University Policy
Title
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Policy on Administration of International Exchange and Visiting Student Programs
Introduction
Purpose
This document lays out policies, defines international exchange and visiting student programs, and establishes guidelines for the academic criteria and performance associated with participation in these programs.
Scope
This policy applies to students who come to UNC-Chapel Hill as an international exchange or visiting student.
Policy
General Provisions
The international exchange and visiting student programs are high-quality, credit-bearing academic experiences that allow participants to study as special, non-degree-seeking transfer students at UNC-Chapel Hill. Numerous units at UNC-Chapel Hill organize and administer these opportunities for students.
Program Options
International exchange and visiting student programs come in a variety of types:
- Exchange: Reciprocal enrollment of students between UNC-Chapel Hill and partner institutions.
- Global Visiting Student Program: Direct enrollment at UNC-Chapel Hill when an exchange relationship does not exist.
- National University of Singapore Joint Degree Program (JDP): Jointly issued diploma by UNC-Chapel Hill and the National University of Singapore for students from both institutions who study between two to four semesters at the partner university.
Programs can take place during various terms of the UNC-Chapel Hill academic calendar:
- Fall semester
- Spring semester
- Academic year (fall semester and spring semester)
- Calendar year (spring semester and fall semester; may include summer)
- Summer terms
Program Advising and Selection
Interested students explore options through their home campus international exchange office or by visiting the UNC-Chapel Hill Study Abroad Office website for information regarding Exchange and the Global Visiting Student Program.
Student Eligibility, Application and Selection
Eligibility: Exchange, JDP, and Global Visiting Students must meet the same eligibility requirements as degree-seeking transfer students and must be currently enrolled in an accredited higher education institution.
Application & Selection:
- Exchange & JDP: Students apply to their home institution, which screens and nominates applicants. Students must also complete an application to the appropriate UNC-Chapel Hill administrative office/school, which makes the final acceptance decision.
- Global Visiting Students Program: Students apply to the UNC-Chapel Hill Study Abroad Office, which screens and selects students.
The UNC-Chapel Hill Office of International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) reviews all applicants selected for study at UNC-Chapel Hill. ISSS will issue any paperwork required for students to obtain a visa to study in the United States.
Enrollment
Each UNC-Chapel Hill office/school coordinates student registration for the programs it administers.
1. MINIMUM COURSE LOAD
Students are required to maintain a full-time academic course load for the term they are at UNC-Chapel Hill. Undergraduate students are required to enroll in a minimum of 12 credits per semester. Graduate students are required to enroll in a minimum of 9 credits per semester. Students are required to enroll in a minimum of 4 credit hours each summer term.
Students must adhere to the enrollment requirements of their student visa.
2. COURSE OPTIONS
Undergraduates are only permitted to take courses numbered 100-699. If the exchange agreement permits the exchange of graduate students, students will be admitted at that level. Only students admitted to UNC-Chapel Hill as graduate exchange students are permitted to take courses numbered 700 and above. Graduate students may also take courses numbered 400-699, but are not permitted to take courses numbered below 400.
3. WITHDRAWALS/DROPS/FAILS
Students opting to withdraw from their program must contact their study abroad advisor in the UNC-Chapel Hill administering office/school for an official withdrawal. After the program start, any refunds will be prorated based on program dates and the University calendar. Course withdrawals, drops, and failures will be notated on the UNC-Chapel Hill transcript according to campus policies.
4. UNC-CHAPEL HILL TRANSCRIPT
After the student completes their program, UNC-Chapel Hill will send an official transcript to the student’s home campus approximately 45 calendar days after the end date of enrollment. Students may request additional transcripts from the UNC-Chapel Hill Office of the University Registrar. Students are responsible for understanding how credits and grades are converted for courses taken at UNC-Chapel Hill.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Financial aid is not available for international exchange or Global Visiting Student Program students. Those students are responsible for arranging all financial aid through their home institution.
Charges, Payments, and Refunds
Information regarding costs, payments, and refunds is available through the Office of the University Cashier and the Study Abroad Office.
Exchange students pay all tuition fees to their home university. Global Visiting Students pay tuition and program fees to UNC-Chapel Hill.
Additional Information
Information regarding student preparation, rights and responsibilities, academic policies, housing, and health and safety can be found on the administering office/school’s website.
Publication Details
Effective Date:
Next Review Date:
Issuing Officer:
Additions/Revisions:
- Content from the previous University Policy Memorandum #15 Administration of International Exchange and Visiting Student Programs