My son is a FT grad student, but for less that 4 month ea (2018 an 2019) semester. Is there a way to combine both semesters to change him to FT student status?

[majorbotts1]

I’m trying to come to terms with my son’s status as both a dependent and as a student. After a year off from graduating college he enrolled in a 1-year masters program in Australia. Both semesters are a little shy of 4 months, which does not meet the 5-month rule to be considered a student. Is there a way to combine both semesters to change him to student status?

[Coleen3 · Accepted solution]

No, not if the time period covers two years.

You are considered as a full-time student you are enrolled in a school for the number of hours or courses considered by the school to be full-time during some part of at least 5 calendar months during the year.

[majorbotts1]

Thanks, Coleen. Seems odd; he's going to a big league university and is considered a full-time buy the school and requirements of his degree. I wonder why he wouln't be considered a FT student? - I wonder how that will effect his student loan entries?

[Coleen3]

It shouldn't. This is for dependency. Age — must be under the age of 19 at the end of the tax year, or under the age of 24 if a full-time student for at least five months of the year, or be permanently and totally disabled at any time during the year.
If for education purposes:
However, each school defines "full time" in its own way (usually in terms of the number of courses or hours). If you are considered as a full-time student by your school, you will check YES to the question on the screen. Make sure to check with your school's registrar office to be sure.  

[majorbotts1]

Got it, that makes sense, thank you!