Contact My SSW Intranet

Main menu

International Student FAQ

This page includes frequently asked questions specifically for international students at the U-M School of Social Work. For more general questions, please refer to the FAQ page at the International Center.

If you have other questions, please feel free to email [email protected].

Frequently Asked Questions


  1. As an international student, can I apply for financial aid?

    International students are eligible for merit-based financial aid from the U-M School of Social Work and special programs, but are not eligible for need-based financial aid (U.S. federal or state aid). Please see International Student Financial Aid for more information. Contact the Office of Student Services and Enrollment Management with any questions.

  2. Can I work while I am on F-1 or J-1 status?

    F-1 and J-1 students are eligible to work on campus up to 20 hours per week while attending classes and full time during official university holidays and in between enrolled terms. J-1 students must complete the On-Campus Employment Authorization form to obtain Press enter to read full text...

  3. What if I encounter a closed class during registration?

    Students who wish to try to gain entry to a closed course, a course with departmental consent, or some other restriction that may prevent enrollment need to submit a Course Enrollment Petition.

  4. What is CPT and why CPT?

    CPT is Curricular Practical Training. All MSW students with F-1 status must have required CPT authorization prior to starting field. Because field placements are required for MSW students, the CPT process for MSW students is different from the non-required CPT Press enter to read full text...

  5. What is OPT and why OPT?

    OPT is Optional Practical Training. OPT is defined in the Federal Regulations as temporary employment directly related to a student's field of study. During OPT, a student remains in F-1 status and is allowed to work in the United States in a job that is directly Press enter to read full text...

Contact Us Press escape to close