Wrightsville Beach is about fifteen minutes from UNCW's campus, and the university makes good use of it. Marine biology is its best-known subject, backed by the Center for Marine Science on the Intracoastal Waterway. It's a public university of more than 17,000 students in the UNC system, with the Cameron School of Business, nursing, computer science and data science. Wilmington itself has a busy film and TV production scene.
Wilmington, North Carolina, United States
Official website: uncw.edu
Public university, UNC system
1947
Center for Marine Science on the Intracoastal Waterway
Cameron School of Business
$21,000 – $24,000
International students, full-time, approximate
$12,000 – $16,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on uncw.edu before you apply.
BS Marine Biology
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 79
MS Data Science
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 79
MS Computer Science and Information Systems
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 79
MBA
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 79
BS Business Administration
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 79
Marine biology with a research centre on the Intracoastal Waterway.
A campus fifteen minutes from the Atlantic beaches.
Film studies in a city where TV series are shot.
Marine science graduates work in research labs, environmental consulting and state agencies.
Business and data graduates join firms in Wilmington, Raleigh and Charlotte.
STEM master's graduates can work in the US for up to three years on OPT.
Undergrad
Main intake
Postgrad
Main intake
Undergrad
Limited
Postgrad
Selected programmes
Downtown Wilmington runs along the Cape Fear River, with a riverwalk, old brick streets and plenty of bars and restaurants. Campus is about fifteen minutes east by car.
Summers are hot and humid, and hurricane season runs from June to November. Rent is moderate, and most students live near campus or out towards the beach.
Form I-20 issued by the institution
Proof of funds for one academic year
SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
Completed DS-160 online application
US embassy or consulate interview
Passport valid six months beyond stay
Undergraduates can apply early action in the autumn or by the regular deadline in early February. Graduate deadlines vary by programme, often between February and April for fall. Apply early so there's time for the I-20 and visa appointment.
Most students start in the fall semester in August. Some undergraduate and graduate programmes also allow a January start.
It's the F-1 student visa. Get your I-20 from University of North Carolina Wilmington first (they need your deposit and bank documents), then pay the SEVIS fee, complete the DS-160 and attend the visa interview. Book the interview early in peak season.
Marine biology, business, computer science and data science are the main draws. Undergraduates need strong secondary school grades and IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 79. Master's programmes need a relevant bachelor's degree, and some ask for GRE scores.
Undergraduate scholarships for international students are limited. Graduate students can apply for teaching and research assistantships, especially in marine biology and the sciences, and these can include a tuition waiver.
