What are my employment options?

Students can apply for an on-campus job immediately after beginning studies at St. Edward’s University

Students have to work for St. Edward’s or an affiliated business (e.g., cafeteria or bookstore)

Students can work up to 20 hours a week during the fall and spring semesters. (Students can have more than one on-campus job at the same time. However, the work hours combined cannot exceed 20 hours a week during the fall and spring semesters.)

Students can work more than 20 hours a week during breaks and summer vacation, depending on limitations by St. Edward’s if you are taking summer courses at the university

No authorization needed (However, you most likely will need to apply for a Social Security number. You will need to request an employment authorization letter from ISS. Read here to know how to apply.)

NOTE ON WORK STUDY POSITIONS: Some campus jobs are designated as work-study positions. The job description might include a statement such as: “position open only to St. Edward’s students who qualify for work-study awards.” Work-study awards are part of federal financial aid packages and are only available to U.S. citizens and permanent residents. F-1 students are not eligible for a work-study position and should not apply.

To be eligible for CPT, you must have been lawfully enrolled on a full-time basis while physically present in the US for one academic year (i.e., two full terms)

Internship for degree completion (Must be directly related to major and be a credit course.)

Students can work up to 20 hours a week during the fall and spring semesters

Students can work more than 20 hours a week during breaks and summer vacation

CPT can happen off-campus

CPT can be paid or unpaid work

Authorization from ISS required (Read this CPT page to learn more.)

Students receive up to 12 months of OPT (and up to 24 more months for majors that are STEM eligible) after graduation

Job must be directly related to major

OPT can be paid or unpaid work

More than 20 hours a week

More than one OPT job at the same time is allowed as long as they meet all the requirements

Authorization from USCIS required (Read this OPT page to learn more)

Students can work up to 20 hours a week during the fall and spring semesters (You can have more than one on-campus job at the same time. However, the work hours combined cannot exceed 20 hours a week during the fall and spring semesters.)

Students can work more than 20 hours a week during breaks and summer vacation

Students can apply for an on-campus job immediately after beginning studies at St. Edward’s

Students can work for St. Edward’s or affiliated business (e.g., cafeteria or bookstore)

Students must obtain written approval from ISS

Once you complete your academic program, you are no longer eligible for on-campus employment unless you have obtained employment authorization based on academic training.

NOTE ON WORK STUDY POSITIONS: Some campus jobs are designated as work-study positions. The job description might include a statement such as: “position open only to St. Edward’s students who qualify for work-study awards.” Work-study awards are part of federal financial aid packages and are only available to U.S. citizens and permanent residents. J-1 students are not eligible for a work-study position and should not apply.

Jobs must commence within 30 days of the student’s end of study period to work after completing the exchange semester

Jobs must be directly related to the student's major and be a course for credit

Although a J-1 student may work part-time (20 hours or less a week) or full-time, all academic training is counted full-time, even if the employment is on a part-time basis

You must have a job offer in the field of your study and have obtained a written recommendation for academic training from your academic advisor to apply for academic training with ISS

J-1 students are eligible for 18 months of academic training following completion of their program (36 months for postdoctoral training)