University of North Carolina Wilmington

I want to apply - We're this university's official application partner

I'm still deciding - Find programs that match your goals

Premises of University of North Carolina Wilmington
University of North Carolina Wilmington logo

Apply to the University of North Carolina Wilmington with Studee

We get it - applying to study abroad can be confusing. Here's why applying with Studee is the smarter move:

  • Student holding book searching on computer

    Find your ideal program on Studee

    Search thousands of programs in a few clicks

  • Folder with a success message

    Apply to universities with Studee

    Get cheaper application fees at many universities

  • University next to a tree with an approved document

    We perfect your application

    Our experts help you improve your application

  • Advisor talking on a headset

    Get a place at your perfect university

    We talk to the university to get a decision quickly

  • Find the best match - discover programs and universities that fit your goals and budget

  • Get expert advice, anytime - from application to enrollment, we're here to help

  • Faster applications - apply to multiple universities on one website

  • Visa guidance - step-by-step support to help you get your visa in time for your studies

  • Know if you're eligible - we make sure you've got everything you need to apply

  • Know exactly what to do, when - we'll guide you step by step through the admission process

Key facts

  • Type
    Public
  • International students
    2680
  • Nationalities
    26
  • Total programs
    92

Study abroad at the University of North Carolina Wilmington

A public research university based in Wilmington, the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) is one of North Carolina’s 16 public universities. Their campus is located just minutes from several beaches, and Wilmington has a vibrant art, culture, literature, film and music scene.

UNCW was established in 1947 and offers 49 undergraduate majors for 54 bachelor’s degrees, 29 graduate programs, and four doctoral programs. Popular majors for international students include business, computer science, environmental studies, film studies and marine biology.

There are more than 260 student organizations on offer at UNCW, and their 19 athletic teams compete in NCAA Division I. The University has a number of regular traditions including Oozeball, Beach Blast, Convocation, Involvement Carnival, and UNCWelcome Week.

University campus in multiple locations

Why study at the University of North Carolina Wilmington

  • Sports and athletics

    The UNCW athletic teams are NCAA Division I members

  • Student-staff ratio

    18:1 student-staff ratio helps each student receive a personalized education

Location

University of North Carolina Wilmington

601 S College Rd, NC 28403

Wilmington is a charming, friendly city on the southeastern coast of North Carolina in the United States. Located just minutes from numerous beaches, Wilmington has a renowned historic district as well as a vibrant art culture, literature, film and music scene.

Fees and funding

Financing a UNCW education may seem like a challenging responsibility, so the University tries to be accessible to all who are granted admission. UNCW meets this through need-blind admissions and through financial aid.

Financial assistance from UNCW for international students is extremely limited, since the out-of-state tuition at UNCW is lower than at many comparable institutions. As such, it is urged that international students look for outside sources of funding to help lower costs.

Fee information

  • Undergraduate tuition

    US$20,016 per year

  • Graduate tuition

    US$20,155 per year

Funding

Undergraduate International Student Scholarship

  • Amount

    $2,000 one time award

  • Requirements

    Any incoming undergraduate degree-seeking international student needing F-1 visa sponsorship (excluding TABSA) is automatically awarded $2,000 USD at the time of admission if they have a 3.5 GPA or higher, on a U.S. 4.0 scale for their first academic year of attendance (fall & spring semester.)

Distinguished Merit Scholarship

  • Amount

    $5,000 per academic year

  • Requirements

    The Distinguished Merit Scholarship is a $5,000 renewable award for undergraduate students who have demonstrated elite academic ability and exceptional personal achievement throughout high school. Consideration for this award is based on the student’s UNCW application; no additional action is required to be considered.

Global Student Ambassador Scholarship

Amount: $2,000, split up to $1,000 each semester for one year (fall & spring semesters). Requirements:

  • Only current international students on an F-1 visa are eligible to apply.
  • To be eligible students must be on track to be full-time current students for the upcoming academic year.
  • Students must commit to one academic year of involvement/interaction with OISS and international students.
  • Students who receive this award will serve as a Global Student Ambassador for the following academic year (fall & spring semester).
  • In order to maintain the scholarship throughout the year, ambassadors have to fulfill ALL of their responsibilities. Otherwise, the scholarship will be suspended.
  • Scholarship recipients must attend Ambassador Orientation before the spring semester ends.

Global Student Ambassador Scholarship Application process:

  • Complete a separate application
  • Submit a one-page essay on how you feel you could support incoming international students
  • Submit 2 references
  • All documents should be sent to [email protected]
  • Interviews will conducted in April

Visa requirements for the University of North Carolina Wilmington

Many international students will require a visa to study in the US, and this is a vital step of your study abroad journey. Make sure you understand the requirements you may need to meet before applying.

USA student visa requirements

Life at the University of North Carolina Wilmington

The Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) is dedicated to attracting and supporting UNCW’s community of international students and staff.

The OISS provides support to help international students transition into life at UNCW, and they aim to address the unique needs of each student. They also coordinate events and programs designed to engage international students with the broader community to promote a global culture throughout the campus.

International students are encouraged to live on campus to help you integrate into life at the University. There are also a large number of clubs and organizations you can join that are an ideal way of meeting new people.

Facilities

  • Food & Restaurants
    • Restaurants
    • Cafe’s
  • Library
    • Group Study Rooms
    • Quiet Areas
    • Computer labs
  • Transport
    • Campus Bus Service
    • On-Campus Shuttle
    • Bike Rental
    • Campus parking
  • Fitness Centre
    • Personal Trainers
    • Spin Studio
    • Sauna / Steam Rooms
    • Fitness Classes
    • Machines
    • Free Weights
  • All Weather Sports Pitches
    • 4 volleyball courts
    • 13 Tennis Courts
    • 8 Basketball Courts
    • 1 Climbing Wall
    • 1 Squash Courts
    • 1 Baseball Pitches
  • Sports Facilities
    • 1 Natural Turf Soccer Pitches
    • 1 Natural Turf American Football Pitches
    • 1 Sport facilities
  • Praying Rooms
    • Pre sessional English Academic skills courses
  • Tutoring Support
    • Academic Tutoring & Support
  • IT Support
    • Loan Laptops
  • Healthcare & Medical
    • Campus Doctor

Student reviews for the University of North Carolina Wilmington

Overall rating

3.9
7 reviews
  • Overall experience
    4.1
  • Academic
    3.7
  • University social
    3.1
  • Accommodation
    4.1
  • University facilities
    4.4
Asami Minei
jp flag
Studied Geophysical Sciences at University of North Carolina Wilmington
Overall Experience
  • Academic
    3
  • University social
    3
  • Accommodation
    5
  • University facilities
    5
Tell us about the University of North Carolina Wilmington

What I like about this University the most is the medical support they offer. They have an accessible clinic on campus, medical insurance covering 100% of the cost, and an easy online check-in system. What I like the least about the school is that international students must pay out-of-state tuition fees. My old school had a tuition waiver if you volunteered for 10 hours, but the tuition here is three times as expensive than in-state students.

Ciaran O'Cleirigh
ie flag
Studied Recreation Management at University of North Carolina Wilmington
Overall Experience
  • Academic
    4
  • University social
    5
  • Accommodation
    5
  • University facilities
    5
Tell us about the University of North Carolina Wilmington

The social life is great as we have the beach and lots of activities that the University has to offer everyday. The food is good and they have a lot of variation.

Johan Bjorck
se flag
Studied Agribusiness at University of North Carolina Wilmington
Overall Experience
  • Academic
    5
  • University social
    3
  • Accommodation
    4
  • University facilities
    4
Tell us about the University of North Carolina Wilmington

The location really is awesome and close to the beach. The facilities are great too, with great halls and dining places

Anamo Kisho
et flag
Studied Information Technology at University of North Carolina Wilmington
Overall Experience
  • Academic
    4
  • University social
    3
  • Accommodation
    4
  • University facilities
    4
Tell us about the University of North Carolina Wilmington

The facilities in UNCW are great, they really care about the students and help us to reach our full potential. The university has good resources to help students further their knowledge like a math lab and writing center. It's a medium size university located close to the beach but it has low diversity. People are friendly and it's an amazing community. Transportation is not efficient; students definitely need a car for transport.

Dimitra Tzialla
us flag
Studied Digital Marketing at University of North Carolina Wilmington
Overall Experience
  • Academic
    3
  • University social
    4
  • Accommodation
    3
  • University facilities
    3
Tell us about the University of North Carolina Wilmington

One of the things I did not like about my university is the transportation they offer. The buses were always late, sometimes the drivers would change the route and they would not pick up some students.

What the University of North Carolina Wilmington says

  • Profile of Jessie Heim
    Jessie Heim
    Jessie Heim says:

    UNCW welcomes students from around the world. Once you’re here, you’ll recognize a sense of belonging you didn’t realize was missing. It feels like home.

    Here at North Carolina's coastal university, you’ll enjoy a powerful academic experience that stimulates creative inquiry, critical thinking, and thoughtful expression in a beautiful campus setting. Located just minutes from the beach, Wilmington, North Carolina has a vibrant culture that celebrates the arts, film and music, and a host of campus/community connections to ensure you find where you belong both on and off-campus.

    Our residence halls include programming spaces, technologically advanced study spaces, and best of all you will avoid the hassle of multiple bills and grocery shopping; living on-campus is an all-inclusive payment (rent, cable, internet, water, and phone). We have over 100 plus cable channels, free laundry machines on each floor, vending/ice machines, high-speed internet, and iPrint stations in every area just to name a few of the amenities we offer. UNCW provides support and various programs to help international students on F-1 visas secure jobs and internships during their studies and after in collaboration with the Career Center.