Full-Time vs. Part-Time Student Status

In order to be considered a “full-time” graduate student by the University of Washington, a student needs to be registered for 10 or more credits each quarter. “Half-time” graduate student status requires the student to be registered for five to nine credits.

For many students this is of no consequence. It is important to note, however, that differing criteria and standards for full-time enrollment exist for eligibility in certain programs. Consult the UW Office of Student Financial Aid, or any other source from which you are receiving assistance, to determine its quarterly credit load requirements for satisfactory student status/progress. The tuition schedule does not reflect credit requirements for loan deferments, teaching assistantships, international student status or internship-related CPT credit, or other programs (e.g., student housing, insurance).

Teaching/Research Assistants

Graduate students who wish to maintain teaching or research assistant positions must be registered for at least 10 credits during the quarter in which they hold the position (only three or more credits during summer quarter).

It is the student’s responsibility to understand or inquire about his/her own circumstances regarding required credit loads.

Typically, a student who wishes to audit a course would be required to first register (via MyUW) for that course. Once registered, the student would then submit a form requesting the audit option to the UW Registration Office in Schmitz Hall. Please note that the same tuition fees/rules apply to audit courses, as to regularly registered courses.

As an auditor, a student would not receive credit for the course. In addition, auditors are typically not allowed to participate in class discussions. (Although, this restriction is sometimes lifted depending on the course instructor. Be sure to ask.) In turn, the auditor would not be required to submit/fulfill the usual course requirements (readings, writing assignments, exams, etc.).

For more information about the University’s audit process/policy, see the UW Student Guide Auditing Classes at the University of Washington page, or call the Registration Office at 206-543-8580.