Full-Time MBA International Applicants | UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School

If you’re an international student, welcome to Carolina! You’ll bring unique perspectives and experiences to the UNC Kenan-Flagler community. Whether it’s in the classroom, at networking events, or in social settings, you’ll help your peers learn about cultural differences as you settle into your new life in Chapel Hill. We place tremendous importance on building a diverse class and, as such, nearly one in four students in the STEM-designated Full-Time MBA Program come to UNC Kenan-Flagler from locations outside of the United States.

Admission requirements

For the most part, non-U.S. citizen applicants follow the same admissions requirements and process as U.S. citizens and permanent residents. Our admissions team can provide additional guidance for international applicants on academic transcripts, test scores, and language exams.

Fellowships and financial aid

Fellowships can help reduce the cost of your education. All UNC Kenan-Flagler fellowships are merit-based; financial need is not required to receive a fellowship. Fellowships are awarded to approximately 50% of our students and to both international students and U.S. citizens. We also provide non-U.S. citizen students with options for student loans, including one that does not require a U.S. co-signer.

Post-MBA Optional Practical Training (F-1 visa students)

Optional Practical Training (OPT) provides F-1 visa students with the opportunity to work in the U.S. for up to 12 months after graduation. For international students, the STEM designation of our MBA programs at UNC Kenan-Flagler offers added benefit. International students graduating from our MBA program are eligible for a two-year extension (24 months) on the initial one-year Optional Practical Training (OPT) period that you are given to work in the U.S. before applying for a visa.

Visit us in Chapel Hill

We encourage all applicants to visit our campus during the academic year, so you can experience the culture, community and learning environment at UNC Kenan-Flagler.

In the meantime, you can get a glimpse into life as a UNC Kenan-Flagler MBA student by joining us virtually for a mock class, meeting with an admissions officer or current students, or joining us for webinars. Take a look at our events calendar for more information.

We can even connect you with current students from your home country!

Student clubs for international students

Student visa process

If you’re not a U.S. citizen, you’ll need to secure a student visa. This process can be started as soon as you are admitted to the Full-Time MBA Program.

The International Student & Scholar Services office can help you through the student visa application process. This office issues the I-20 and DS-2019 forms (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant F-1 and J-1 Student Status) to all eligible incoming non-U.S. citizen students. Keep in mind that federal regulations require you to complete the MBA Financial Certificate to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover expenses for the length of your studies. If you have any questions, contact our MBA International Student Advisor, Jessica Larsen, at isss@unc.edu.

International wire transfers

In order to streamline international payments, we’ve partnered with peerTransfer, a service that allows you to pay securely from any country and any bank, generally in your home currency.

Using peerTransfer, you can track your payments from start to finish, save on bank fees and exchange rates, and receive multilingual customer support. This service can be used for international payments only.

We’re here to help!

The International Student Support team (I-Team) is here to provide support and advice on a wide variety of topics, from career guidance, academic planning, immigration, and more. You can also always check out our frequently asked questions (FAQs).

Patricia Collins can answer questions related to adjusting to life in the U.S., and can connect you with other members of the I-Team for specific questions related to career guidance, academics, etc. (email her at mbaiteam@kenan-flagler.unc.edu).
Jessica Larsen (isss@unc.edu) can help you with visa and immigration issues.

I’m interested.

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