International Student Information
RIT is an intentionally inclusive and equitable community, where international students thrive and achieve exceptional success through our cooperative education and paid work programs, supportive environment, and career network.
1,934
Students from 103 Countries
Participate in dozens of cultural student organizations and events
889
Students Currently Studying on Optional Practical Training
Students stay and work in the U.S. for 1-3 years after graduation
6th
Among Top Schools for Co-op or Internship Programs
According to U.S. News & World Report, 2025
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International students who are deaf, hard of hearing, or hearing NTID-supported students can find additional information on RIT/NTID international admission.
Curricular Practical
Training (CPT)
Gain work experience during your degree
CPT is work authorization for off-campus opportunities such as an internship or co-op. For RIT students, co-ops and internships are typically paid.
To be eligible, F-1 students at RIT complete one full academic year before participating in CPT. CPT is only used prior to graduation.
4,412 RIT students participated in co-op last year, earning an average of $15,345 each.
Optional Practical
Training (OPT)
Stay and work in the US for 1 year after graduation
A 1-year work authorization available to F-1 international students who have been full-time students for at least two consecutive semesters and plan to seek employment in the United States in their fields of study.
F-1 students, regardless of major, may apply for OPT – usually for work after graduation.
889 RIT students are currently staying in the US after graduation and working through OPT.
OPT-STEM
Extension
Extend your OPT for an additional 2 years
F-1 international students who completed a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree in STEM-designated programs and are currently working with post-completion OPT may apply for the STEM extension of 2 years of additional employment, for a total of 3 years.
While not guaranteed, the majority of our students are successful in finding OPT-STEM extension opportunities.
RIT offers 100+ OPT-STEM Extension eligible programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Questions?
Chat with an admissions counselor
Schedule a 30-minute virtual appointment with an international admissions counselor.
Funding Sources for Undergraduate Students
RIT offers scholarship funding to international students based on academic merit. Admitted students are notified of their scholarship at the time of admission.
Over 7,000 students work on campus and earn money for personal expenses. RIT students who choose to work are successful in securing on-campus jobs.
Funding Sources for Graduate Students
RIT offers partial graduate tuition scholarships based on merit. These scholarships reduce the tuition you pay and they do not have to be paid back.
There are a number of private alternative educational loans that can help fund your degree.
Many RIT students earn money while working on co-op, as graduate assistants, and/or through on-campus employment. These sources can help cover your tuition, fees, and expenses while completing your degree.
First-Year and Transfer Student Resources
Connect
We travel the world to meet you!
Our representatives are looking for the best and brightest students from around the world. Meet us to learn about our undergraduate and graduate programs and special services for international students.
If you don’t see us scheduled to visit you, check back as these events are updated regularly.