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Pittsburgh: A welcoming, liveable city alive with professional opportunities for international students

21 November 2018

Duquesne University is located in the heart of Pittsburgh which is the centre of economic and social activity in Pennsylvania, and international students can take advantage of the innumerable opportunities that are up for grabs in this iconic city that’s recognised for its liveability, welcoming atmosphere and professional opportunity.
Pittsburgh has been cited by National Geographic as among 30 of the Best Cities in the United States based on “unconventional metrics believed to lead to happiness, including green spaces, galleries, coffee shops, breweries, music venues, Instagrammable moments and more.”  

More reasons to study, live and work in exciting and friendly Pittsburgh


Pittsburgh pulsates with activity and here are more reasons why people choose to study, live and work in this vibrant and friendly city.

  • Pittsburgh has been recently named by CNBC as the #1 U.S. city for young people based on job opportunities, affordability and liveability.

  • It has also been cited as one of four tech hubs in the United States to watch in 2018 by VentureBeat.

  • It has been ranked No. 1 among America’s 40 strongest job markets based on what they have to offer recent college graduates as reported in a joint Trulia and LinkedIn index

For a variety of fun and leisure activities after school or during the weekend, international students can opt to explore the city’s rich arts and culture scene, attend a concert or sporting event or simply take time to relax and enjoy the night life and local eateries.
It is also worth mentioning that the university campus is just next door to the PPG Paints Arena, home of the Pittsburgh Penguins and host to hundreds of events every year. It is also a short walk to downtown and just 30 minutes away from Pittsburgh International Airport.

Employment opportunities for international students

On-Campus Employment
F-1 students are permitted by law to work in Duquesne University’s campus up to 20 hours per week while school is in session, and up to 40 hours per week during vacation periods. Students do not need permission from the Center for Global Engagement for on-campus employment.
 Curricular Practical Training
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is employment that is related to a student’s field of study and is an integral part of an established curriculum. Some programs require this type of training for students to graduate and they must be registered for credits when participating in these internships, practicums, or co-ops.
Optional Practical Training
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a 12-month work authorisation period that allows students to work off campus in their field of study. Most students participate after they have completed their degree. The Center for Global Engagement must recommend OPT for the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to authorise the employment.
International students can refer to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services for more information regarding Optional Practical Training. They can apply for OPT 90 days before graduation and up to 60 days after graduation. The process usually takes 60 to 90 days. Students will then receive an Employment Authorization Card (EAD) card which allows them to work in the United States.
17-Month STEM Extension
Students who have graduated with degrees in designated Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) degrees are eligible for an additional 17 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT) beyond the original 12 months of OPT. They can check out the list of approved academic fields to see if they are qualified for STEM extension.
For details about Duquesne University’s undergraduate and graduate programs, scholarships, intake schedules, fees, IELTS and other requirements, education agents and international students may refer to the Course Finder.