International Students

Welcome to your international student journey at UNC Pembroke! This page outlines the full process from applying to the university to arriving on campus and beginning your studies. You'll also find essential information on academic expectations, scholarships, visa requirements, costs and post-graduation options.

Accepted & Incoming Students

Phase 1 - Admissions: Haven't applied or been accepted? Learn more

Phase 2 - UNCP Immigration

Phase 3 - United States Immigration > Receive Visa

Phase 4 - Orientation registration conditional upon Visa certification

Phase 5 - Book flights and secure transportation

Phase 6 - Arrival

Phase 7 - Orientation and begin studying classes

** Please take note of the deadlines below as it pertains to visa, planning in advance will provide you with the best chances of a stress-free and successful arrival.

Campus Calendar

Financial aid eligibility will depend on what visa classification you hold. A traditional F-1 visa holder does not qualify for any U.S. Federal Financial Aid. However, you may be eligible for other sources of funding such as external scholarships or private loans.

Our office has incorporated some external links below to research scholarship opportunities:

Scholarships for International Students | BestColleges

International Scholarships Search | Financial Aid To Study Abroad

List of Scholarships for International Students | eduPASS

Hispanic and Latino Scholarships

College y Consejos, an initiative of LatinxEd Scholarship Spreadsheet

Brooks Law Group

Our institutional scholarships for students are located in the BraveAssist portal. You will log into this using your UNCP login credentials and complete a general application, then you will be auto-matched to any scholarship that you may qualify for.

Here are scholarship opportunities across the U.S. for international students.

Alternative Loans

Here are the undergraduate fees for the 2024-2025 school year. You would be considered a "Non-Resident" student.

Undergraduate Fees

clock tower and quad

Enrollment

Global Engagement provides specific guidance for F-1 and J-1 visa holders. It's important to note that these policies may differ from other university departments.

  • Undergraduate Students: Must enroll in 12 or more credit hours per semester.

  • Graduate Students: Must enroll in 9 or more credit hours per semester.

  • Online Courses: Only one 3-credit-hour online or distance education course may count toward the full-time enrollment requirement each semester. Students taking only one course in a semester cannot take that course online.

  • Audit Courses: Do not count toward full-time enrollment as they carry no credit.

  • Pass/Fail Courses: These carry credit and count toward full-time enrollment for immigration purposes.

Maintaining good academic standing is crucial for visa status:

  • Undergraduate Students: Must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0.

  • Graduate Students: Must meet the GPA requirements set by their specific programs.

Falling below the required GPA can jeopardize visa status. Students should utilize campus resources like the University Writing Center and the Center for Student Success for support.

In certain circumstances, students may be authorized for a reduced course load:

  • Academic Difficulties: Initial difficulties with the English language, unfamiliarity with U.S. teaching methods, or improper course level placement.

  • Medical Conditions: Temporary illness or medical condition.

  • Final Semester: If fewer courses are needed to complete the program.

Authorization for RCL must be obtained in advance from the Office of Global Engagement.

Summer enrollment is generally not required if the student was enrolled full time in the spring and plans to continue in the fall. However, students engaging in full-time Curricular Practical Training (CPT) during the summer may be exempt from enrolling in classes but should confirm with the Office of Global Engagement.
Upon completing all academic program requirements, students are considered to have completed their program for visa purposes and are neither required nor permitted to enroll for an additional semester.

  • Undergraduate Students: Must enroll in 12 or more credit hours per semester.

  • Graduate Students: Must enroll in 9 or more credit hours per semester.

  • Online Courses: Only one 3-credit-hour online or distance education course may count toward the full-time enrollment requirement each semester. Students taking only one course in a semester cannot take that course online.

  • Audit Courses: Do not count toward full-time enrollment as they carry no credit.

  • Pass/Fail Courses: These carry credit and count toward full-time enrollment for immigration purposes.

Maintaining good academic standing is crucial for visa status:

  • Undergraduate Students: Must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0.

  • Graduate Students: Must meet the GPA requirements set by their specific programs.

Falling below the required GPA can jeopardize visa status. Students should utilize campus resources like the University Writing Center and the Center for Student Success for support.

In certain circumstances, students may be authorized for a reduced course load:

  • Academic Difficulties: Initial difficulties with the English language, unfamiliarity with U.S. teaching methods, or improper course level placement.

  • Medical Conditions: Temporary illness or medical condition.

  • Final Semester: If fewer courses are needed to complete the program.

Authorization for RCL must be obtained in advance from the Office of Global Engagement.

Summer enrollment is generally not required if the student was enrolled full time in the spring and plans to continue in the fall. However, students engaging in full-time Curricular Practical Training (CPT) during the summer may be exempt from enrolling in classes but should confirm with the Office of Global Engagement.
Upon completing all academic program requirements, students are considered to have completed their program for visa purposes and are neither required nor permitted to enroll for an additional semester.

Academic Expectations

Unfamiliarity, misunderstanding and legitimate cultural differences will not excuse an international student from adhering to UNCP’s policies of academic integrity and student conduct. So, in order to have a successful experience here, it is important for you to become familiar with them. Be aware that standards are strict and can affect an international student's immigration status.

Academic Integrity

UNCP students are expected to uphold U.S. ethical standards when performing research, writing papers, taking tests and completing other assignments.

  • Students are expected to do their own work.

Unless specifically stated on the syllabus or in writing by the professor of your course, you should not work on classwork in groups or with a friend.

  • You must properly cite sources of information that you use.

If you use a statement, idea or information from any other source, you must credit that source in your work, or you may be accused of plagiarism. Plagiarism is defined as using someone else’s words or ideas and presenting them as your own. Whether intentional or unintentional, a charge of plagiarism is an academic integrity violation and has severe consequences for your student status with the university and, subsequently, with your immigration status. If you are unsure about your assignment, always seek advice directly from your professor.

UNCP international student taking notes on an iPad

Student Conduct

The Office of Student Conduct implements policies designed to avoid behaviors that can disrupt the university and its community. As students of UNCP, you should remember that you are always representing the university wherever you are. It is very important that you do not engage in conduct or behaviors that could violate the Code of Student Conduct, whether you are on or off campus. If you are officially charged with a crime or engaging in unacceptable behavior, you could lose your good standing with the university and, subsequently, your legal F-1 or J-1 status.

Academic Standing

All students are required to maintain a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA). At UNCP, undergraduate students are required to maintain a GPA of at least 2.0 to be in good academic standing. If you fail to meet the required GPA, you could lose your academic standing, which will affect your immigration status. There are resources available on campus to help you achieve academic success, such as the University Writing Center and the Center for Student Success. If you’re struggling, get help as early as possible!

International student in class

Program Completion

F-1 and J-1 students are admitted to the U.S. for "duration of status" (D/S), which extends from the program start date to the program end date listed on the I-20 or DS-2019, or the actual completion of the academic program, whichever comes first. The initial program end date is an estimate and may be updated to reflect the actual completion date, often during the final semester when applying for post-completion benefits like Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 students.

Students who have maintained valid F or J status for the duration of their academic program are eligible for a grace period following successful completion of an academic program. For F students, the grace period is 60 days. For J students, the grace period is 30 days. The start of a student's grace period is typically the last day of the last semester of enrollment. During the grace period, students cannot work or take courses. The grace period is intended to allow students a period of time in which to wrap up their affairs and prepare to depart the U.S., or to travel within in the U.S. Students who depart the U.S. during the grace period will not be able to re-enter the U.S. using the F/J visa + I-20/DS-2019 (except for OPT students - please see information about travel during OPT.)

By the time of program completion or before the end of the permitted grace period, a student must pursue one of the following post-completion options:

  • Depart the U.S. (notify Global Engagement using the Departure Form)
  • Transfer to Another Academic Program
  • Apply for post-completion OPT (F only)
  • Apply for a change in academic level
  • Apply for a change in non-immigrant status