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Earning a STEM degree in the U.S. as a Colombian student

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If you’re from Colombia and considering postgraduate studies in the United States, a STEM degree can open doors that go far beyond the classroom. STEM programs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics are in high demand and come with added benefits that make them especially appealing for international students.

For Colombian students, these programs offer a chance to work in high-growth fields, stay longer in the U.S. after graduation and build a resume that stands out in both global and local job markets. Whether you’re looking for hands-on research or a career path that leads to U.S. work authorization, a STEM degree may be the right choice.

Why STEM programs in the U.S. are a smart investment

Extended time to work in the U.S.

Graduates from approved STEM programs may qualify for an additional 24 months of optional practical training (OPT). That means you can work in the U.S. for up to three years without needing immediate sponsorship. This extended timeline gives you more room to build your professional network and find the right opportunity, especially in competitive industries.

For Colombian students, this is a major advantage. Back home, postgraduate internships and work placements may be limited or difficult to access. In the U.S., STEM OPT lets you keep working after graduation while staying in full compliance with your F-1 visa.

Better job prospects and salaries

Many of the highest paying and fastest growing careers in the U.S. are in STEM fields. Employers in tech, health care, engineering and analytics are actively recruiting international talent. With the right degree, you’ll have access to jobs for international students in the U.S. that come with strong entry-level pay and potential for growth.

This is especially valuable if you’re funding your own studies or plan to support family members in Colombia. A solid salary makes it easier to manage expenses and even save for the future.

Transferable skills for a global career

STEM degrees don’t just teach you technical knowledge. You also gain research experience, problem-solving skills and global communication abilities that can be applied across industries. Even if you return to Colombia after completing OPT, this U.S. training will set you apart in the job market.

Employers in Colombia recognize the value of international education, especially when combined with real-world experience. A U.S. STEM degree can help you compete for roles at multinational companies, NGOs and research organizations.

Student carrying out her experiments in a laboratory.

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Which STEM degrees are best for international students?

Engineering

Mechanical, software, electrical and civil engineering programs are among the most popular and practical masters degrees for foreign students in the U.S. These degrees often include internships or lab-based work, making it easier to qualify for CPT or OPT and gain experience before graduation.

Computer science and data analytics

Fields like machine learning, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and big data are growing rapidly. These programs are well suited for Colombian students looking to work in fintech, automation, digital health or global consulting.

Life sciences and public health

If you’re interested in health care or biotech, degrees in biomedical engineering, molecular biology or public health offer strong career options for masters abroad. These fields often overlap with global challenges like disease prevention and access to care, which are also priorities in Colombia.

STEM MBA programs

Some business schools in the U.S. now offer MBA programs that qualify as STEM degrees. These programs combine core business training with technical courses in areas like analytics or supply chain management. Graduates are eligible for the STEM OPT extension and often enter leadership roles in fast-growing companies.

How Colombian students can get the most out of a STEM degree

Getting a STEM degree in the U.S. is a strong first step, but it’s not enough on its own. To fully benefit from your time abroad, you’ll need to take action early and build the habits that lead to long-term success. These tips are especially helpful if you’re coming from Colombia, where job searches and visa processes may work differently.

1. Start planning for STEM OPT before you graduate

Talk with your international student office as soon as possible. They can explain how STEM OPT works, what documents you’ll need, and how to find employers that use E-Verify, which is required for STEM OPT jobs. Starting early helps you avoid delays and gives you more control over your job search.

2. Build experience while you’re still in school

Don’t wait until after graduation to look for work. Apply for research roles, internships, or curricular practical training (CPT) while you’re still enrolled. These roles help you learn U.S. workplace norms, grow your resume and show employers that you’re ready to contribute.

For many Colombian students, this approach may feel unfamiliar, but it’s one of the most effective ways to secure a full-time role after graduation.

3. Choose a major with strong job demand

Try to match your interests with practical career paths. Programs in software engineering, data analytics, logistics and renewable energy are growing quickly and offer many opportunities for international students. You’ll have a better chance of securing full-time employment after graduation if your skills are in demand.

4. Treat networking as part of your education

In Colombia, it’s common to rely on formal job postings or university placements. In the U.S., you also need to connect with employers in person. Attend tech meetups, employer talks and job fairs on campus. Talking to professionals in your field can lead to internships, referrals or long-term jobs for international students.

Student sitting in his apartment with a laptop, planner and visa documents laid on the table.

MPOWER Financing: Resources for your STEM education

MPOWER Financing knows that financing your education as a Colombian student can be difficult, especially if you’re not familiar with no-cosigner loan options or U.S. financial systems.

Here’s how MPOWER supports your next move:

  • Education loans without a cosigner, designed for Colombia’s master’s students
  • Support through OPT, STEM OPT and even H-1B transition planning
  • Career tools through our Path2Success platform, including resume support, internship/job databases and visa timelines
  • International scholarships, including the Women in STEM scholarship

Whether you’re studying AI, mechanical engineering, biotech or pursuing a STEM MBA in the U.S., MPOWER is here to help you invest in yourself.

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FAQs

What qualifies as a STEM degree in the U.S.?

A STEM degree is any program focused on science, technology, engineering or mathematics. It must appear on the official STEM OPT majors list from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Only degrees on this list qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension.

Can international students get extra work authorization after a STEM degree?

Yes. Once you complete a STEM degree, you may apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, which gives you up to three total years of work time in the U.S. This does not require immediate visa sponsorship from your employer.

Are there STEM MBA options for international students from Colombia?

Yes. Some business schools now offer STEM-designated MBA tracks. These programs mix business training with technical skills in areas like data analysis or operations management. Graduates from these programs are eligible for STEM OPT.

What kinds of international student job opportunities are available after a STEM degree?

STEM graduates often find work in fields like software development, engineering, biotechnology, finance or research. Many of these roles offer strong salaries and long-term career paths for international students in the U.S.

Can I apply for STEM OPT while still enrolled in my program?

No. You must complete your initial 12-month period of post-completion OPT before applying for STEM OPT. You also need a job offer from a U.S. employer that participates in E-Verify and meets all training plan requirements.


*Rates as low as 9.99% (10.89% APR). This interest rate and APR includes a 0.25% discount for automatic recurring payments.

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