UNITED STATES

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

public · Founded 1789 · Languages: English

In short

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, founded in 1789, is the oldest public university in the US and a top-ranked research institution. It offers a strong academic environment with highly-rated programs and a commitment to affordability, making it a leading choice for students.

Key facts

Type: Public
Founded: 1789
Students: 30,092
International students: 3,500
Acceptance rate: 19%
Tuition (intl): €7–11k/yr
Languages: ENGLISH
Location: United States

For international students

United States

Student visa & funds

International students primarily enter on the F-1 visa, which requires enrolment at a SEVP-certified institution. Before the visa interview the school issues a Form I-20 — a certificate of eligibility — for which a Designated School Official must verify documented funds covering tuition, living expenses and travel for the first year, plus a reliable source for subsequent years. The financial evidence must be specific and from an identified source.

Working while you study

F-1 students may work on campus up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session and full-time during official breaks, with no separate authorization needed. Off-campus work is generally not permitted in the first academic year. After one academic year in good standing, students may use Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for paid work that is an integral part of the curriculum, authorized by the school; other off-campus work requires an approved Employment Authorization Document from USCIS.

After you graduate

After completing a degree, F-1 students may apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) — up to 12 months of work authorization in a related field — by filing Form I-765 and receiving an EAD before starting work. Graduates of a degree on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List may apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, for up to 36 months total. The extension requires an E-Verify employer and a qualifying STEM degree earned within the previous ten years.

English tests

IELTSUG 6.0–6.5; PG 6.5–7.0; top-tier programs 7.0–7.5
TOEFL iBTUG 80–100; PG 90–110; selective research universities 100+
PTE AcademicUG 50–60; PG 55–70; highly selective programs 65+

Main intakes

AugustJanuary

Typical living cost

€1,420/month

Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.

SourcesStudy in the States — Students and the Form I-20 · Study in the States — Financial ability · USCIS — Students and employment · USCIS — Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 students · USCIS — STEM OPT extension · LeapScholar — Minimum IELTS scores for USA universities · Mastersportal — Student living costs in the USA (2025–2026)

Programs

a selection

View top programs →

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill · United States

Applied Physical Sciences PhD

The Applied Physical Sciences PhD program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers an interdisciplinary doctoral training experience. It bridges the gap between science and engineering, fostering an environment where students combine scientific discovery with an engineering mindset, team-based research, and entrepreneurial thinking to tackle real-world challenges. The program emphasizes a collaborative and collegial atmosphere to support students in their research and career aspirations. Faculty research interests are diverse, spanning areas such as biomolecular sensors, point-of-care diagnostics, novel tools for clinical needs, advanced optical instrumentation for biology and medicine, and force technologies applied to cancer and lung disease research.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill · United States

Asian Studies Major, B.A. – General Concentration

The Asian Studies major, with a General Concentration, is an interdisciplinary program within the Department of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies. This major allows students to explore a wide range of topics related to Asia, fostering global awareness valuable for careers in government, international business, journalism, law, teaching, and further graduate study in humanities and social sciences. The program is designed to provide a broad understanding of the diverse cultures and political structures across the continent, from Japan to the Arab world.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill · United States

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) School of Nursing offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program designed for students seeking to enter the nursing profession. The program emphasizes a holistic evaluation of applicants, considering academic performance, essays, community service, and potential contributions to the field. Successful candidates demonstrate a strong academic record and a commitment to service. The curriculum is rigorous, with a focus on science and the core principles of nursing practice.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill · United States

Bioinformatics and Computational Biology (BCB)

The Bioinformatics and Computational Biology (BCB) program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers graduate-level study focusing on the intersection of biology, computer science, and statistics. This interdisciplinary field utilizes computational approaches to analyze and interpret complex biological data, including genomics, proteomics, and molecular dynamics. The program aims to equip students with the skills necessary to tackle diverse challenges in biological and biomedical research through advanced algorithms, modeling, and data analysis techniques.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill · United States

City and Regional Planning

City and Regional Planning is an interdisciplinary field focused on improving the quality of life in human settlements. Planners address societal challenges like urban sprawl, unemployment, environmental pollution, and urban decay by guiding development, analyzing transportation, encouraging economic growth, and protecting the environment. They work across public, nonprofit, and private sectors for local, state, and federal governments, advocacy groups, development companies, and consulting firms. For undergraduate students, this program offers foundational coursework, practical experience opportunities, and an academic minor. It's designed for those who want to learn about cities and planning processes, enrich their understanding of urbanization, or explore a potential career in planning. The courses help students apply arts and sciences knowledge to enhance the prosperity and livability of communities, and some may fulfill General Education requirements.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill · United States

Community Pharmacy Residency

The Community Pharmacy Residency at UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy offers a comprehensive, hands-on experience for pharmacists looking to enhance their clinical and operational skills. This program provides opportunities to practice in diverse community settings, including independent pharmacies and campus health services, focusing on patient care, chronic disease management, and pharmacy operations. Residents work collaboratively with interdisciplinary healthcare teams and gain experience in areas such as medication therapy management, immunizations, travel health, and remote patient monitoring. The residency aims to develop leaders in community pharmacy practice.

Scholarships

for United States

Browse all scholarships →

full funding

Duke University

Karsh International Scholarship Program

Open to international (non-U.S. citizen, non-permanent-resident) high school students applying for first-year undergraduate admission to Duke University. Candidates must demonstrate financial need through Duke's need-based aid process, show interdisciplinary academic curiosity, and have a record of community engagement. There is no separate scholarship form; international applicants who indicate they are applying for financial aid are automatically considered for the Karsh award.

University of Miami (with the Stamps Family Charitable Foundation)

University of Miami Stamps Scholarship

Open to high school seniors, both domestic (U.S.) and international, applying for first-year undergraduate admission to the University of Miami through Early Decision I or Early Action. Applicants are automatically considered with no separate scholarship form; they must submit all first-year admission requirements and demonstrate strong academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement. Semi-finalists complete a Zoom interview.

QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship

Open to high-achieving US high school seniors from low-income backgrounds who are US citizens, permanent residents, or students studying in the US regardless of citizenship. Competitive applicants typically earn mostly A's in challenging courses, rank in the top 5-10% of their class, and have strong standardised test results (SAT/PSAT above 1310 or ACT above 28), though each application is read in context. Applicants must demonstrate strong writing, intellectual curiosity and determination through essays and recommendations. Matched students must attend a partner college as a binding-early-decision commitment.

Argonne National Laboratory

Maria Goeppert Mayer Fellowship at Argonne National Laboratory

Open to early-career scientists and engineers of all nationalities who hold a PhD awarded within the last three years at the time of application, or who will complete the PhD before the fellowship start date. Research interests must align with Argonne's mission areas. U.S. citizenship is required for national-security-related projects (Detection of Imaging Signatures).

Boustany Foundation / Harvard Business School

Boustany MBA Harvard Scholarship

Open to candidates of any nationality (priority to those of Lebanese descent) who have received an offer of admission to the Harvard MBA programme and have a strong academic background.

Knight-Hennessy Scholars

Open to citizens of any country who earned their first/bachelor's degree within the last ~7 years (or will by the Stanford start) and who apply for and gain admission to a full-time Stanford graduate program. Selection seeks independence of thought, purposeful leadership, and a civic mindset.

Frequently asked questions

What are the estimated annual costs for international undergraduate students at UNC-Chapel Hill?

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International undergraduate tuition and fees are approximately USD 38,000–42,000 per year. Students should also budget around USD 14,000–18,000 annually for housing, food, and transportation.

What is UNC-Chapel Hill's international admissions English proficiency requirement?

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To demonstrate English proficiency, international applicants can submit scores from IELTS Academic (7.0 overall), TOEFL iBT (90 overall), or Duolingo English Test (120).

What makes UNC-Chapel Hill a good value for students?

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UNC-Chapel Hill is rated the number-one best-value public university in the US (U.S. News 2026). The university also offers strong financial aid options and is committed to making attendance affordable.

What academic programs are highly ranked at UNC-Chapel Hill?

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UNC-Chapel Hill has highly ranked programs in public health, medicine, law, pharmacy, and business. The university is also a flagship AAU research institution.

What are the scholarship opportunities for students at UNC-Chapel Hill?

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UNC-Chapel Hill offers prestigious scholarships like the Morehead-Cain Scholars Program and Robertson Scholars Leadership Program, which provide full funding. The Carolina Covenant also offers need-based aid for qualifying low-income students.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Why study here

Student life

For international students