Understanding the New Academic Calendar 

Beginning in Summer 2026, Northeastern’s summer academic calendar will change. This change affects how semester-based international students studying on U.S. campuses manage summer enrollment if the summer semester is a required term of study. This guide explains what’s changing, what this may mean for your maintenance of F-1/J-1 status, and how to determine if the summer semester is required for enrollment. 

 

Quick Summary of the Changes

Before Summer 2026, semester–based students had three summer enrollment options: 

  • Summer 1, Summer 2, or Full Summer 

Starting Summer 2026, there will be one summer enrollment option: 

  •  Summer Semester (May-August) 

Note about Parts of Term 

Courses at Northeastern may be scheduled during “parts of term”. The parts of term in which courses may be scheduled are: 

  • Full semester classes 
  • Half semester classes 
  • Third semester classes 

Who Is Required to Enroll in the Summer Semester? 

Some students are required to enroll in the Summer Semester. See the scenarios below to determine whether you are required to enroll in order to maintain your F-1/J-1 status: 

  1. Summer is your first semester of your program   
  2. You have an Initial I-20 or DS-2019 for the summer semester 
    • This may occur if you have recently changed your degree level, changed your status, corrected status, transferred in, or are returning from a leave of absence 
  3. Summer is your final semester (graduation term) 
    • If your last required coursework happens in summer, summer is your final term. 
  4. Your program requires summer enrollment every year or in specific years 
    • Some programs have built-in summer study expectations. 

If any of these apply to your situation, then you are required to enroll in the summer semester and maintain your F-1/J-1 status for the duration of the summer semester. 

How to Maintain Status for the Full Summer 

If summer enrollment is required for you, you must maintain F-1/J-1 status with full-time enrollment and on-ground presence for the full summer semester, not just part of it. 

Enrollment Requirements 

  1. Enroll in a full-time courseload* 
    • 12 credits for undergraduate students 
    • 8 credits for graduate students 
    • 6 credits for graduate students with an SGA 
    • *If you do not require a full-time courseload to complete the requirements for your degree, you may qualify for a  final term RCL 
  2. Maintain enrollment in on-ground courses during every part of term within the summer semester 
  3. Comply with online course limitations  

Is Graduating in the Summer the Right Choice for You? 

Because summer is one continuous semester, deciding to graduate in summer has bigger planning implications than before. Ask yourself: 

  • Are all of your remaining required courses/experiential learning requirements available in summer? 
  • Are you able to maintain enrollment and on-ground presence for each part of the term for the entire summer semester? 
  • If you’re unsure, consult with your academic advisor and OGS before you set a plan to graduate in the summer semester. 

How to Determine Your Enrollment Requirements for the Summer Semester 

Use the checklist below: 

  • Review any requirements from your academic program regarding summer study. 
  • Identify your anticipated graduation term with your academic advisor. 
  • Confirm whether summer is a vacation term or a required term (e.g. your final term). If the summer is a required term: 
    • Meet with your academic advisor to confirm on-ground course availability for the entire summer semester. 
  • Consult with OGS if your program end date is changing and it is not the same as your I-20 end date. Your I-20 end date will need to be updated to match your final semester. 

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: 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!