Part-Time Study (Undergraduates)

Find out if you're eligible for part-time status.

If you are an undergraduate approved for part-time status, you may be eligible for reduced fees.

Definition: You are a part-time undergraduate student if you are approved to enroll for 10 or fewer units per quarter, including any units taken through UCSD Extension or fewer than 8 units during Summer Session.

Note: No special approval is required to study part-time during the summer.

Eligibility and enrollment

• You can be approved part-time status for reasons of:
  • Occupation
  • Family responsibilities
  • Health
  • Graduating senior status (one time only)
• Your college must grant approval for you to enroll as a part-time student.

Application and approval

• Apply for part-time status on the Part-Time Study application, available at your college.
• 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 through spring quarters
  • Winter through spring quarters
  • Spring quarter only
• Undergraduate students must reapply for approval each fall quarter.
• Approval is not automatic.
• Application deadline:
  • You must apply for part-time study by the end of Week 2 of the quarter, and obtain approval.
  • If you've already paid full registration fees, you'll receive a refund of the overpayment within 30 days.
  • If you haven't paid the registration fees for the quarter and you file the application after the fee-payment deadline, you will be charged late fees.
• Note: If you are receiving financial assistance, be sure to contact the Financial Aid office regarding eligibility requirements.
• Note: If you are an international student, contact the International Student Office, (858) 534-3730 before you apply for part-time status.

Reduced fees and billing

If you have been approved for part-time study and are enrolled in 10 or fewer units at the end of the second week of classes, you are eligible for a reduction of:

• One-half of the educational fee
• One-half of nonresident tuition, if applicable

Change in status

• If you drop to 10 units or fewer after the end of Week 2 of classes, you won't receive a reduction.
• If you receive a reduction in fees and you increase the number of units you're taking to 10.5 or more anytime in the quarter, you will be billed for the difference for full-time fees.

If you have questions, contact the appropriate resource:

• Your college
• Registrar's Office
• Summer Session
• International Student Office