University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |Research University

The University of NC Chapel Hill is a place where the future is shaped. Known for its rich history, it was the first public university in the U.S. to award degrees in the 18th century. Today, it continues to be a leader in education and research, ranked No. 5 among public schools in the country by U.S. News & World Report (2025). The university stands out for its groundbreaking research, ranking No. 9 nationally in research activity. With 62 national championships, the University of NC Chapel Hill remains dedicated to preparing students to lead and innovate across all fields. 

About the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill

Founded in 1789, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is one of the oldest public universities in the United States. It is consistently ranked among the top public universities in the country. In fact, the UNC Chapel Hill rank currently stands at #22 among national universities according to U.S. News 2025 Rankings. As part of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU), the University of North Carolina offers over 82 undergraduate majors, 112 master’s programs, and more than 60 doctoral degrees. It’s especially noted for programs like UNC Chapel Hill Law, medicine, public health, journalism, and business. With over 30,000 students from across the globe, a student-faculty ratio of 15:1, and an average UNC Chapel Hill rating of 4.7/5 by students, the university continues to uphold its mission of preparing future leaders and changemakers.

University of North Carolina Chapel Hill Courses

Whether you're an undergrad student looking to explore liberal arts or a graduate student aiming for advanced research, UNC Chapel Hill provides quality, flexibility, and relevance in its course offerings. 

1. Undergraduate Courses at UNC Chapel Hill

At the University of NC Chapel Hill, undergrad students can choose from over 70 majors and 70 minors across multiple disciplines. Some of the most popular undergraduate programs include:

You’ll also benefit from the UNC’s General Education Curriculum, which gives you the flexibility to study subjects outside your major.

2. Graduate Courses at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill

Graduate education at North Chapel Hill University is designed for depth, innovation, and professional impact. Students have access to over 100 graduate and professional programs, with many courses ranked nationally.

In particular, the UNC Chapel Hill Law School is among the most competitive in the Southeast US, producing graduates who go on to work in top law firms, courts, and public service.

University of North Carolina Chapel Hill Admission Requirements

Gaining admission to the UNC is highly competitive but entirely achievable with strong academics and the right preparation. The University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill has a highly competitive admissions process, with an overall acceptance rate of 19%. For students applying early, the acceptance rate is slightly higher at 23.1%. Let’s break down the entry requirements for both undergraduate and graduate programs.

1. Undergraduate Admission Requirements

Applying to UNC Chapel Hill as an undergraduate involves meeting specific academic and application-related standards. Here’s a full breakdown:

• Application Platforms: You can apply using the Common Application/Coalition Application (powered by Scoir). Both platforms allow you to submit your statement, recommendation letters, school grades, and test scores all in one place.‍
• Application Fee: USD 85 (non-refundable); fee waivers are available for eligible students.‍
• Standardized Testing: SAT or ACT scores are optional through Fall 2025 admissions.
  If submitted, strong test scores may enhance your application.
• Middle 50% SAT: 1340–1500
• Middle 50% ACT: 29–33‍
• GPA Expectations: The average weighted GPA of admitted students is 4.39.  A GPA of 3.8 or higher (unweighted) is considered competitive.‍
• Top 5% Admission Guarantee: While not a formal policy, UNC gives strong consideration to students in the top 5% of their graduating class, especially those with rigorous coursework and leadership experiences.

2. Graduate School Admission Requirements

Graduate admission into North Chapel Hill University varies by program but generally includes the following requirements:

• Application Platform: All graduate applications go through the UNC Graduate School Portal.
• Application Fee: USD 95 (non-refundable)
• Academic Requirements: Strong academic history with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in your undergraduate degree.
• Degree Requirement: A bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) from an accredited institution. Some programs require relevant undergraduate coursework in the field.
• English Proficiency: If English is not your first language, you’ll need to submit:
• TOEFL: Minimum score of 90
• IELTS: Minimum score of 7.0
• Duolingo: Minimum score of 120

3. Program-Specific Requirements

Depending on your chosen course, additional documents might be required:

• Letters of Recommendation (2–3)
• Personal Statement/Statement of Purpose
• Resume or CV
• Portfolio (for design or fine arts)
• GRE/GMAT scores (for select programs)

For example, UNC Chapel Hill Law requires the LSAT, while the MBA program may require the GMAT/GRE, though some waivers are available.

How to Apply? 

Here’s how you can apply to  UNC Chapel Hill Law: 

1. Choose your application platform: Common Application or Coalition Application.
2. Complete the online application form with personal, academic, and extracurricular details.
3. Upload your official high school transcript and school report.
4. Submit one teacher recommendation from a core academic subject.
5. Write and submit one personal essay and two UNC-specific short answer prompts.
6. Send SAT/ACT scores (optional if GPA is 2.8 or higher).
7. Pay the application fee or request a fee waiver.
8. North Carolina residents must complete the Residency Determination Service (RDS) for in-state status.

University of North Carolina Chapel Hill Deadlines

Whether you're aiming for early action or regular decision-making, knowing the exact dates and deadlines is important. These deadlines apply to first-year undergraduate applicants. Graduate deadlines vary by department and program.

Decision Plans & Key Dates (Undergraduate)

Here’s a clear table outlining all the major decision plans, deadlines, and expected decision release timelines:

Additional Notes for Applicants

• Materials Deadline: Includes official transcripts, letter of recommendation, test scores (if applicable), and additional essays.
• Decisions are typically posted to your UNC admissions portal and sent via email.
• International students should begin the visa process immediately after receiving their I-20 form post-admission.

Submitting your application well before the deadline can give you time to double-check documents, avoid portal errors, and show UNC that you're proactive.

Graduate School Deadlines

Graduate program deadlines at UNC Chapel Hill differ based on department. Here are some examples:

You can find department-specific deadlines on the university page.

University of North Carolina Chapel Hill Tuition Fees

Studying at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers excellent value for a world-class education. While tuition varies for in-state and out-of-state students, UNC ensures transparency and affordability with detailed cost breakdowns for studying at UNC Chapel Hill. 

Below is a comprehensive look at the expected average expenses for 2025:

These numbers are estimates for the 2024–2025 academic year and may be adjusted slightly in 2025. For the most recent updates, visit the UNC Cost of Attendance page.

Scholarship Opportunities at UNC Chapel Hill

Paying for college can be a challenge, especially for international or out-of-state students. Thankfully, the University of North Carolina offers a range of merit-based and need-based scholarships to help ease the financial burden. These awards aim to recognize academic excellence, leadership potential, and financial need.

Key Scholarship Programs

Here are the top scholarships offered by UNC Chapel Hill:

International Student Scholarships

Although some scholarships are limited to US citizens or North Carolina residents, several awards are open to international students. Examples include:

• Morehead-Cain (open to students from certain partner countries)
• Competitive graduate assistantships or fellowships
• Department-specific awards for global applicants

International students should also check with organizations like EducationUSA or government-sponsored aid programs in their home countries.

To wrap it up, the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill is a community that inspires, educates, and empowers students from all over the world. With globally recognized courses, a high-quality learning environment, and strong post-graduation outcomes, UNC Chapel Hill remains a top destination for international students. 

As you get ready for life in Chapel Hill NC UNC, ensure your housing is sorted early. amber can help you find safe, affordable, and student-friendly accommodation close to campus, making your move to North Chapel Hill University seamless and stress-free.