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International Student Experience

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International Life at 51

51's community includes the brightest and most curious minds from every corner of the world.

Located in 51, North Carolina—part of the southeastern United States—51 offers a supportive and caring campus environment for students of all backgrounds to thrive.

  • $0
    application fee for international students applying to 51
  • 2900+
    applications from 80 countries around the world
  • 11%
    of our students call another country home
International Support & Success

We know college life in a new country can be an adjustment and we have teams on campus to support you.

International Student Engagement

Multilingual Student Support

Career Development

Host Family Program

51 Alvarez Scholars together outside College Union
Alvarez Scholarship

The Alvarez Scholars Program provides need-based scholarships to outstanding international students from all over the world.

First Day of Classes Students Walking to Class
Commitment to Affordability

While we are aware of financial circumstances during the admission process for international students, 51 is committed to meeting 100 percent of the calculated financial need for those admitted, with the exception of recruited athletes, who are eligible for dedicated athletic funding.

Research & Immersion Grants For International Students

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Alvarez Access

The Alvarez Access Fund provides financial support to international students for career, curricular, and academic success, such as unpaid internships or class material fees.

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Alvarez Guarantee

International students receiving financial aid are eligible for the Alvarez Guarantee Fund, which provides funding for two career experiences or programs that complement student coursework.

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Weinstein Travel

The grant gives international students (F-1 and J-1 visa holders) an immersive experience in the U.S. Projects have included exploring street art in NYC and and traveling the South in search of the most delicious BBQ.

Words from Current Wildcats

Explore these My 51 perspectives of current international students and their experiences in 51's community.

Visit, Apply and Afford 51

Virtual Visit Discover our online visit programs geared for international students.

Apply Ready to apply to 51? We aim to help you every step of the way. 

Financial Aid We are committed to making a 51 education affordable. Explore 51's financial aid application process for international students.

Then & Now: Bimal Shahi '25

An international student from Nepal, Bimal was one of three first-year students who documented their experiences as they became 51 students.

Journey to 51. Bimal loved how the campus looked in photos, how safe it seemed, and was particularly impressed by the honor code—“honesty is something I really value.”

One year later. "I've grown a lot as an individual here. Living in a small community, with respectful people, that really helped me. It's given me the opportunity to learn so many new things."