Reduced Course Load and Extended Study Duration

Reduced Course Load and Extended Study Duration

Who is this for?  Learners considering registering fewer courses in a semester.

The recommended course load for both undergraduate and postgraduate learners is 18 to 24 credit units per semester. You may choose to reduce your load, but it helps to understand how that affects your progression and graduation date first.

What a reduced course load means

A reduced course load means registering for fewer courses or credit units than the standard load for a semester. Learners often do this to manage work, personal responsibilities, health, or other circumstances.

The impact on your timeline

Taking fewer courses can increase the number of semesters needed to complete your programme, which may delay your expected graduation date and add tuition and associated costs over time. Weigh both the academic and financial implications before deciding.

How to reduce your course load

To reduce your load for a semester, you can defer one or more registered courses:

  1. Log in to the SIS.

  2. Navigate to Deferment.

  3. Select your Success Advisor from the list.

  4. Select Course Deferment.

  5. Choose the course(s) you wish to defer.

  6. Submit your request for processing.

Note  Before registering a reduced load, speak with your Success Advisor to discuss your study plan and its impact on your progress.

Related articles:  Understanding Credit Units, Course Load and Core vs Elective Courses   •   Deferment at Miva: Semester and Course Deferment   •   Registering Your Courses for a New Semester

Need help?  Contact your Success Advisor at success@miva.university, reach the Success Advisory WhatsApp channel, or raise a ticket on the Support Portal.


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