Study North Carolina works collaboratively with its member colleges, universities, community colleges, Intensive English Programs, and other partners through special programs and global outreach to promote North Carolina internationally as the premier study destination for students, researchers, visiting professors, and other exchange visitors.  This page is designed to provide information to international students interested in studying in North Carolina.  Are you a higher education institution in NC that is interested in becoming a Study NC member?  Click here.

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Why Study in North Carolina?
Over 18,000 international students chose North Carolina as their study destination last year!

• North Carolina has it all!  Bordered on the east by over 300 miles of beautiful beaches and on the west by picturesque mountains, central North Carolina contains the cities of Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and Charlotte, and the well-known Research Triangle Park - the largest research park in the U.S. and a premier global innovation center.

• North Carolina is centrally located - it is a short trip via plane or car to New York City; Washington, DC; Charleston, South Carolina; Miami; and other popular East Coast destinations.

• North Carolina has a low cost of living compared to the national average - You don't have to pay a lot of money to study in a great location!

• North Carolina is home to educational excellence.  We have 52 colleges and universities, including three Tier 1 research universities, and the third largest community college system in the U.S.  North Carolina's education institutions award over 25,000 STEM degrees annually.

• There is so much to do in North Carolina outside the classroom!  Relax on the beach, drive the Blue Ridge Parkway, or root for your favorite North Carolina team at a college or professional football, basketball, or hockey game.  You can also see a musical or play at one of North Carolina's performing arts centers, dine on exquisite cuisine in one of North Carolina's cities, or visit museums or the Asheboro zoo.

• Major industries in North Carolina include aerospace, automotive, food processing and manufacturing, information technology, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, business and financial services, furniture, outdoor recreation, and textiles.
  (Sources: The Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) and Visit North Carolina) 

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