Applications & Scholarships → International Students

Career Opportunity prior to graduation: Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

After completing 9 months of studies and with academic department approval. International Students are eligible to apply for up to 12 months of CPT which allows them to accept internship or co-op positions prior to graduation. CPT is approved and issued by the Missouri S&T International Affairs Office, and can be processed within one week. Employers do not need to sponsor international students for co-op or internship employment.
Visit http://career.mst.edu/cooperativeeducation/ for more information.

Career Opportunity after graduation: Optional Practical Training (OPT)

The OPT program is a temporary on-the-job training position, which is directly related to the student’s field of study. The purpose of the program is to give the student practical work experience in their major field of study.

OPT is available to F-1 students who have been enrolled in the University for at least nine consecutive months without any violation of their visa status. Other than noted otherwise, students are eligible for only one year of OPT and a student must complete all practical training within the 14 month period following the completion of study. 

• Visit an advisor at http://international.mst.edu/ for more information.

IST graduate students only: As the Information Science & Technology (IST) program where ERP program supports is one of STEM programs, instead of one year of OPT, IST graduate student can apply for up to 29 months OPT after their graduation to legally work full time in the US (review details at Extension of Optional Practical Training Program for Qualified Students)

• Visit the Office of International Affairs for more information relevant to international students.
• Visit Career Opportunities and Employer Relations (COER) for more career related information.