If you’re considering Concordia University Texas (CTX) for your MBA with CPT eligibility, one of the most common questions is how the one-weekend-per-semester residency works. This short but essential in-person session is designed to meet visa compliance while minimizing travel and time away from work.
Each semester, F-1 students are required to attend a single weekend on campus in Austin, Texas. This is part of CTX’s hybrid program format, which combines online coursework with an in-person component to maintain SEVP compliance for CPT eligibility.
During the residency, you’ll meet faculty, network with classmates, participate in workshops, and attend intensive sessions that complement your online courses.
1. Book Early for Best Rates & Choose Austin–Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)
Austin is a popular destination and home to major tech headquarters like Tesla, Oracle, and Dell, so flights can fill up quickly. Booking 4–6 weeks in advance can save you significantly on airfare.
The campus is about a 30–40 minute drive from AUS, depending on traffic. Rideshare options and rental cars are both available at the airport.
2. Driving from Nearby Major Cities
Texas is home to several major cities, including Dallas, San Antonio, and Houston. Each of these cities is approximately a 3- to 4-hour drive from Austin.
3. Consider Arriving the Day Before
Residency weekends are typically intensive, so arriving the day before ensures you’re rested and ready.
Housing is always the major cost for students traveling on-site. If you enroll through GoElite, CTX offers free housing during your residency weekend, a major perk that saves you the hassle of booking hotels. This housing is arranged by the university and located close to campus.
Residency days are busy, and CTX provides free lunch for GoElite students during the sessions, so you can focus on learning and networking instead of finding food between classes.
Beyond meeting visa requirements, the residency is a great chance to:
Build relationships with professors and peers
Get hands-on learning in a focused environment
Explore Austin, a city full of career opportunities and cultural attractions
Residency frequency: Once per semester
Location: Concordia University Texas, Austin, TX
Housing: Free for GoElite students during residency weekend
Meals: Free lunch provided during sessions
Travel flexibility: Plan ahead to take advantage of Austin’s connectivity and avoid high last-minute costs
Want a free consultation or a personalized list of universities providing hybrid professional programs?
Reach out to our team today and get started on your application with expert guidance from GoElite.