CAMPUS · CHAPEL HILL, NC · PUBLIC

University of North Carolina

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

18.7%

01Acceptance 02Tuition 03Transfer 04ROI 05AP Credit 06Majors 07Housing 08International

International Students at University of North Carolina: By the Numbers

5.3%

International Undergrads

1,123

International Undergrad Count

1,424

International Graduate Students

7.5%

International (All Students)

Cost of Attending University of North Carolina as an International Student

International students typically pay out-of-state tuition rates. Here's the full cost picture.

Room & Board	$13,016/yr
Estimated 4-Year Total	$52,064

Note for public universities: University of North Carolina is a public institution. International students pay out-of-state tuition, which is significantly higher than in-state rates. Financial aid for international students at public universities is limited.

How to Apply to University of North Carolina as an International Student

Meet English Proficiency Requirements

Most schools require TOEFL (typically 100+ iBT) or IELTS (7.0+). Some accept Duolingo English Test.

Submit Standardized Tests

SAT: 1450+, ACT: 32+

Prepare Financial Documentation

You'll need proof of funds to cover tuition and living expenses.

Apply for F-1 Student Visa

After admission, University of North Carolina will issue a Form I-20. Use this to apply for an F-1 visa at your nearest U.S. embassy. Start the process 3-4 months before your program begins.

University of North Carolina Student Body Diversity

Diversity breakdown of University of North Carolina's undergraduate student body.

White

54.7%

Black/African American

8.8%

Hispanic/Latino

9.6%

Asian

13.7%

International

5.3%

Career Outcomes for University of North Carolina International Graduates

International students at University of North Carolina can work in the U.S. after graduation through OPT (Optional Practical Training). STEM majors qualify for a 3-year OPT extension.

$72,200

Median Earnings (10yr)

$57,057

Median Salary (6yr)

$14,000

Median Debt

OPT & H-1B Path: After graduating from University of North Carolina, international students get 12 months of OPT work authorization (36 months for STEM fields). Many use this time to secure H-1B visa sponsorship from employers.

Student Demographics

White

54.7%

Black/African American

8.8%

Hispanic/Latino

9.6%

Asian

13.7%

International

5.3%

University of North Carolina International Student FAQs

How many international students attend University of North Carolina?

5.3% of University of North Carolina undergraduates are international students. That's about 1,123 international undergrads. Schools with higher international shares typically have stronger ESL support, international student offices, and on-campus resources for non-US applicants.

How much is international tuition at University of North Carolina?

International students at University of North Carolina typically pay the full out-of-state sticker price of about $26,055/yr (tuition + room and board + fees). Financial aid for international students is more limited than for US citizens, though some schools offer merit scholarships.

Is the University of North Carolina acceptance rate harder for international students?

University of North Carolina's overall acceptance rate is 18.7%. International applicants typically face even more competitive admission odds because of limited international quotas. Strong test scores (TOEFL 100+/IELTS 7.0+) and clear English proficiency help.

What English test does University of North Carolina require for international applicants?

Most US colleges including University of North Carolina accept TOEFL iBT (typical minimum 80-100), IELTS (6.5-7.0), and Duolingo English Test (115-130). Highly selective schools require scores at the upper end of those ranges. Some schools waive the test if you've studied 3+ years in English.

Does University of North Carolina sponsor F-1 visas for international students?

Yes — University of North Carolina is SEVP-certified and issues I-20 forms to admitted international students. Once you're admitted and pay your enrollment deposit, University of North Carolina's international student office issues your I-20, which you use to apply for an F-1 student visa at the US embassy in your home country.