students : minimum of 8-12 units per academic quarter (please check with your department for full-time course load unit requirements). J-1 students can only count one course of online coursework toward the full-time enrollment requirement. Failure to maintain full-time enrollment during your program will result in severe consequences for your J-1 status.

J-1 students may be authorized by the Dashew Center to drop below full-time enrollment for the following circumstances: Academic Difficulty: student has difficulty with a course due to improper course placement, initial difficulty with reading requirements, or unfamiliarity with UCLA teaching methods (this reason can only be used once during the program and students must maintain at least 50% of full-time enrollment). Illness/Medical Condition: student has a medical condition (medical doctor's recommendation letter required). Final Quarter at UCLA (option not available for exchange students): student has less units remaining to complete their program than is required to maintain full-time enrollment.

UCLA Extension Enrollment

UCLA Extension courses are primarily designed for post-baccalaureate professional-level students, with enrollment typically reserved for adult students 18 years of age and older. However, UCLA Extension may consent to enroll students under the age of 18 based on special academic competence and with prior approval by the instructor. A parent or legal guardian must complete the Waiver for Enrollment for Minors and submit it to the appropriate Academic Program Department prior to enrollment. Students must be at least 21 years of age to enroll in viticulture, enology and other courses where wine or other alcoholic beverages are studied and served.

Many UCLA Extension courses, specializations, and certificate programs are restricted, meaning you must apply for admission and/or obtain permission before enrolling. If the UCLA Extension program you are interested in is restricted, there will be application instructions on the specific program page. You may be subject to a nominal application fee. If the UCLA Extension course you are interested in requires specific prerequisites (previous academic credit required for enrollment), you will be responsible for submitting proof that the prerequisites have been met.

UCLA Extension does not provide for auditing/visiting courses by the general public. All students must be enrolled before attending the first class meeting.* In addition, auditing/visiting is not permitted for single admission, weekend or remote/online courses. Many UCLA Extension courses offer the option of enrolling “not for credit” or “do not record” for students interested in exposure to the material in credit-bearing classes, but who elect not to have their work evaluated or assessed.

UCLA Extension courses with enrollment limits will close for further enrollment once the maximum number of students has been reached; however, many of these courses utilize wait lists.

Part-Time Study for Graduate Students

In most cases, completion of master’s and doctoral degrees requires full-time graduate study. The “Policy and Procedures Concerning Part-Time Study in the University of California” allows qualified graduate students, who are unable to attend full-time, to petition to enroll part-time for reasons of occupation, family responsibility, or health. Completed forms must include a memo of support from the student’s Faculty Advisor and an indication of when part-time status would, if approved, begin and end.

Federal regulations prohibit graduate students with F-1 and J-1 visas from enrolling on a part-time basis (defined as less than 8 units per quarter). Academic Difficulty: When students are experiencing academic difficulty on a specific quarter due to improper course placement, initial difficulty with reading requirements, or unfamiliarity with UCLA teaching methods. Personal Medical Illness: When students present a written medical reason to reduce or interrupt a full-time course load due to a personal illness or medical condition. This exception should not exceed an aggregate of 12 months while the student is pursuing a course of study at UCLA. Final Quarter: On their final quarter/semester, if students need less than a full-time course load to complete their academic requirements to graduate; they may enroll in a part-time course load. Please note: F-1 and J-1 graduate students requesting RCL authorization for reasons of Academic Difficulty and Final Quarter will not be eligible for reduced tuition and fees. As stated in the Criteria section above, requests for part-time enrollment and accompanying fee reductions will only be granted for reasons of employment, health condition or accommodation for disability, or primary care giving responsibilities.

Students with part-time enrollment status have access to university resources, including full library privileges and access to faculty. Part-time graduate students will be eligible for appointments to salary titles requiring regular registration in graduate status, such as Teaching Assistant and Research Assistant. The total of any and all appointments during a term will be limited to no more than one-half (25%) the maximum appointment available to full-time students.

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