Skip to header Skip to Content Skip to Footer
Campus life group
img_30

Visiting International Student Program

Visiting International Admission Requirements

Exchange

Eligible students nominated directly by UNCW partner universities
are permitted to attend UNCW for one or two semesters to gain credit
at their home university. Permission to attend UNCW with the Visiting
International Program does not constitute admission to UNCW.

  • Be nominated for exchange by home university
  • Pay tuition to home university
  • Confirm credit recognition with home university

Study Abroad

Students from non-partner universities can request permission
to attend UNCW for one or two semesters to gain credit at their
home university. Permission to attend UNCW with the Visiting
International Program does not constitute admission to UNCW.

  • Must show transcripts from an accredited international university (no nomination needed)
  • Pay tuition to UNCW
  • Confirm credit recognition with home university

Gap Year

Students who have recently graduated from secondary education
can request permission to attend UNCW for one or two semesters.
Permission to attend UNCW with the Visiting International Program
does not constitute admission to UNCW. Students must be minimum of age 18 upon start of program.

  • High school diploma (or equivalency), 2.5 minimum GPA, and letter of recommendation required
  • Pay tuition to UNCW
  • Limited to University Studies (first-year) coursework

To nominate students, the UNCW partner university study abroad advisor completes UNCW Nomination Form. Official UNCW partners will be emailed the link to this form. If approved, the student will receive a link to the application. 

The International Student Interest Form is for students from non-partner universities.

International Student Interest form 

Students will follow the application link and upload the required documents. Once admitted, students will receive Pre-Arrival Steps and their acceptance packets will be mailed to the partner university.

Visa Required Documents

  1. Passport
  2. Transcript in English (include courses in progress)
  3. English proficiency test - *Scores older than two (2) years will not be accepted.
    • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) - 71 ibt, 197 cbt, or 525 pbt.
    • International English Language Testing System (IELTS) - 6.0 score
    • Duolingo English Test (DET) - minimum score of 95
    • Pearson PTE - minimum score 54
    • DAAD Certificate - B2 minimum level
    • iTEP - 3.7
    • Letter from university if over 60% of program is taught in English. Alternatives accepted on a case-by-case basis. Please contact Amy Lekeu if you have questions about acceptable alternatives for your university.
  4. Proof of Financial Support
    • Bank account statement, bank letter, or government student aid in English, no older than 6 months with required amounts
    • If the funds are not in the student's name, the financial sponsor must also provide a letter that indicates he/she will sponsor the student

To find course information for your visiting semester, go to:

  1. SeaNet You will search for classes during a specific semester. You can choose either the "Detailed Class Schedule" or "Search for Courses", then you will select the semester (fall or spring).
  2. UNCW Course Catalog You can search generally for classes using the key words for courses you might need. These courses are not guaranteed to be offered in the semester you attend UNCW.
  3. Course Equivalency Tool Some classes from international universities have been evaluated to find the UNCW equivalence. You can use this tool to find UNCW course options that match your home university.

The UNCW Office of International Students & Scholars registers you for classes, but we cannot guarantee that students will be registered for their top choices. Registration begins in late March/October and courses fill quickly.

Study Abroad Rates

Study Abroad Costs
Item
Study Abroad Costs
Tuition & Fees** $11,492.72 (12+ credits) **2023-24 rates
Housing Application Fee $105
On-Campus Housing $4,043 - $4,808 (University Suites, Seahawk Crossing/Landing/Village)
Food (either on-campus dining or preparing your own) $2,100-$2,600  **2023-24 rates
Student ID $20
Mailbox $11
Health Insurance (either UNCW insurance or option to waive) $1,352.08  **2023-24 rates
TOTAL (Study Abroad) $19,123.80 - $20,389 (range)
TOTAL (Exchange - Tuition/Fees waived) $7,631.08 - $8,897.08 (range)

Information for Admitted Visiting Internationals

Visiting International students are guaranteed on-campus housing if they apply prior to the deadline. They can choose between the following on-campus housing options: University Suites, Seahawk Landing, Seahawk Crossing, or Seahawk Village (dependent upon availability).

Visiting international students are required to attend the International Student Orientation.

Please review the Admitted Next Steps website for international students

Important Dates

Academic Year 2024-25

Fall 2024

J-1 Visa (Exchange)

F-1 Visa (Study Abroad)

Earliest Arrival Date for Visa July 22, 2024 July 22, 2024
On-Campus Housing Opens August 14, 2024 August 14, 2024
Required Orientation August 16-17, 2024 August 16-17, 2024
Start of Classes August 21, 2024 August 21, 2024
Last Day of Final Exams December 12, 2024 December 12, 2024
On-Campus Housing Closes December 13, 2024 December 13, 2024
Latest Departure Date for Visa January 11, 2025 February 10, 2025

Spring 2025

J-1 Visa (Exchange)

F-1 Visa (Study Abroad)

Earliest Arrival Date for Visa December 14, 2024 December 14, 2024
On-Campus Housing Opens January 7, 2025 January 7, 2025
Required Orientation  January 9-10, 2025 January 9-10, 2025
Start of Classes January 13, 2025 January 13, 2025
Last Day of Final Exams May 8, 2025 May 8, 2025
On-Campus Housing Closes May 9, 2025 May 9, 2025
Latest Departure Date for Visa June 7, 2025 July 7, 2025

Contact Us

top