Skip to main content
Enrollment Management and Services 
Undergraduate Admissions

International Transfer Applicants

If you have graduated from secondary school and enrolled at another university or taken college-level courses for credit, you should apply to NC State as a transfer applicant. You will find information below for international students who attend colleges or universities inside and outside of the U.S.

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.

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.

NC State Transfer Application
Common App

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

Transfer applicants can choose a first-choice major and second-choice major on the application. If we find you are not competitive for your first-choice, we will review you for your second-choice major.

For studio-based design majors (Architecture, Art & Design, Fashion & Textile Design, Graphic 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

Our transfer class is enriched by the different experiences our applicants bring to the table. We have some short answer questions on the application 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 above and why you are interested in studying this program at NC State.

Additional Application Materials

Applicants attending school outside the U.S. must submit the following materials in addition to the application and $100 application fee in order to complete their application

  • Official WES Course-by-Course evaluation and transcript(s)
  • Proof of English Proficiency
  • Proof of Financial Ability

Applicants attending school in the U.S. must submit the following materials in addition to the application and $100 application fee in order to complete their application:

  • Official college transcript(s)
  • Proof of English Proficiency
  • Proof of Financial Ability

Academic Achievement

Your academic achievement is the best indicator of your success at NC State.  

Course-by-Course Evaluation

All transfer applicants who have completed college coursework outside the U.S. must have a course-by-course evaluation completed by World Education Services (WES). 

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. 

The Global Courtyard on main campus

Academic Achievement

Your academic achievement is the best indicator of your future success at NC State. You must be eligible to return to each institution you have previously attended, and if you attempted coursework through NC State’s Non-Degree Studies Program (NDS) you must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 or higher in order to be considered for admission.

Secondary School Transcripts

If you have not completed at least one year of study at a college or university, official secondary transcripts are required. Official secondary school transcripts are required to be sent to our office to complete your application. Learn more about submitting official transcripts here.

  • To be considered official, documents must be sent directly to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions from the issuing institution in a sealed envelope.
  • 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.

Attending a College or University Outside the U.S.

Course-by-Course Evaluation

All transfer applicants who have completed college coursework outside of the U.S. will need to have a course-by-course evaluation completed by World Education Services (WES) and then submitted to our office. WES will verify institutional accreditation status and complete a course-by-course evaluation containing the following information:

  • A description of credentials including name, year awarded, institution name and major of study
  • U.S. equivalent for each credential and all post-secondary subjects with their corresponding value expressed in U.S. semester credit and grade equivalents
  • Verified records included in evaluation report

We are unable to determine how many of your credits will transfer to NC State before you apply. If you are admitted and choose to enroll, your academic department will then determine how many of your non-U.S. university credits will transfer toward your degree.

Attending a College or University in the U.S.

If you have completed secondary school and are now enrolled and taking college credits at a U.S. institution, you should review our recommendations for competitive transfer applicants for specific coursework and recommended GPA for your intended major. We require official transcripts from all institutions where you have taken or completed college coursework. Learn more about submitting official transcripts here.

For college courses completed in the U.S., search our transfer course credit database to help you select courses that will transfer or to get an idea of how many credits you will bring with you to NC State. An official evaluation of your transferable credit will be provided to admitted students.

Proof of English Proficiency

International applicants 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.
  • 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:
    • Grade of a C or higher
  • Scores required for full undergraduate admission:
    • 80 or higher (minimum of 18 in each sub-score)
  • Scores required for conditional admission:
    • 50 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:
    • 50 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:
    • 85 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:
    • 5.5 or higher
  • 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 2024
Tuition and Fees: $33,384
Living Expenses: $17,479
Health Expenses: $2,785
Total: $53,648

Estimated Expenses for Students Starting at NC State in Fall 2024
Tuition and Fees: $34,531
Living Expenses: $18,567
Health Expenses: $2,869
Total: $55,967

Summer Expenses:

Additionally, if you plan to remain in the U.S. during the summer, you will need approximately $5,826 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 2024
Tuition and Fees: $33,384
Living Expenses: $23,305
Health Expenses: $2,785
Total: $59,474

Estimated Expenses for Students Starting at NC State in Fall 2024
Tuition and Fees: $34,531
Living Expenses: $24,756
Health Expenses: $2,869
Total: $62,156

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.

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 often, 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. View 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.
  • Pending Current Grades – Applicants for fall admission may be requested to submit their current grades during the spring term to help us make a final decision.
  • 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 transfer admission at this time. We encourage denied applicants to review our recommendations for competitive applicants or contact our office to discuss future options.