Important information for F-1 international students regarding Graduate Student Exception and Reduced Course Load

The information in this section applies only to international students on an F-1 visa.

F-1 international students choosing to do a masters thesis (CSS 700) will be eligible to apply for a Graduate Student Exception (GSE). This allows students to enroll in less than ten credits over multiple quarters while they are completing their thesis work, so long as they have completed all of their core courses, electives, CSS 599, and are enrolled in CSS 700 credits. Students can still complete CSSSKL 511 and 594 while on the GSE, since these courses may be recommended by their chair to be taken concurrently with their thesis credits (unless you have already completed CSSSKL 511 previously). Please keep in mind that students are expected to complete all degree requirements by the end date on their I-20.

F-1 international students choosing to do a capstone project (Masters Project: CSS 595) will not be eligible for the GSE and will need to maintain full-time enrollment until their final quarter in the program in which they can apply for a Reduced Course Load (RCL) if their remaining degree requirements do not total 10 credits.

If a student is in the MSCE program and not planning to complete a capstone project or thesis and is instead planning to complete the Culminating Course or Internship option to satisfy degree requirements, they would not be eligible for the GSE since it is specific to thesis work only. In this scenario, students may be eligible for the RCL in their final quarter if all remaining degree requirements do not total 10 credits.

We’ve provided some sample academic plans that outline how both the GSE and RCL would be applied based on completion of a thesis or capstone project, as well as for MSCE students completing the Culminating Course or Internship.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it possible to use the Graduate Student Exception for Capstone Project/Masters Project Work (CSS 595)? 

No, the Graduate Student Exception can only be applied if a student is completing a masters thesis (CSS 700). If a student is completing a masters project (CSS 595, also referred to as a Capstone Project), they can apply for a Reduced Course Load one time in their final quarter as long as they do not need to enroll in 10 credits to complete their remaining degree requirements. Aside from their final quarter, students completing a Masters Project must enroll full-time each quarter. 

2. When can I begin using the Graduate Student Exception if I am pursuing my thesis? 

You can begin using the Graduate Student Exception during the first quarter in which you will be enrolling in masters thesis credits (CSS 700) as long as all other degree requirements (CSS 599, all Core Courses, all Electives) are complete. You can utilize the Graduate Student Exception before and during completion of CSSSKL 511 and CSSSKL 594. 

3. How many quarters can I use the Graduate Student Exception while doing my thesis work? 

You can use the Graduate Student Exception for as many quarters as needed as long as you meet the eligibility outlined under question 2. You do need to plan to complete all degree requirements by the end date indicated on your I-20. 

4. How many times can I use the Reduced Course Load if I am pursuing my Masters/Capstone Project? 

You can only use the Reduced Course Load one time during your final quarter of enrollment to complete your degree as long as you do not need to enroll in 10 credits to complete remaining requirements. 

5. How and when do I apply for a Graduate Student Exception? 

You will apply for the Graduate Student Exception in the International Student Portal. It is advised that you apply for your GSE after you have registered for the quarter that you are requesting it, and no later than the end of the first week of that quarter. You will apply for the GSE for every quarter you are using it. 

6. How and when do I apply for a Reduced Course Load? 

You will apply for the Reduced Course Load in the International Student Portal. It is advised that you apply for your RCL after you have registered for the quarter that you are requesting it, and no later than the end of the first week of that quarter. 

7. I have utilized the Reduced Course Load during what I had planned to be my final quarter of capstone work. However, I now need one additional quarter to complete my capstone work. Can I use the Reduced Course Load again? 

A final quarter RCL indicates the end of your program in SEVIS. If you fail your degree requirements on final quarter RCL, ISS can extend your record and approve final quarter RCL one more time in the immediate next quarter (summer included and mandatory). Failure to complete your degree requirements must be substantial, documented by your academic department, and sent to ISS. Practical training requests will not be approved during a second final quarter RCL. If you fail to complete the second RCL quarter, your SEVIS record will be terminated for otherwise failing to maintain status.

The following is for anyone who has also applied for Post-completion OPT and fails to complete their program of study: 

1. If you have requested the OPT recommendation but not submitted the I-765 : tell ISS and they will cancel the OPT recommendation on your I-20. Your record will be eligible for extension and a second RCL with academic department approval. 
2. If you have submitted the I-765 and it’s “pending”: tell ISS and they will help you formally withdraw your application with USCIS. You will not be refunded by USCIS. Your record will be eligible for extension and a second RCL with academic department approval.  
3. If your I-765 has been approved : tell ISS. You will only be able to work part-time (up to 20 hours/week) until your degree requirements are met. You must report employment. If you fail to report employment within 90 days of your OPT start date, whether you’ve finished your degree or not, you must leave the US. Your record will not be extended and you will not be eligible for RCL. Your time in the US at this point is completely reliant on your ability to quickly complete your degree requirements and maintain employment. 

8. After I have started my masters thesis or masters project, can I switch the format to the other? For example, if I start my masters thesis and later want to convert it to a masters project, can I change it from CSS 700 to CSS 595? 

As of May 2025, the UW Registrar is no longer allowing the changing of CSS 700 to CSS 595 credits (or vice-versa) for past/completed quarters, unless due to university error (i.e. staff or faculty error). Therefore, it is important to make a firm decision with your faculty chair and supervisory committee if you will be completing either a masters thesis or masters project during the time that you submit your proposal and Request to Form a Supervisory Committee, as retroactive changes are highly unlikely to be granted moving forward.

Sample academic plans

Sample academic plans illustrate the use of the Graduate Student Exception and Reduced Course Load for F-1 international students. These plans are samples and your individual plan may vary.

MSCSSE and MSCE student completing master’s thesis

MSCSSE and MSCE student completing master’s project

MSCE student completing Culminating Course or Internship