Reflecting — and advancing — its reputation as the UNC System’s most diverse institution, UNC Charlotte ranks second among the System’s campuses, third in all of North Carolina and 83rd of 3,982 degree-granting, post-secondary institutions in the U.S. for international students, according to the Institute of International Education's 2021 Open Doors Report. With 2,547 students from approximately 100 countries enrolled for fall 2021, including those participating in Optional Practical Training (OPT) or authorized, off-campus, temporary work in their field of study following graduation, the University topped its previous annual rank by three points – and overall since 2015 by 24 points.
“International students play an instrumental role in campus life,” said Joel Gallegos, assistant provost, Office of International Programs. “Our diverse international student population provides our entire campus community the opportunity to study side by side and to teach and connect with individuals from around the world. These critical conversations and collaborations result in improved global perspectives and further advance intercultural competency development; a skill set critical to preparing all students for competitive careers in an increasingly multicultural workforce.”
Nationwide, international students contribute significantly to scientific and technological research as well as to local, state and federal economies. According to the National Science Board, they account for one-third of graduate degrees awarded in science and engineering in the U.S., and more than half of doctorates awarded in economics, computer science, engineering, mathematics and statistics.
“I chose Charlotte for the opportunity to focus on unique research, faculty who are among the best in their fields, a diverse student population and strong links to industry in a growing city,” said Mike Uduebor, who is earning a doctorate in civil engineering. Uduebor, who is from Nigeria, currently is working on National Science Foundation-funded research focused on mitigating the effects of frost heaving in road pavements, an endeavor that led to a first-place win in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering’s 2021 Graduate Research Symposium. “The platforms and opportunities to be your best self are in place; everyone wants to see you succeed,” he said.
Because they are ineligible for U.S. financial assistance, students from abroad pay out-of-state tuition, rent, transportation and all other living expenses, largely through family and personal funds. According to NAFSA (National Association of International Educators), for the 2020-21 academic year, international students and their families at colleges and universities across the U.S. contributed $28 billion to the U.S. economy and supported 306,000 jobs. In North Carolina, 18,587 international students are enrolled with a financial contribution of $484 million.
The Office of International Programs (OIP) strives to strengthen international education at the University as well as in the Charlotte community. On campus, it seeks to make international understanding and global awareness a fundamental part of the curriculum and an integral part of campus programming.