Beginning in Summer 2026, Northeastern's summer calendar is changing from three separate terms (Summer 1, Summer 2, Full Summer) to one continuous Summer Semester (May-August). 

Who Must Enroll in the Summer Semester? 

You must enroll in the full Summer Semester if any of the following applies: 

  1. Summer is your first semester at Northeastern 
  2. Summer is your final/graduation semester at Northeastern 
  3. You have a new I-20 or DS-2019 starting in summer  
    • This includes students who recently transferred, changed degree levels, changed/corrected status, or are returning from leave 
  4. Your academic program requires summer enrollment by design 
    • Undergraduate Programs do not require summer enrollment 
    • Select Graduate Programs do require summer enrollment 

Please review this flowchart to determine if you are required to enroll in the summer semester.

Students in their first semester, Students with a new I-20/DS-2019, and Students in Graduate Programs that Require Summer Enrollment by Design 

During the summer semester you must:

  • Maintain full-time enrollment and on-ground presence for the duration of the term 
  • Understand the limitations to online course enrollment 
  • If you have on-campus employment or have received a Stipended Graduate Assistantship (SGA), you may not work more than 20 hours/week during a required term

Students Who Plan to Graduate in the Summer 

In your final semester of study, you must be enrolled and maintain on-ground presence for the duration of the semester. 

Courses may be offered in different lengths: full semester, half semester, and one-third semester. Therefore, graduating in the summer requires careful planning. 

If you don’t need a full courseload to finish your degree requirements, you may be eligible for a Final Term Reduced Courseload (RCL). To qualify, you must meet all the following criteria: 

  • Enroll in all remaining courses needed to complete your academic program  
  • Maintain on-ground presence throughout your final term – you must enroll in on-ground courses for the duration of the term  
  • Online course limitation: Only one class in your final term may be online. If you have only one class left to complete, it must be in-person  
  • No first-half-only enrollment: Unless approved for a mid-semester degree conferral, you may not enroll only in courses that occur in the first half of the term with no enrollment in the second half 
  • If you have on-campus employment or have received a Stipended Graduate Assistantship (SGA), you may not work more than 20 hours/week in your final term

Common Scenarios 

Student A: Continuing Student (Not Graduating) 

You are returning to your current program of study in the fall semester and your program doesn’t require summer classes. 

  • Course enrollment is not required. You may enroll in no courses, or you may enroll in either in-person or online courses at your leisure. However, if you plan to engage in any practical training opportunities inside the U.S., you must receive authorization prior to engagement. 

Student B: Graduating in Summer 

You are enrolling in your final courses for program completion in the summer semester. 

  • Summer is required, and you must maintain enrollment and on-ground presence for the full summer semester. 

Student C: Graduate Program Requires Summer Coursework 

You are continuing your program in the fall semester and your program requires full-time summer enrollment.

  • You must enroll for the full summer semester with on-ground presence every time your program requires it. Please consult with your academic program if you are unsure if your program requires summer coursework.  

Student D: “I only need one course in the first half of the summer” 

Even if your course ends early, if summer is your required term, your status obligations still connect to the full summer semester. You will be required to enroll in an additional on-ground course in the second half of the summer.* 

*Limited exceptions may exist via the mid-term degree conferral process. Please consult with your academic advisor if you think you qualify for a mid-term degree conferral.
 

Travel and Summer Enrollment 

Your travel flexibility depends on whether summer is a vacation or required term: 

  • Vacation Term: Please review OGS’ Travel Recommendations 
  • Required Term: All students are advised against traveling during a required academic term. 
    • All students are required to actively participate in on-ground classes in person. This includes students who are engaged in practical training (co-op, internships, clinical rotations, etc.). All students must also adhere to their college’s attendance and absenteeism policy. Any prolonged absence may impact your F-1/J-1 status and your long-term academic goals. If you are unable to attend your classes in person, you will be advised to take a leave of absence. 
  • Final Term: All students are advised against extended travel during a required term, as on-ground presence and compliance with attendance/absenteeism policies is a requirement for F-1/J-1 status. Additionally, if a student is preparing to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), traveling can interrupt your application, therefore it is inadvisable.  

Questions? Connect with OGS!