Brigham Young University–Hawaii will discontinue authorizing post-completion academic training effective June 28, 2025, after the Spring 2025 Semester. This change will better align with the university's mission and simplify students' participation in the U.S. Department of State's Exchange Visitor Program.
Post-completion academic training is on-the-job employment training directly related to a student's field of study. This training is done after graduation or after finishing academic program requirements. This opportunity has been available to J-1 visa-holding students.
Pre-completion academic training will continue to be authorized and supported as undergraduate internships to be completed before graduation instead of post-completion academic training. This allows students to continue fulfilling undergraduate requirements integral to their academic program and provides them with vital professional experience prior to graduation.
"We hope that students will go directly from graduation and program completion into their chosen careers in communities they are prepared for and find their place in building families and the kingdom of God," said Kala Kau, student life vice president.
Authorizations for post-completion academic training will continue for the upcoming three semesters before being discontinued. Applications will be accepted until June 12, 2025, the post-completion AT application deadline for the Spring 2025 Semester.
This change does not affect F-1 visa holders, who will continue to be able to participate in curricular practical training before graduation and post-completion optional practical training. This change will also not affect domestic student internships before or following graduation.
Through the Exchange Visitor Program, BYU–Hawaii draws students from more than 60 countries to pursue academic degrees and join a global community and ohana in Laie. BYU–Hawaii participates in the EVP's university and college student category to "increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries" through the "educational and cultural exchange" of its students and encourages graduates to share these experiences and knowledge upon returning home following graduation.
The BYU–Hawaii International Student Services (ISS) website has more information, including answers to frequently asked questions, and will include further details about this change in the coming months.