Internship

The internship program allows students to earn college credit for work experience related to their major course of study. These may be paid or unpaid experiences structured to create a student and employer learning environment. Using real-world experiences to apply concepts and skills learned in the classroom is a tremendous benefit for everyone. It provides skilled employees to the business, industry, government, and non-profit organizations.

International Students must obtain their department academic advisor or graduate coordinator’s approval for internships and confirm eligibility for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) with a Designated School Official (DSO). Please click here for CPT Request Form.

Please be advised that employers may often be unfamiliar with international student employment options like Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT). They might assume that hiring an international student requires them to immediately initiate work visa sponsorship, which is not the case. International students are eligible and allowed to obtain work authorization. International students who plan to conduct internship or seek a job are encouraged to bring a letter from the Kentucky State University's Office of International Student Experiences to give to potential employers at an interview or in other communications.

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For employment and internship opportunities, visit the KSU Office of Professional Development and Career Services

 

Eligibility for CPT

  • Must have been in valid F-1 visa status
  • Must have been enrolled full time at KSU for at least two semesters (one academic year)
  • Must be in a Major
  • Pre-major students are not eligible for CPT
  • CPT cannot be authorized based on a minor or certificate program
  • Must have a job or internship offer (Don’t start the job before having CPT approval; CPT authorization is specific to the training position)
  • The internship must be directly related to your field of study or an integrated part of the student’s program or curriculum
  • The DSO must authorize CPT in SEVIS. The student will receive a special I-20 for the duration of each CPT experience.
  • The internship cannot be for more than 20 hours a week during regular semester (those students with a 50% assistantship will not be eligible for the internship)
  • Must apply for a SSN if the internship is a paid position.

It is important to bear in mind: students who accumulate 12 months of full-time CPT authorization, lose their eligibility for OPT. Part-time CPT authorization, or fewer than 12 months of full-time CPT, does not affect OPT eligibility. Multiple overlapping part-time CPTs may count as full-time CPT days for OPT eligibility.

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