Study at Schiller’s Tampa campus and turn your bachelor’s or master’s studies into professional experience in the United States.
Take your international education one step further. Eligible international students studying at Schiller’s Tampa campus may have the opportunity to gain professional experience in the United States through Optional Practical Training (OPT) after graduation.
Optional Practical Training, commonly known as OPT, is an employment opportunity available to eligible international students in the United States on F-1 status. It allows students to gain professional experience directly related to their major area of study.
For eligible students, OPT can provide up to 12 months of employment authorization. Students who graduate from an eligible STEM-designated program may qualify for an additional 24-month STEM OPT extension.
Your pathway to OPT depends on your degree level and how you structure your studies at Schiller. You may participate in OPT either during or after your studies.
For official eligibility and application requirements, visit the USCIS Optional Practical Training guidance
For Undergraduate Students
If you are completing a bachelor’s degree at Schiller, you may be eligible for OPT by spending the final year of your studies at our Tampa campus, subject to applicable F-1 and OPT eligibility requirements.
Start your bachelor’s at Schiller → Complete your final year in Tampa → Graduate → Apply for OPT → Gain U.S. professional experience.
For Postgraduate Students
Master’s students need to complete the entire duration of their master’s program at the Tampa campus to follow Schiller's OPT pathway, subject to applicable F-1 and OPT eligibility requirements.
Start your master’s in Tampa → Complete your full master’s in Tampa → Graduate → Apply for OPT → Gain professional experience in the U.S.
The length of your potential OPT experience depends on your program. Eligible students can generally apply for up to 12 months of OPT, while qualifying STEM graduates may have the opportunity to extend this period.
Standard OPT: Up to 12 Months
Eligible F-1 graduates may apply for up to 12 months of OPT, with employment directly related to their field of study
STEM OPT: Additional 24 Months
Eligible graduates from qualifying STEM programs may apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension after their initial OPT period, potentially extending their total OPT period from 12 to a total of 36 months.
OPT can help turn your U.S. study experience into an opportunity to build practical skills, professional connections, and international career experience.
Gain U.S. Work Experience
Apply what you’ve learned in a professional role related to your field of study.
Build Your Global Profile
Add U.S. professional experience to your international education and strengthen your profile for future opportunities.
Grow Your Professional Network
Build connections with professionals and organizations while gaining real work experience in the United States.
Start Building Your Career
Use OPT as an opportunity to transition from academic study into professional experience related to your degree.
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