Language of instruction
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill was the first public university in the US. It is a global leader in higher education, renowned for innovative teaching, research and public service. UNC students and sports teams carry the moniker “Tar Heels” with pride.
Calling itself “the Southern Part of Heaven”, Chapel Hill is a charming college town centred around Franklin Street, with eclectic boutiques, fantastic restaurants and Tar Heel memorabilia shops.
Semester dates
| Semester | Dates |
| Fall Semester | August–December |
| Spring Semester | January–May |
View UNC's academic calendar.
Guides and additional information
UNC has online resources to help you get the most out of your exchange:
Exchange deadlines
May 31 for Semester 1 of the following year.
October 31 for Semester 2 of the following year.
Student testimonials
- B. Communications / ArtsSemester 2, 2015
- B. Communication / JournalismSemester 2, 2016
Full-time study load
12 credits at UNC is equivalent to 8 UQ units.
Minimum academic requirements
You will need a minimum cumulative GPA of 4.5 to study at UNC.
Find courses
Search the UNC course catalogue if courses do not appear in the database.
Search the Credit Precedent Database to find courses offered by your host university that have been previously approved for credit at UQ. The database should be used as a general guide only.
Study areas taught in English
Course restrictions
Exchange students can select one (3 credit) course from the College of Arts and Sciences. All other courses must be selected from the School of Media and Journalism (MEJO).
Additional academic information
Course numbering at UNC:
- 100-189: Undergraduate introductory courses
- 190-399: Undergraduate courses
- 400-699: Undergraduate advanced and postgraduate courses
- 700-899: Postgraduate courses (Undergraduate students may enroll with department permission)
- 900-999: Postgraduate courses
UNC has online resources to help you navigate their academic policies and structure:
- School of media and journalism faculty information
- Areas of study in media and journalism
- Course schedule and details for media and journalism courses
- Grading system
- Attendance, grading and examination policies
Exchange deadlines
May 31 for Semester 1 of the following year.
October 31 for Semester 2 of the following year.
Accommodation
Exchange students at UNC can choose between three housing options – on-campus residence halls, Granville Towers student housing, or off-campus private accommodation.
Cost of living
UNC provides an outline of the estimated cost of attendance, for undergraduate students at Chapel Hill. Keep in mind that exchange students do not pay tuition to their host university.
Additional Mandatory Fees
UNC has additional mandatory fees which are outlined on their cost of attendance webpage. These fees cannot not be waived.
Financial support
A range of funding for student exchange including scholarships, grants and loans are available to UQ students.
Insurance
Students approved to participate in the Student Exchange Program are automatically covered by UQ’s Travel Insurance for the country of their host university only.
For more information, read the Student Travel Insurance Policy Summary on UQ’s Travel Insurance web page (login required).
If you plan to travel outside of your host country, you should purchase additional insurance.
As health insurance coverage is mandatory for all students attending UNC Chapel Hill, you will automatically be enrolled in and billed for the UNC Chapel Hill student medical insurance.
Exchange students may be eligible to waive the Health Insurance Plan if they have additional cover that meets UNC Chapel Hill's minimum waiver requirements. However, waiver eligibility is assessed by the host university and is not guaranteed as requirements are subject to change. More information on how to obtain a waiver, will be given to you after you've been accepted to UNC.
Before purchasing an additional policy, students should confirm that the policy meets UNC Chapel Hill minimum waiver requirements.
A waiver is not automatic. Do not assume that a waiver will be approved or that you will receive a waiver based on the experience of a friend from UQ who studied at the same institution on exchange.
Exchange deadlines
May 31 for Semester 1 of the following year.
October 31 for Semester 2 of the following year.
Organise your visa
It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct visa for the country where you will be studying. As the Global Experiences team is not a visa-issuing authority we cannot provide visa advice.
Contact the US Embassy and Consulates for visa information.
Travel risk levels
The University of Queensland cannot and does not allow students to travel to any country with a risk level of 3 (Reconsider your need to travel) or above, as assessed by the Australian Government.
If a country's risk level changes to 3 or above, Global Experience programs to that country are suspended until the risk level improves.
Find out the risk level and travel advice for your host country on the Smartraveller website.
Register your travel plans
You must register your travel plans on the International SOS so that you can be contacted and supported in an emergency.
Exchange deadlines
May 31 for Semester 1 of the following year.
October 31 for Semester 2 of the following year.