The Graduate School at The University of Texas at Austin recognizes these as minimum full-time course loads. Individual graduate programs may require more.
Fall & Spring Terms
9 term hours for full-time status
Summer Term
3 term hours for full-time status
Affiliated Studies
The three credit-hour minimum course load for the summer term may be satisfied in one six-week term, or in the nine-week or 12-week terms. Students enrolled in Affiliated Studies—study abroad programs offered by organizations and institutions with which the university has an affiliation agreement—are considered full-time students.
Graduate students who must register and remain registered for a full-time course load:
Holders of Graduate School-administered fellowships and scholarships
Assistant instructors, teaching assistants, academic assistants, assistants, graduate research assistants and tutors
Students living in university housing; students receiving certain student loans
International students
Agencies that grant loans or provide for educational funding may establish different definitions of full-time status. Students should be familiar with the regulations of any agency to which they have an obligation.
Office of the Registrar
Certification of full-time status, when needed, is provided by the Office of the Registrar.
Maximum Course Load
Spring and Fall Term: 15 hours
12 Week Summer Term: 12 hours
Students who wish to exceed the maximum course load must submit a petition letter from their graduate adviser to the graduate dean for approval.