Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a type of employment authorization available to F-1 students. It is an opportunity for F-1 students to participate in off campus employment during their program of study to gain practical experience in their major field of study. The employment/training must be an integral part of the school’s established curriculum and relate directly to the student’s major field of study.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for CPT at Brandeis you must:
- Be a full-time degree-seeking student
- Have declared a major (for undergraduate students)
- Have been enrolled full-time for at least a full academic year (two consecutive semesters)
* Note: An exception exists for students in graduate studies whose programs require ALL students to complete an earlier training.
- Have secured a training position/job opportunity
- Be enrolled in an internship course and receive academic credit for your proposed CPT employment. The course must be listed in the University Bulletin and be specifically designed to award academic credit for an employment or practical training experience
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Undergraduate F-1 students must register for an internship course to be eligible for CPT. At Brandeis, there are several internship course options for undergraduate students after they have completed 2 semesters in F-1 status and declared a major.
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Department 89 or 92 Courses: These courses may be available within various departments for students with declared major(s). For example, a business major student can take BUS 89; an anthropology major student can take ANTH 92; a psychology major student can take PSYC 92, etc.
NOTE: Per department requirements, students majoring in Economics should enroll in BUS 89 for CPT.
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INT 92g: This course is offered every summer for internship opportunities
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INT 89a/b: This course is available to students who have already completed a Department 89 or 92 course. For example, if a student majoring in Politics has completed POL 89 and would like to do an internship, they can take INT 89. INT 89 is not available for those who have not completed the Department 89 or 92 course.
- Department Course 93 or Department Course 99: Tis course is available for students who may need to do an internship for their thesis or an independent study. Please contact your ISSO Advisor to see if you may need to apply for CPT when you take a Department Course 93 or Department Course 99 (i.e. NEUR 93a, BIOL 99).
Students should contact their Academic/Faculty Advisor if they have questions about the courses.
Each graduate school department at Brandeis has different requirements that will affect your eligibility for CPT. Contact your Program/Faculty Advisor for recommendations for internship courses (i.e. BUS 297, HS 230, COSI 293, BIOT 293).
PhD students working on their dissertation may be eligible for CPT if the training/employment is an integral component of the dissertation.
Application Process
Additional Information
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During the academic year (required semesters), CPT is limited to part-time (no more than 20 hours per week) and you must continue to be enrolled as a full-time student. Full-time CPT (more than 20 hours per week) is generally available to students only during the summer break or vacation semester.
For graduate students, only PhD candidates may pursue full-time CPT when they are in their dissertation stage when approved by the faculty advisor.
Fall 2022: Aug. 25, 2022 - Jan. 16, 2023*
*If fall 2022 is your final semester, your last day of CPT must be on or before Dec. 19, 2022.
Spring 2023: Jan. 17, 2023 - May 16, 2023
Please note that your CPT employment period must fall within the dates listed above. These dates are based on the Academic Calendar published by the University Registrar. Dates are subject to change.
Note for summer graduates: your CPT must end by your program end date - please work with your program advisor and your ISSO advisor to determine the proper end date.
In a student’s final semester, CPT can only be authorized through the last day of final exams published in the Academic Calendar. For undergraduate and master students at Brandeis, full-time CPT is only permitted during vacation terms. Only PhD candidates may pursue full-time CPT when they are in their dissertation stage when approved by the faculty advisor.
CPT authorization must be granted for each employment opportunity for a specific employer and period of time. Before changing employers or engaging in concurrent employment, after being approved by your academic/program/faculty advisor, you are required to request authorization for each employer and time period. If you are asked to extend your work period for an already approved employment you need to apply for and be granted an extension of your CPT before continuing. Work undertaken after the expiration date of your CPT will be considered unauthorized employment.
Employment (Paid and Unpaid) is defined as any situation where one party provides services that benefit another, and in exchange receives some type of benefit from the party to whom the services were provided. The Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Labor consider both monetary and non-monetary compensation in exchange for services as employment. Thus, both paid and unpaid positions are considered "employment" and will need authorization before the start date of the work experience. All off-campus employment requires authorization. Failure to obtain proper authorization, even for an unpaid position, can result in a violation of status.
Under very narrow circumstances students may participate in limited unpaid volunteer activities without employment authorization (i.e., volunteering at a service or humanitarian organization). If you are interested in volunteering, more detailed information may be found in the Volunteering section of our website. Before volunteering, please consult the ISSO to find out if authorization is required.