UND's flight school runs one of the largest university aircraft fleets in the country out of Grand Forks International Airport. Aviation, unmanned aircraft systems and air traffic control are what many students come for. The university also teaches engineering, petroleum engineering, computer science, nursing and medicine. It was founded in 1883, before North Dakota became a state. Winters on the Red River are long and very cold.
Grand Forks, North Dakota, United States
Official website: und.edu
1883
John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences
Public research university
Grand Forks, on the Red River
$15,000 – $22,000
International students; flight training fees are extra
$11,000 – $14,000
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 und.edu before you apply.
BS Commercial Aviation
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 79
BS Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 79
MS Computer Science
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 79
MS Petroleum Engineering
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 79
MS Data Science
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 79
A large university flight school with its own aircraft fleet.
Some of the earliest degrees in unmanned aircraft systems.
Petroleum engineering tied to North Dakota's Bakken oil industry.
Aviation graduates move into airline pilot, air traffic control and airport management jobs.
Engineering and computing graduates join energy, defence and tech firms in the Midwest.
STEM graduates can work in the US for up to three years on OPT.
Undergrad
Main intake
Postgrad
Main intake
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Selected programmes
Grand Forks is a small city on the Red River, right on the Minnesota border. The Greenway along the river has trails, and the Ralph Engelstad Arena hosts UND's ice hockey games.
January temperatures often drop below minus 20°C, so budget for a proper winter coat. Rent is low, and Winnipeg is about two and a half hours north.
Form I-20 issued by University of North Dakota
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
UND reviews applications on a rolling basis. International students should apply by around May for fall and October for spring. Some graduate programmes set earlier dates, especially for funding.
Programmes start in fall (August) and spring (January), with limited summer starts. Aviation students should ask early about flight training slots.
You'll need an F-1 visa. Once you accept your offer and send proof of funding, University of North Dakota issues the Form I-20. After that it's the SEVIS fee, the DS-160 form and an interview at a US embassy or consulate.
Commercial aviation, unmanned aircraft systems, computer science and petroleum engineering are popular. Undergraduates need secondary school results and IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 79. Master's programmes need a relevant bachelor's degree, and some ask for the GRE.
UND gives some merit scholarships to international undergraduates. Graduate students can apply for assistantships that include a tuition waiver and stipend, mostly in research-active departments.
