All international students must apply for admission to UNCP by clicking Undergraduate Admissions or Graduate Admissions.
If you are informed that you must improve your English proficiency before you are eligible for admission, please visit the English Language Institute website.
After you have been admitted to UNCP, you will be prompted to upload your immigration documents in your application portal.
We will create your record in SEVIS once the necessary documents are provided.
Necessary documents may be all or some of the following;
You should review your document when you receive your electronic I-20 (if you are an F-1 student) or DS-2019 (if you are a J-1 student).
If you want the original I-20 shipped to you, you can purchase a prepaid label from eShipGlobal. If you are a J-1 student, you must ship the original DS-2019. Click here for instructions.
Check the spelling of your name, your date of birth, country of citizenship, country of birth, major, the dates of your program and your education level.
If something needs to be corrected, contact OGE via email at oge@uncp.edu.
If everything is correct, sign your I-20 or DS-2019 (at the bottom of the first page).
Be sure to read the second page of your I-20 or DS-2019 for important immigration requirements.
All student visa applicants must pay the SEVIS fee prior to going to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate for the visa interview.
Students will use the I-20 or DS-2019 issued by the school where they intend to study to pay the fee online. Payment will be made here.
Print the receipt and bring it to the Consulate interview as proof of your payment.
Canadian and Bermuda citizens are not required to have an F-1 visa, but they must pay the SEVIS fee and show proof of payment in order to qualify for admission at the Port of Entry (POE).
You must apply for a student visa from a U.S. Embassy/Consulate. (NOTE: A visa is not required for Canadians.)
The U.S. Embassy or Consulate closest to your home will usually process your visa application. Use the Study in the States website to locate the nearest embassy or consulate.
When you plan your visa appointment, reserve enough time to attend the appointment and receive your approval.
Check the Embassy’s processing time to ensure your visa will arrive on time.
Go to the State Department website to complete the online form for a visa application.
It is crucial that you take all of the required documents to your visa appointment.
Be sure to take:
You will be required to speak with a consular official who will quickly review your documents and ask about your plans of study.
The officer will verify that you have the academic ability, English language skills and financial resources to study at UNCP.
Since you are applying for a non-immigrant visa, the officer will require documentation of proof of intent to return to your home country.
The officer will give you instructions about when to return to pick up your documents and your visa or when to expect them in the mail.
A few applicants may receive a request to submit additional information.
Make sure that the following information is correct:
The visa is the one immigration document that cannot be applied for or obtained in the U.S.; if you enter the U.S. and your information is incorrect, you must exit the U.S. to apply for a new visa.
If your visa is not correct, it will affect your ability to obtain a driver’s license
(DL) and/or a Social Security number (SSN).
WARNING! Do not enter the U.S. on a tourist visa!
You must enter the U.S. on a student visa. If you attempt to enter the U.S. on an incorrect visa, you may encounter immigration problems. You cannot attend UNCP if you enter the U.S. on a tourist visa.
You must report to OGE for mandatory check-in within 30 days of your arrival. Failure to do so could result in the termination of your SEVIS record and jeopardize your legal ability to remain in the U.S.
Physical check-in will take place before the semester begins. Please bring the following immigration documents with you to the check-in session:
Transferring to a new school in the U.S. requires advanced planning. If the proper immigration process is followed, a student may legally stay in the U.S. between finishing classes at one school and starting at another.
This process requires the old school to "release" the student's SEVIS record to UNCP. Once this is done, UNCP will issue a new "transfer-in" Form I-20 of DS-2019.
If you have already been admitted to UNCP and would like more information about how to transfer your SEVIS record to UNCP, click here.
All international students must apply for admission to UNCP by clicking Undergraduate Admissions or Graduate Admissions.
If you are informed that you must improve your English proficiency before you are eligible for admission, please visit the English Language Institute website.
After you have been admitted to UNCP, you will be prompted to upload your immigration documents in your application portal.
We will create your record in SEVIS once the necessary documents are provided.
Necessary documents may be all or some of the following;
You should review your document when you receive your electronic I-20 (if you are an F-1 student) or DS-2019 (if you are a J-1 student).
If you want the original I-20 shipped to you, you can purchase a prepaid label from eShipGlobal. If you are a J-1 student, you must ship the original DS-2019. Click here for instructions.
Check the spelling of your name, your date of birth, country of citizenship, country of birth, major, the dates of your program and your education level.
If something needs to be corrected, contact OGE via email at oge@uncp.edu.
If everything is correct, sign your I-20 or DS-2019 (at the bottom of the first page).
Be sure to read the second page of your I-20 or DS-2019 for important immigration requirements.
All student visa applicants must pay the SEVIS fee prior to going to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate for the visa interview.
Students will use the I-20 or DS-2019 issued by the school where they intend to study to pay the fee online. Payment will be made here.
Print the receipt and bring it to the Consulate interview as proof of your payment.
Canadian and Bermuda citizens are not required to have an F-1 visa, but they must pay the SEVIS fee and show proof of payment in order to qualify for admission at the Port of Entry (POE).
You must apply for a student visa from a U.S. Embassy/Consulate. (NOTE: A visa is not required for Canadians.)
The U.S. Embassy or Consulate closest to your home will usually process your visa application. Use the Study in the States website to locate the nearest embassy or consulate.
When you plan your visa appointment, reserve enough time to attend the appointment and receive your approval.
Check the Embassy’s processing time to ensure your visa will arrive on time.
Go to the State Department website to complete the online form for a visa application.
It is crucial that you take all of the required documents to your visa appointment.
Be sure to take:
You will be required to speak with a consular official who will quickly review your documents and ask about your plans of study.
The officer will verify that you have the academic ability, English language skills and financial resources to study at UNCP.
Since you are applying for a non-immigrant visa, the officer will require documentation of proof of intent to return to your home country.
The officer will give you instructions about when to return to pick up your documents and your visa or when to expect them in the mail.
A few applicants may receive a request to submit additional information.
Make sure that the following information is correct:
The visa is the one immigration document that cannot be applied for or obtained in the U.S.; if you enter the U.S. and your information is incorrect, you must exit the U.S. to apply for a new visa.
If your visa is not correct, it will affect your ability to obtain a driver’s license
(DL) and/or a Social Security number (SSN).
WARNING! Do not enter the U.S. on a tourist visa!
You must enter the U.S. on a student visa. If you attempt to enter the U.S. on an incorrect visa, you may encounter immigration problems. You cannot attend UNCP if you enter the U.S. on a tourist visa.
You must report to OGE for mandatory check-in within 30 days of your arrival. Failure to do so could result in the termination of your SEVIS record and jeopardize your legal ability to remain in the U.S.
Physical check-in will take place before the semester begins. Please bring the following immigration documents with you to the check-in session:
Transferring to a new school in the U.S. requires advanced planning. If the proper immigration process is followed, a student may legally stay in the U.S. between finishing classes at one school and starting at another.
This process requires the old school to "release" the student's SEVIS record to UNCP. Once this is done, UNCP will issue a new "transfer-in" Form I-20 of DS-2019.
If you have already been admitted to UNCP and would like more information about how to transfer your SEVIS record to UNCP, click here.
Play VideoThe Office of Global Engagement (OGE) will ask you to submit the following documents:
*Only applicants currently already in the U.S. transferring to UNCP from another U.S. college or university
You can submit these forms to the Office of Global Engagement by logging into your application portal, the document upload link can be found at the bottom of the page. Once you complete submission of these items, an I-20 will be issued to you to continue with the visa application. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Office of Global Engagement by email at oge@uncp.edu or by calling 910.775.4095.
Please use the link below to understand how to upload your documents.
International Document Upload Instructions
Minimum Required Funding Amount by Program
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires that all F-1 or J-1 visa applicants provide evidence of sufficient funds available to pay for their educational, living and other expenses. Financial support can be a combination of personal and sponsored funding. Bank and/or sponsor letters must not be more than six months old.
Estimated cost of attendance includes direct (tuition/fees, room & board, health insurance) and indirect (books, supplies, miscellaneous and personal) expenses. Applicants with spouse/child(ren) must show additional certified funds at least $5,000 for spouse/child(ren) per year. Listed living expenses are an estimation of living on campus without dependents for an academic year (2 semesters).
| 2026-2027 | Graduate | Undergraduate (Continuing1) | Undergraduate (New) | ESL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Resident Tuition | ||||
| Living Expenses (Room+Board)* | ||||
| Textbooks | ||||
| Medical Insurance | ||||
| Fees | ||||
| Total for One Academic Year (2 Semesters) |
OGE will assist you in understanding and complying with the U.S.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) immigration regulations and required documentation during your stay at UNCP. DHS requires us to create and maintain your Student & Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) immigration record.
U.S. regulations require you to keep us informed of any changes to your academic status, or your immigration status, so that we can update your SEVIS record in a timely fashion. Our office is the best place to ask any questions you may have regarding your immigration status while in the U.S.
In order to have your SEVIS record registered when you arrive on campus, you must report to OGE for mandatory immigration check-in. Failure to do so could result in a termination of your SEVIS record, and jeopardize your legal ability to remain in the U.S.
Check out the International Student Life Cycle (F-1/M-1) to further your understanding on applying for a visa.
Degree Seeking Students
Degree-seeking students are undergraduate or graduate-level students who intend to graduate from UNCP at the completion of their program.
They will be issued an F-1 visa, and the Form 1-20 will be issued for the length of the student's academic program.
If you are a degree-seeking student, you can find further information about your immigration status and the U.S. immigration system at here .
Non-degree Seeking Students
If your institution has a formal exchange agreement with UNCP, you will be admitted as a non-degree exchange student.
Non-degree-seeking exchange students will be issued a J-1 visa, and a DS-2019 will be issued for the length of the student's exchange program.
If you are a non-degree-seeking student, you can find more information about your status and the U.S. immigration system here .
As an international student in the U.S., you may be asked from time to time about your visa or your status. While in most situations in the U.S. the two are interchangeable, it is a good idea for your to know the difference.
Visa
Status
Help us send your immigration forms to the correct address - Shipping Request
We have partnered with UEMS, which is a university shipping solution that helps international students and scholars send and receive critical documents such as I-20s, DS-2019s, OPTs and so much more.
BraveMail (Microsoft Office 365) is UNCP's official email for students. Students are expected to check messages frequently. Check out instructions here to access your account. If you do not set this up and regularly check your BraveMail, you will miss something important.
If you need assistance, contact helpdesk@uncp.edu with your concern, attach screenshots or other supporting documentation for faster support from DoIT.
The closest airport to UNCP is Fayetteville Regional Airport (FAY) - [45 minutes - 56 kilometers]. Book UNCP offered transportation here.
International Airports within distance:
Transportation Methods:
Campus Address: 1 University Drive, Pembroke, NC 28372
Important dates to consider when booking your travel days and times:
Welcome to the United States! UNC Pembroke is located in Pembroke, North Carolina, and while the town itself is relatively small, there are several accommodation options and tips for navigating the area. Here's a guide to help your family get settled.
Here are some hotels within driving distance of the campus that should be convenient for families:
If your family is planning to stay for an extended period, renting a house or apartment via Airbnb or similar platforms might be more comfortable and cost-effective. This will provide more space and a home-like environment for your family to adjust. You can search for properties in Pembroke or nearby areas like Lumberton and Red Springs.
For a first-time international visitor, it might be useful to understand the basics of navigating the town and its surrounding areas.
Although Pembroke is a small town, it has some fun family-friendly activities you can enjoy:
For first-time international students and their families, adjusting to a new country can feel overwhelming, but remember that UNC Pembroke and the surrounding community are there to support you. Take advantage of local resources, and don't hesitate to ask for help from fellow students, staff and residents.
If you need more specific recommendations or advice for your stay, feel free to ask!
Process to open a bank account as a Foreign National.
Please research the requirements of your bank of choice to see what all you need to bring with you to open an account. Some accounts can be opened online, most require you to physically be there to open in person.
Freshman/Transfer Students
Courses will be pre-advised by advisors before attending orientation.
Exchange Students
Contact studyabroad@uncp.edu with your desired course listings. An academic advisor will review and communicate back with you to assist you in registering for courses.
After you register for orientation and are loaded into a full-time course load , you can now enroll to get your ID card if you opt to choose Student Blue as your provider!
To Enroll:
You will not pay for insurance coverage when you enroll. The cost will be added to your student billing account.
Click here for more information on the UNCP student insurance plan.
To Waive:
Your policies must meet the following to be granted an approved waiver. The policy must have:
Many international students are often caught off guard by how expensive and complicated the U.S. healthcare system can be. Check out this video presentation, Intro to U.S. Healthcare, which provides key information on accessing care and saving on medical bills.
Have your doctor in your home country complete this before you come to UNCP.
Required Immunizations for enrollment are:
| Vaccine | Minimum Number of Doses Required |
|---|---|
| Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis | 3 doses (must include 1 Tdap) |
| Polio | 3 doses |
| Measles |
2 doses
2 doses of the MMR vaccine will meet this requirement |
| Mumps | 2 doses |
| Rubella | 1 dose |
| Hepatitis B | 3 doses |
| Varicella | 1 dose |
| Meningococcal Conjugate | 1 dose |
The record of these immunizations must be signed by a healthcare professional or stamped by a clinic or health department. More information can be found here.
All international students are also required to take a PPD (TB skin test) after arriving on campus. These are offered at Student Health Services and can be given during your orientation days.
*For students under the age of 18, please have your guardian sign the bottom of the student health history form; this will allow you to get treatment provided by UNCP.
Required Student Health Form.
completed and signed by your doctor, and uploaded to Student Health Services immediately upon acceptance to UNCP in order to ensure they are in compliance with North Carolina law.
For more information about UNCP's health requirements, visit the Student Health Services webpage .
Step 1
Familiarize yourself with the Immunization Policy
Step 2
Conduct a map search of the area around where you will be living and find the local pharmacy, Walmart or the Robeson County Department of Public Health.
Make an appointment with the one you are most comfortable.
Step 3
Arrange transportation on your own, as needed. (The Robeson County Department of Public Health is about 10 miles away from Pembroke. It does not have an easy walkable path there.)
In order to get to the Health Department during the semester, you may do one of the following:
SEATs Shuttle Bus
Step 4
Return the immunization shot records to Student Health Services on campus/upload them to your patient portal.
Freshmen and sophomores are required to stay on campus as part of our residency requirement. For more information regarding our two-year residency requirement, please visit us at Residency Requirement. Please make sure you do not sign any off-campus housing leases without being approved. This will result in you paying additional housing costs.
Along with the two-year residency requirement, there is an associated meal plan. Due to the limited availability of diverse food resources in the surrounding area, a mandatory meal plan is in place to ensure all students have access to nutritious and balanced meals within the residential community.
It is important to be aware that this requirement may present challenges for individuals with specific religious or dietary needs. We encourage you to carefully consider this requirement in light of your personal circumstances.
If you plan to stay on campus, complete the housing application on BraveWeb as soon as possible. Click here for instructions.
Housing will confirm they have received your application, and they will notify you of your living arrangements.
Information on housing rates can be found on the housing webpage. It also includes floor plans, a list of amenities and suggestions for what to bring.
Are you considering exemption/release of this requirement? Find out more.
Deadlines for release or exemptions for consideration are:
Fall: June 30
Spring: November 30
UNCP does not have an authority to any off-campus affiliated housing, if you choose this option. It will be your responsibility to secure.
Apartment locations near campus;
Pembroke Pointe (within 1.8 km)
Prospect 698 (within 0.48 km)
The View at Pembroke (within 0.80 km)
The Commons at Pembroke (within 0.97 km)
Village at Hunter's Run (within 5.8 km)
In order to live off campus, you generally need to have a cosigner or guarantor. However, some locations will charge you with a higher rental rate instead of requiring a cosigner or guarantor. Rental rates are approximately $500-$1,500/month depending on number of rooms, bedrooms and roommates.
Once your BraveWeb account is set up, you can purchase your meal plan through BraveWeb. You can make changes to your plan only one time by contacting studentaccounts@uncp.edu.
First- and second-year students are required to live on campus as part of our freshman and sophomore residency requirements. Those residing in a residence hall are required to hold a meal plan. The 12-meal plan is automatically assigned.
Due to the limited availability of diverse food resources in the surrounding area, a mandatory meal plan is in place to ensure all students have access to nutritious and balanced meals within the residential community.
It is important to be aware that this requirement may present challenges for individuals with specific religious or dietary needs. We encourage you to carefully consider this requirement in light of your personal circumstances.
The Petition for Exemption process is reserved for students who meet specified qualifications to waive their dining requirement. For use by incoming freshmen and incoming transfer students, this should be completed before signing a housing contract.
Check out what the dining hall has to offer here.
If you are looking to get a local SIM card or activating an international phone plan major carriers like AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile have stores nearby campus. Chavis Student Center has a weekly shopping shuttle that goes to the shopping complexes T-Mobile and Verizon are located in.
Other Pre-Paid Plan option (personal search):
This service is available for any student who wishes to order items from their personal online accounts (Amazon, eBay, AliExpress, etc.) and ship it to the university before they arrive in the U.S. This eliminates the hassle of buying larger items and having to transport them via plane and/or wait on buying everything the day of arrival in Pembroke.
If you request this service, OGE ( oge@uncp.edu ) will have everything waiting for you when you arrive.
*Please use the following shipping information:
Student Name
Office of Global Engagement
PO Box 1510
Belk Residence Hall
81 Faculty Row
Pembroke, NC 28372
Once the order has been shipped, send the tracking number to OGE ( oge@uncp.edu ).
| Tips for purchasing items: | Limitations for purchasing items: |
|---|---|
|
|
Disclaimer:
Be mindful, you may not have the capacity to bring extra items that you order back
home
with you.
Upon returning home, you can donate these and other items to our local community and
Taley and Jordan Hunt Braves Resource Center.
Stay informed of any advisories from the National Weather Service and follow local, state, and federal emergency response guidance when severe weather is in the Pembroke area.
North Carolina, located in the southeastern United States, experiences a diverse range of weather patterns throughout the year. Here's a breakdown of the weather you can expect in the southeastern area of North Carolina:
Other Considerations:
Overall, the southeastern area of North Carolina offers a mix of warm summers, mild winters and transitional spring and autumn seasons, with notable influences from both the Atlantic Ocean and the Appalachian Mountains.