Graduating “In Absentia” means that you will complete your degree requirements as a non-registered student. For instance, you complete your thesis after the summer semester submission deadline but before Fall classes begin. You then apply for in absentia graduation: you will not be a student at UT Austin Fall semester, but your degree will be conferred at the end of Fall semester. For some students this is a viable option. International students need to know how this may affect their immigration status. In order to be eligible to apply for post-completion OPT you have to be enrolled at UT Austin in your final semester. If you apply to graduate in absentia you therefore are not registered at UT Austin in the semester which you earn your degree. You will need to apply for OPT based on the previous semester’s graduation date and have a 60 day grace period following that graduation date.
We encourage you to make an appointment with an International Student Advisor if this situation applies to you, and before you submit an in absentia graduation application.