US internships for international students are facing tighter scrutiny after a federal memo warned universities about violations involving Curricular Practical Training (CPT). Under President Donald Trump, the administration has stepped up scrutiny of international student programmes, warning universities that violations of CPT rules could put their ability to enrol foreign students at risk.The August 24 memo from the Student and Exchange Visitor Program said CPT must be an integral part of an established academic curriculum and directly connected to a student’s course of study. Universities that fail to comply could risk losing certification to enrol international students. The guidance has already prompted institutions including UCLA and UC Berkeley to pause or review certain CPT applications. However, internships that are mandatory for degree completion are expected to continue under the existing framework. The development could particularly affect international students who depend on CPT to gain practical experience while studying in the US. Universities are now reviewing their internship policies and seeking clarity on which programmes meet the stricter interpretation of existing rules.
