Accepted International Students
How Many Courses Should I Take?
For each course you take, you will attend 3 hours of lecture per week, plus additional time in the lab, IF the course has a lab component (such as language courses and science courses).
AND, to meet the demands of a university level course, you need to commit an additional 6-9 hours per week per class for studying. This includes reading texts, reviewing lecture notes, research for assignments, studying for tests, and writing papers.
Taking five classes in one term is considered a “full load.” This is quite challenging, especially if you also have labs, but it certainly can be done if you plan for it. Be prepared for about 15 hours of class time and from 30 to 45 hours of studying each week.
Many students choose something a little less, three or four courses per term, similar to the example below.
Example:
This student is registered for 2 full courses, plus 1 half course in fall term and 2 half courses in the winter term.
Total credit hours for the year = 21. If you need a refresher on “credit hours”, see Key Definitions
Fall Term |
Winter Term |
Half course (3 credit hrs) |
Half course (3 credit hrs) |
Full course (6 credit hrs) |
--> Full course continues |
Full course (6 credit hrs) |
--> Full course continues |
|
Half course (3 credit hrs) |
Total class time for Fall Term: 9 hours/week |
Total class time for Winter Term: 12 hours/week |
Total study time: 18-27 hours/week |
Total study time: 24-36 hours/week |
International Students
International students must enroll as full-time students and take a minimum of 9 credit hours per term (i.e. 3 courses per term).
You may take a maximum of 15 credit hours per term.
How many courses you take is an important decision for achieving academic success and keeping good health and balance in your life.
More information:
