Registration is the final step to securing your classes for next semester. If you’ve already reviewed how to register and connected with your academic advisor, you’re likely ready to enroll. Still, you may still run into common (but easily resolved) issues like holds, class permissions, or credit hour limits. Use the information on this page to troubleshoot and complete your registration.
Check for and remove holds
To register without delays, make sure to clear any holds on your account. Holds can be placed for various reasons, like unpaid parking tickets, library fines, advising requirements, or past-due balances. If you have a hold, you’ll see the reason and the department that issued it in your Student Center.
Most holds are lifted within 24 hours after you take the necessary steps. Once they’re cleared, you’ll be able to register.
Get permissions for certain classes
Some courses require permission from a school or department in order to enroll.
- Course permissions and restrictions: You may encounter classes that are marked as PERM (Permission) or RSTR (Restricted). This means you’ll need to contact the department to determine if you’re eligible to take the class.
- Class standing: Some departments require a specific class standing—such as sophomore or junior status—to enroll in certain courses. Since class standing is based on the number of credit hours completed at IU, visiting students and graduate nondegree students may not automatically meet these requirements. If you're unsure, contact the department to check your eligibility.
- Degree-level restrictions: Undergraduate students need departmental permission to register for graduate-level courses.
While departmental permission doesn’t guarantee you a seat, it does make you eligible to register if one is available.
Meet your prerequisite requirements
Some courses require that you complete a prerequisite or earn a qualifying score on a placement test before you can enroll.
- If you're currently enrolled in the prerequisite: You may register for the higher-level course. The department will verify after the term ends that the prerequisite was successfully completed.
- If you haven’t met the prerequisite and aren’t currently enrolled in it: You’ll receive an error message and won’t be able to register. Contact your academic advisor to explore your options.
The course you’re registering for typically lists prerequisites in the class notes. For example, the note “P: ENG-W 131” would indicate that ENG-W 131 is a prerequisite for ENG-W 250.
Know your credit hour limits
In the fall and spring, you can enroll in up to 18 credit hours each semester. If you want to enroll in more than 18 credits (called a credit hour overload), you need to get permission from your advisor and the dean of your school. It’s your responsibility to provide this written permission to the Office of the Registrar.
During the summer semester (May-August), students can also enroll in up to 18 credit hours total. Most students enroll in shorter session courses during Summer Session 1 (May-June) and Summer Session 2 (late June or July-Aug), with each session having an enrollment limit of 9 credits.