Winston-Salem State University began in 1892 as the Slater Industrial Academy, founded by Simon Green Atkins. It is a historically Black public university in the University of North Carolina system. Health is the core: nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy and exercise science train many of the region's clinicians. It also runs one of the few motorsport management degrees in the US.
Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States
Official website: wssu.edu
1892
Public HBCU, University of North Carolina System
Nursing and health sciences
$15,000 – $19,000
Non-resident undergraduate tuition and fees
$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 wssu.edu before you apply.
BS Nursing
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 61
BS Exercise Science
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 61
BS Motorsport Management
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 61
BS Computer Science
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 61
Doctor of Physical Therapy
DoctorateDuration
36 Months
Intake
Jun
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 79
Nursing and therapy programmes feeding the Piedmont's hospitals.
A motorsport management degree in NASCAR country.
HBCU traditions, including homecoming and a marching band.
Nursing and therapy graduates join hospitals such as Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist and Novant Health.
Motorsport graduates work with teams and suppliers around Charlotte's racing industry.
Graduates can work in the US on OPT after finishing.
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Varies by programme
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Selected programmes
Campus is on the east side of the city, a short drive from downtown and the Innovation Quarter, where old tobacco warehouses now hold labs and offices. Bowman Gray Stadium, a well-known short racing track, is right next to campus.
Winston-Salem is a mid-sized city with low rents and plenty of green space. Greensboro is half an hour east, and the Blue Ridge Mountains are about ninety minutes away.
Form I-20 issued by Winston Salem State University
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
WSSU admits undergraduates on a rolling basis, but international students should apply by spring for fall. Nursing and the therapy doctorates have fixed deadlines, often in winter.
Undergraduates start in fall (August) or spring (January). The Doctor of Physical Therapy starts in summer, and most other graduate programmes in fall.
It's the F-1 student visa. Get your I-20 from Winston Salem State University 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.
Nursing, exercise science, motorsport management and computer science are popular. Undergraduates need secondary school results and IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 61. Health graduate programmes need a bachelor's degree with prerequisite courses.
WSSU has limited scholarships for international students. Most awards go to continuing students with strong grades, so plan your funding before you apply.
