Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a type of work authorization for F-1 international students in the United States. It allows students to gain practical experience in their field of study through employment, internships, or other training opportunities that are directly related to their academic program125.Key points about CPT:

• It must be an integral part of the established curriculum or a requirement for the degree program13.
• CPT can be full-time (more than 20 hours per week) or part-time (20 hours or less per week)12.
• It can be paid or unpaid13.
• CPT is authorized by the Designated School Official (DSO) at the student’s institution4.
• Students must have completed at least one full academic year of study to be eligible for CPT, with some exceptions10.

Advantages of CPT

1. Gain practical experience: CPT allows students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings210.
2. Career development: It provides opportunities to build professional networks and enhance employability after graduation10.
3. Potential for academic credit: Many schools offer course credit for CPT experiences10.
4. Maintain F-1 status: CPT is a legal way for international students to work off-campus while maintaining their visa status3.
5. Potential pathway to full-time employment: Many interns are hired as full-time employees after graduation10.
6. No additional fees: Unlike some other work authorizations, there is no fee for CPT authorization5.
7. Multiple authorizations: Students can have more than one CPT authorization at the same time4.
8. Flexibility: CPT can be used during fall, spring, or summer terms1.

Regarding the list of all Universities in the United States, I cannot provide a comprehensive list as it would be extremely long and constantly changing. There are thousands of accredited institutions of higher education in the U.S., including public and private universities, colleges, and community colleges. If you’re interested in specific universities that offer CPT programs, it’s best to research schools that align with your academic interests and career goals.