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University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill


Overview

At a glance

The University, which is situated in the college town of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, was chartered in 1789 and was the only public university to award degrees in the 18th century. Since becoming the nation's first public university in 1795, Chapel Hill has earned a reputation as one of the world's most prestigious universities. It is rated one of the best research institutions in the country and its library is ranked amongst the top research libraries in North America. The town of Chapel Hill has a population of approximately 62,000, it is characterised by a mix of historic and modern buildings.
Established : 1795
Student Population : 29000

Website and links

Website : UNC Chapel Hill Homepage

Study abroad page : Accepted Students

Academic information

Who can go

Students on degree programmes in the following subject areas may apply to study abroad during their Junior Honours year at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill:

Please note the following restrictions when considering the list below: Chemistry - full year only and not available on programmes which already contain an External Placement or Year Abroad; History - History, Mediaeval History (Joint Hons only), Modern History (Single & Joint Hons).

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Classics
  • Comparative Literature
  • English
  • Film Studies
  • Geography and Sustainable Devt
  • History
  • International Relations
  • Mathematics and Statistics
  • Philosophy
Semesters Available
  • First Semester
  • Second Semester
  • Full Year
Note: Joint Honours students may only apply for a full year abroad if BOTH subjects are listed above. Joint Honours students applying for one semester must seek permission from both Schools.

Study abroad coordinator

Each School has a designated Study Abroad Coordinator.

Semester dates

Semester dates are as follows

2023/4
Semester 1 Aug 2023 to Dec 2023
Semester 2 Jan 2024 to May 2024
2024/5
Semester 1 Aug 2024 to Dec 2024
Semester 2 Jan 2025 to May 2025

Your studies abroad

St Andrews academic requirements
  • Minimum Credit in Academic year : 27
  • Minimum Credit in Semester : 12
  • Maximum Credit in Academic year : 30
  • Maximum Credit in Semester: 15
  • Module Weighting : 3
St Andrews academic requirements
  • Minimum Credit in Academic year : 27
  • Minimum Credit in Semester : 12
  • Maximum Credit in Academic year : 30
  • Maximum Credit in Semester: 15
  • Module Weighting : 3

Partner Course Catalogue : Course catalogue

Some courses are only available to students on specific exchanges so please see the above link for more details.

See our Credits and Modules Abroad webpage for information on the number of credits we expect students to take at our partner institutions. St Andrews expects students to attend all classes as part of their programme abroad. Assessment methods may vary across partners and could include class participation, continuous assessment in the form of homework and final exams. All courses must be agreed with your Study Abroad Coordinator. See our academic information webpage for further details, as well as information about credit and grade conversion.

Application and selection

Application and selection

This institution is part of the programme. .

Places available

Places available : Two full year places (or four semester places) will be available at UNC Chapel Hill in the academic year 2025-2026.

Places available may vary from year to year depending on the exchange balance. Numbers for the following academic year will be confirmed at the information meeting.

Living there

Getting there and getting around

North Carolina has two international airports: Raleigh Durham and Charlotte Douglas. Both American Airlines and US Airlines offer daily flights from London:

  • Raleigh Durham International Airport is just ten miles from midtown, a journey of about half an hour
  • Charlotte Douglas International Airport is only seven miles from midtown, a journey of about 20 minutes.

Accommodation

Exchange students have three housing options:

  • On campus in traditional halls of residence
  • Granville Towers, a University owned and independently operated residence complex
  • Off campus
On campus: Each year the Housing Department reserves a limited number of spaces in the residence halls for exchange students. These allocations are in traditional, double-occupancy dormitories, and do not include apartment-style accommodations. Preference is given to year-long students.

Granville Towers is a University-owned, but independently operated residence complex on the edge of the campus. Touting itself as "The Place to be at UNC," Granville Towers offers students with a number of different housing options, from traditional double rooms, to single rooms, and apartment living. Granville Towers has its own dining plan with multiple in-house dining options. Students who choose this option, will apply directly to Granville Towers. For complete information, visit the Granville Towers website. Residents at Granville Towers enjoy a fully furnished, air-conditioned, carpeted room with weekly housekeeping. They are also able to benefit from Granville's extensive amenities, including on-site dining halls, a fitness centre, pool, game room, and home theatre.

Off Campus: The Study Abroad Office cannot provide any services pertaining to off-campus housing, but if you are interested in this option, UNC's Housing Office can provide some assistance.

Please note that St Andrews is unable to guarantee housing at any of our partner institutions. Guidance on finding accommodation abroad is available on the Global Office webpage.

Student services and orientation

The Office of the Dean of Students provides a range of Student Support Services

Please be aware that student support services will be different across all of our partner universities.

Finance and insurance

Insurance

Campus health insurance is mandatory.

St Andrews students authorised to study or work abroad as part of their degree programme will be covered by the University’s insurance policy. Please reference to our travel insurance pages for further information.

Passports and visas

Please refer to our passports and visa page for further information.

Student experience

See profiles and photos of St Andrews students who have studied abroad.