Financial Mathematics welcomes students from across the globe! We work closely with the Office of International Affairs at the University of Chicago (OIA) throughout the application process, student experience and graduation transition to ensure compliance for each student.
The majority of our international students make use of the F-1 student visa, which does require full-time enrollment (300 units) for academic quarters (fall, winter and spring). Helpful resources for prospective students interested in an F-1 visa can be found here.
International applicants should consider the following:
- Summer Internships for F-1 Students: Currently, Financial Mathematics only offers course-based curriculur practical training (CPT). To be eligible for CPT, candidates must have been a full-time student with the FINM program for one academic year (3 academic quarters) prior to the start date of employment. For more information about CPT eligibility, please consult OIA's CPT webpage.
- Post-graduaton employment: Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a benefit of the F-1 status that allows students to work off-campus in positions directly related to their main area of study for 12 months after the completion of their degree program. For information on OPT eligibility, please visit the OIA's OPT webpage.
- STEM Extension: Financial Mathematics is a USCIS-approved STEM field and as such, our graduates are eligible to apply for a 24-month STEM extension of their 12-month OPT. For more information about STEM eligibility, please visit OIA's STEM Extension webpage.
All accepted international applicants must attend the Office of International Affairs' (OIA) incoming student orientation, even if they have previously attended a higher learning institution in the United States. The orientation will cover the following: essential information pertaining to F-1 or J-1 visa statuses, maintaining visa statuses, employment authorization, social security numbers, travel, and other topics such as health care and safety.