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Enrollment Management and Services 
Undergraduate Admissions

International First-Year Applicants

International students who have graduated or will graduate from secondary school (high school) but have not earned credits at a post-secondary institution should apply as a first-year applicant. You will find information below for international applicants who attend secondary schools outside and inside the U.S.

International students who have graduated from secondary school and have enrolled at a post-secondary institution should apply as a transfer applicant.

How To Apply

Apply Online

Choose to apply through one of our two applications – we do not have a preference which application you choose. A non-refundable application fee of $100 is required, and application fee waivers are not accepted.

Common App 
Coalition on Scoir

Apply On Time

Review our deadlines prior to submitting the application. Please note that a few programs do not accept applications for spring entry.

If you are currently attending school outside of the U.S., you will receive your decision on a rolling basis as your application will be reviewed once it has been completed.

Select a Major

On the application, you will have the opportunity to select up to two majors based on your interests. We encourage you to choose two different majors because if we determine you’re not competitive for your first-choice major, you’ll be reviewed for your second-choice major.

For studio-based majors (Architecture, Art & Design, Fashion & Textile Design, Graphic and Experience Design and Industrial Design), you will need to submit a 10-piece portfolio and design essay with your application by November 1.

Complete the Essay Prompts

You’ll choose an essay prompt from the list provided by Common App or Coalition App so you can share your story with us in 650 words or fewer. We also have some additional short answer questions to help us get to know you better. These responses will be included in your application.

Required Short Answer Questions

  • Explain why you selected the academic program(s) above and why you are interested in studying these at NC State.

University Honors Program

If you are interested in being considered for NC State’s University Honors Program, there are additional questions required with responses of no more than 350 words available on the admissions application or on your wolfPAW account after you apply. Learn more about admissions criteria for these programs here.

Additional Application Materials

Applicants attending school outside the U.S. must submit the following materials to complete their application:

  • Official secondary school transcripts and English translations
  • Proof of English Proficiency
  • Proof of Financial Ability

Applicants attending school in the U.S. must submit the following materials to complete their application:

  • Official high school transcripts
  • Proof of English Proficiency
  • Proof of Financial Ability (for F-1 or J-1 students)
  • Optional SAT or ACT scores

Academic Achievement

Learn more about the academic rigor and competitiveness we look for in first-year applicants.

Proof of Financial Ability

If you require an F-1 or J-1 student visa to study in the U.S., you must prove your ability to cover the estimated school expenses.

Proof of English Proficiency

International applicants must provide proof of English proficiency by submitting official test scores.

SAT or ACT Scores

Optional for applicants attending school in the U.S. with a weighted GPA of 2.8 and above.

Academic Achievement

Your academic achievement is the best indicator of your future success at NC State. We look for strong grades and competitive courses beginning your first year of high school. We will also consider your courses in progress. Schools offer a variety of curricula so we do not require specific courses. We encourage you to take challenging courses your school may offer that prove your ability for future success. If offered, we recommend taking AP, IB, and A or AS-level courses. Strong grades in these courses will not only strengthen your academic record, but you may also receive course credit for them at NC State.

Submitting Official Transcripts

Official secondary school transcripts must be sent to our office to complete your application. To be considered official, documents must be sent directly to the admissions office from the issuing institution in a sealed envelope. Learn more about submitting official transcripts here.

  • Documents not issued in English must be accompanied by English translation.
  • Translations must be done by the issuing institution, Ministry of Education or a certified translator.

Proof of English Proficiency

International first-year applicants that are completing high school in the U.S. but have not attended a U.S. high school since grade 9 must meet English proficiency test requirements as listed in the following table unless you are a national from one of the countries listed below.

  • Official TOEFL, IELTS Academic and Duolingo English Test scores must be sent directly from the testing agency. We do not accept IELTS Online.
  • If you meet the competitive academic requirements for undergraduate admission but do not meet the minimum English proficiency requirements, you may be considered for conditional admission through the NC State Intensive English Program.
    • This program allows you to improve your English skills before starting a degree program.

NOT REQUIRED if you are a national of one of these countries:

Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Botswana, Canada (except Quebec), Cayman Islands, Dominica, England, Fiji, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Liberia, Mauritius, New Zealand, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos, Uganda, United Kingdom, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Options for Meeting English Proficiency Requirements

Use the tools below to view the test scores required for full and conditional admission.

  • Scores required for full undergraduate admission:
    • 80 or higher (minimum of 18 in each sub-score)
  • Scores required for conditional admission:
    • 42 or higher

MyBest Scores not considered

  • Scores required for full undergraduate admission:
    • 80 or higher (minimum of 18 in each sub-score)
  • Scores required for condition admission:
    • 42 or higher

MyBest Scores not considered

  • Scores required for full undergraduate admission:
    • 9.0 or higher (minimum of 8.0 in each sub-score)
  • Scores required for conditional admission:
    • 6.0 or higher

MyBest Scores not considered

  • Scores required for full undergraduate admission:
    • 110 or higher on current scale
  • Scores required for conditional admission:
    • 80 or higher on current scale
  • Scores required for full undergraduate admission:
    • 6.5 or higher (minimum of 6.0 in each sub-score)
  • Scores required for conditional admission:
    • 5.0 or higher

We do not accept IELTS Online.

  • Scores required for full undergraduate admission:
    • Successful completion of Level 6
  • Learn more about the Intensive English Program here.

Additional Information

Please review the information below to learn more about the English proficiency tests accepted by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

TOEFL iBT is an internet-based English proficiency test that can be taken in a test center or at home to give students flexible test-taking options. This test can be completed in about 2 hours. TOELF iBT is a widely accepted English language proficiency test that showcases students’ skills in four key areas (reading, listening, writing and speaking) to demonstrate that students are prepared for academic success. Scores now provide detailed insights into performance and skill level with explanations to help you practice and improve. Register here to take the test.

Information about sharing your score:

  • We only accept official scores submitted electronically from Educational Testing Services (ETS).
  • Use NC State University’s school code (5496) to have your scores sent.

The IELTS Academic test can be completed in 2 hours and 45 minutes. It assesses listening, reading, writing and features a face-to-face speaking assessment with a qualified examiner. IELTS offers a suite of tests, and IELTS Academic questions are formulated to be relevant to how people use English in their academic life.

Information about sharing your score:

  • We only accept official scores submitted electronically by the IELTS Academic test center via the e-delivery service.
    • We do not accept paper score reports.
  • When you take the test, you must specify North Carolina State University Undergraduate Admissions as a score recipient.
  • Enter the address below in the IELTS system:

North Carolina State University
Undergraduate Admissions
Campus Box 7103
121 Peele Hall
Raleigh, NC 27695

The Duolingo English Test is an English proficiency test that can be completed online, on-demand, in under an hour. The test is taken via a computer with a camera and includes a proficiency score, video interview and writing sample. Certified results are available within 48 hours of the test session.

Information about sharing your score:

  • Visit englishtest.duolingo.com and login to your Duolingo account.
  • Choose the score you want to send under the “Tests Taken” tab and select “Send to an Institution” in the share menu.
  • Type North Carolina State University or select it from the dropdown menu.
  • Click “Share Certificate.”

Proof of Financial Ability

If you are seeking an F-1 or J-1 student visa to study in the U.S., you must provide evidence of sufficient financial resources to meet estimated expenses below.

After submitting the application, you will complete the Certificate of Financial Responsibility through your wolfPAW account and upload a bank statement issued within the last six months.

International applicants are not eligible for financial aid. However, a limited number of competitive merit-based scholarships are available to international students. Admitted students who wish to be considered for scholarship opportunities must submit an application via Pack ASSIST. Students can only log into Pack ASSIST to submit scholarship applications after they have been admitted to NC State.

Estimated School Expenses

You must show proof of the following estimated costs on your uploaded financial document(s):

Estimated Expenses for Students Starting at NC State in Spring 2025
Tuition and Fees: $34,531
Living Expenses: $18,567
Health Insurance: $2,869
Total: $55,967

Estimated Expenses for Students Starting at NC State in Fall 2025
Tuition and Fees: $35,627
Living Expenses: $19,116
Health Insurance: $2,436
Total: $57,179

Summer Expenses:

Additionally, if you plan to remain in the U.S. during the summer, you will need approximately $6,189 for living expenses. Summer employment, either part-time or full-time, should not be considered a significant means of support.

Health Insurance Expenses:

All students will be enrolled in the Student Insurance Plan administered by Student Blue, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina at the cost listed above (subject to increase).

You must show proof of the following estimated costs on your uploaded financial document(s):

Estimated Expenses for Students Starting at NC State in Spring 2025
Tuition and Fees: $34,531
Living Expenses: $24,756
Health Insurance: $2,869
Total: $62,156

Estimated Expenses for Students Starting at NC State in Fall 2025
Tuition and Fees: $35,627
Living Expenses: $25,488
Health Insurance: $2,436
Total: $63,551

Health Insurance Expenses

All students will be enrolled in the Student Insurance Plan administered by Student Blue, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina at the cost listed above (subject to increase). Student Blue insurance may be waived with proof of other health insurance upon admission.

SAT or ACT Scores

  • You can self-report SAT or ACT scores on your application, but verified test scores will be required for enrollment.
  • SAT Essay and ACT Writing scores are not required.
  • Scores received from test dates prior to the application deadline will be considered.
  • We cannot guarantee test scores received after the application deadline will be considered in your application review.
  • We look at your highest sub-score from each section across your test dates to create a super-score.

After You Apply

Check Your Email

After you submit your application to NC State, you will receive an email with credentials to log in to wolfPAW, your applicant portal.

You can use your wolfPAW account to:

  • View application checklist and missing items
  • Upload additional documents such as your passport, or complete the digital Certificate of Financial Responsibility form
  • View your admission decision

We encourage you to check your email on a regular basis as we may email you about additional missing items needed to complete your application.

Once you submit materials and they are received, they will have a green check beside them. Your patience is appreciated as it typically takes 2-3 weeks once materials have been received to be processed and reflected in your wolfPAW account.

View Your Decision

International applicants outside the U.S. will receive their decisions on a rolling basis, meaning your decision will be released after your application has been completed and reviewed by our office.

When your decision is ready for you to view, you will receive an email prompting you to check your wolfPAW account.

Types of Decisions

  • Admit
    • Full Admission: Some students who are academically competitive and have met the English language proficiency requirements will be offered full admission directly into a degree program. Visit our admitted student page to learn about next steps for joining the Wolfpack family. Applicants must pay a $300 non-refundable enrollment deposit to confirm their enrollment.
    • Conditional Admission: Students who are academically competitive but do not meet the English language proficiency requirements will be considered for conditional admission through NC State’s Intensive English Program (IEP). Applicants must pay a $200 non-refundable enrollment deposit to confirm their enrollment. View the enrollment checklist to get started.
  • Defer – When we review applications, we find some applicants that may benefit from the opportunity to provide improved fall grades before receiving a final decision in March.
  • Waitlist – We are unable to admit all qualified students into our class. Some applicants are placed on the waitlist who we believe would be successful at NC State if space is available.
  • Deny – Unfortunately, some students will not be considered competitive for first-year admission. We encourage denied applicants to consider applying to NC State in the future as a transfer applicant.