What is Curricular Practical Training?

Almost every student across the globe is aiming to build a progressive and strong career path. Many would aspire to complete their education in the US or any other top foreign countries that shows excellence in the educational sector. Pursuing a course in the United States includes many challenges which include the cost of living and course fees. A part-time job while studying would be the ultimate option to tackle the expense. CPT (Curricular Practical Training) is one such opportunity given by United States Government to help the students who came from different parts of the world to pursue an educational course in the US.

Actual Purpose of CPT (Curricular Practical Training)

The actual purpose of Curricular Practical Training is to provide a learning opportunity to students. With the help of a part-time job in the relevant field, students can accumulate enough practical skills and real-time experience during their course of education. This job is often considered as in internship which is an integral part of most of the student’s degree program. To apply for CPT, the student must possess a job/internship offer from a company belonging to their specific field of education.

Types of CPT Jobs

CPT (Curricular Practical Training) Jobs are mainly classified into two types: one is mandatory to accomplish academic program and another one is not mandatory for an academic program. Mandatory CPT Jobs are considered for evaluating the practical experience and practical working ability of the student in the field of study to graduate. Non-mandatory CPT Jobs will boost the credit points of the student while completing his/her education.

What are requirements to get a CPT Job?

• First, you need to enroll on CPT Course


• Choose the desired course from the Internship opportunity listed by the


• The CPT course you’re enrolled in must be approved by the U-M Office of the registrar.


• The CPT course you’re enrolled in must belong to that particular winter /fall or summer/spring term.


• If you’re a UG (Undergraduate) student, then you need to declare the major to accomplish CPT.


• If you’ve completed your coursework and currently engaged in any dissertation or thesis works, you’re also eligible for Curricular Practical Training (CPT).


• If you’re in the final term and it is not mandatory for your academic program to complete CPT, you’re not eligible for CPT unless you registered for any further courses.


• Sometimes, accomplishing a CPT course will have some impact on tuition fees.


• If you’ve pursued CPT course and failed to complete in successfully then you might have difficulties with the legal F-1 status of your academic program.

Part-time CPT Jobs:

If your work time is less than 20 hours in a week then this category of CPT Jobs are called as part-time CPT Jobs. But there are no restrictions imposed to stop you working for more than twenty hours. But you might fail to make your presence in your full-time academic course.

Full-time CPT Jobs:

If your work time is exceeding twenty hours then it is considered as full-time CPT course. Usually, Students will pursue full-time CPT courses during their vocational holidays during when then can work without any lack of attendance in their graduation course.