Body
University Policy
Title
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Policy on Deferring Enrollment
Introduction
Purpose
This document outlines the University of North Carolina's policy for allowing admitted undergraduate students to postpone their enrollment for one academic year to pursue personal, professional, service, or medical opportunities. It details the eligibility criteria, request process, deadlines, financial aid implications, and special provisions for military members and their spouses.
Scope
This policy applies to admitted undergraduate students at the University of North Carolina who wish to defer their enrollment, as well as military members and their spouses who may be eligible for extended deferrals.
Policy
The Office of Undergraduate Admissions welcomes proposals from admitted undergraduate students who wish to defer their enrollment for one academic year in order to work, travel, or pursue service and learning opportunities. Admitted applicants may also seek one-year deferrals for religious observance, medical reasons, or personal hardship. Active duty members, reserved armed forces as well as their spouses may be eligible for an extended deferral beyond one year. For more details, please see our FAQS for Active Duty, Reservists, and Military Veterans.
We believe some students may benefit from an enrollment deferral and therefore support them in pursuing these opportunities for the purpose of any of the following:
- for personal growth, maturation, or the development of other life skills
- to experience another part of the world or a different culture
- to pursue an opportunity to serve others
- to give time to overcome a medical condition, financial or other hardship, or other personal or family issue
- to provide the opportunity to best position themselves to succeed academically and socially once enrolled at Carolina
Those wishing to defer enrollment must complete the "Defer Enrollment to Next Fall" form in their MyCarolina no later than August 1 of the year in which they are admitted. In early February, admitted students will be able to access a "Defer Enrollment Request" form.
Prior to requesting an enrollment deferral, students must submit their reply form confirming their intent to enroll. The enrollment deposit is nonrefundable and will automatically be applied to the student's first-semester charges at the University. Fees paid for orientation may be carried over to the following year.
In seeking a deferral, admitted applicants agree not to enroll in any for-credit or degree-seeking course of study during their deferral year. If an applicant does enroll in such a course of study, admission to the University will be rescinded and the student will need to reapply.
Deferrals are considered on a case-by-case basis and are not automatically granted. In making their written request, students should explain in detail their reasons for seeking a deferral and their plans for the deferral year. Because undergraduate students, with very few exceptions, begin their enrollment at the University in the fall, the deferral request should be for one full academic year.
In considering each request, the director of undergraduate admissions consults with members of the admissions committee and, at the director's discretion, with others who are familiar with the admitted student's academic and personal experiences and goals. For any student who has been offered transfer admission to one of the University's professional schools, the director also consults with the dean of that school or his or her designee. After such consultations are completed, the director responds in writing. In rare cases, the director may require a personal interview before making a final decision.
Merit-based aid awards are transferable. Students should follow the directions provided in their award letter and notify the Office of Scholarships and Student Aid when their enrollment has been activated for the year in which they plan to enroll. Need-based aid recipients are required to resubmit the FAFSA and CSS Profile by March 1 of the year in which they plan to enroll. Recipients of awards with both a need and merit components should also follow the terms specified in the award letter and resubmit the FAFSA and CSS Profile by March 1.
FAQ:
Can members of the military or their spouses defer enrollment at Carolina?
Yes, in accordance with state law, the University of North Carolina provides the following admissions deferments to members of the military and their spouses:
- Reserve Armed Forces: two-year minimum deferment period
- Active Duty Armed Forces: five-year minimum deferment period
Related Requirements
External Regulations
The UNC Policy Manual 700.7.1: Policy on Military Student Success
Contact Information
Primary Contact
Name: Office of Undergraduate Admissions
Telephone: (919) 966-3621
Email: unchelp@admissions.unc.edu
Other Contacts
Name: Office of Scholarships and Student Aid
Telephone: (919) 962-8396
Email: help@studentaid.unc.edu
Publication Details
- Issuing Officer: Associate Provost, Director of Undergraduate Admissions
- Effective Date: March 1, 2026
- Next Review Date: March 1, 2029