Academic Policies

 General Academic Requirements

As an international student, you are required to:

• register every semester for the duration of your academic program at NYU-Poly
• be a full time student at Polytechnic Institute of NYU
• register for a minimum of 12 credits every semester as an undergraduate student
• register for no fewer than 9 credits every semester as a graduate student
• take no less than 3 academic credits per semester if you are a PhD student who has passed qualifying examinations
• refer the Institute catalog for additional information regarding full time status during the period needed to complete the writing or defense of dissertation as an MS or PhD student
• refer to the Institute catalog for updates related to curriculum and courses to earn your degree

ESL Condition for Graduate Students

While the minimum TOEFL score for admission into NYU-Poly’s graduate programs is 213, we will admit students who’s TOEFL score is between 190 and 213 CBT but on the condition that they enroll in our in-house ESL program. This program will allow students to take up to 2 courses in their graduate degree program while enrolling in the required  English language program during their first semester. This program is specifically designed to allow students to make progress toward their graduate degree requirements while bringing up their knowledge of the English language to an acceptable level.

Online Learning (NYU-ePoly)

You can register for only 1 course (up to 3 academic credits) of on-line/distance education per semester that may count toward your full-time student status. If you want to take more than 1 on-line course per semester, you are required to obtain prior permission from the Office of International Students and Scholars. OISS will determine whether additional on-line course can be counted toward your full-time student status. If you enroll in asecond on-line course without approval from the OISS, you will risk a violation of your immigration status. Students in their last term of study are not allowed to an on-line/distance course if that is the only course required to cvomplete program degree requirements.

Concurrent Enrollment in 2 USCIS Approved Schools

If you plan to take courses off-campus at other universities as part of your degree program, you are required to obtain prior permission from the OISS.

Authorization for Reduced Course Load

If it becomes necessary for you to take less than a full-time course load in any semester due to academic difficulties, illness or other medical reasons, you must complete Full time Equivalency/Course Reduction form (FTE/CRF) and obtain prior permission from the Office of International Students and Scholars. FTE/CRF forms are available in our office. Please refer to the catalog and the latest edition of schedule of classes for course change deadlines. Please note that if you drop a course without prior approval from the OISS you will be in violation of your immigration status.

Course Reduction Due to Academic Difficulties

Undergraduate students who are permitted to reduce their course load due to academic difficulties are still required to maintain a semester course load consisting of 6 academic credits, while graduate students must maintain at least ½ of their full time course load. Course reduction due to academic difficulties will only be authorized one time during the course of an academic program. For example, it can only be authorized once during BS, MS or PhD level.

Reduced course load due to academic difficulties may be permitted only for the following reasons:

• initial difficulties with the language or reading requirements
• unfamiliarity with the U.S. teaching methods
• improper course level placement

Course Reduction and Leave of Absence for Medical Reasons

Students who are ill or have a documented medical condition may be permitted to reduce their course load or take a leave of absence, however, they must requests must follow these guidelines and procedures:

• You must submit the following to the Office of International Students and Scholars: completed Course Reduction (CRF/FTE) form; leave of absence form; and medical documentation from the licensed medical doctor, doctor of osteopathy, or licensed clinical psychologist to substantiate illness or medical condition. Forms are available at the OISS.
• Requests for course reduction due to illness or medical condition will be authorized for duration of 1 academic term only, and must be requested for each new academic term.
• The total period authorized for a course reduction or a leave of absence due to medical condition cannot exceed 12 months during a particular program of study.

Course Reduction During the Last Term of Study

If you are in your last term of study and need fewer courses than the full-time requirement to complete your degree or program, you must submit a Course Reduction Form CRF/FTE and obtain prior approval from the OISS. Please note that students in their last term of study are not allowed to take an online/distance education course if that is the only course required to to fullfill program degree requirements.