The University of North Florida (UNF) is a public research university in Jacksonville, Florida, with over 17,600 students and 60+ undergraduate and 36 graduate programs across six colleges. International students benefit from a low application fee of just $30, out-of-state tuition of approximately $19,407 per year, and flagship programs in coastal biology, business, nursing, and computing. UNF's campus sits within a 1,300-acre nature preserve on the Atlantic coast of Florida.
About the University of North Florida
Founded in 1972, the University of North Florida is a public research university accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). It is located in Jacksonville, one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States, with direct access to the Atlantic coast, the St. Johns River, and the Intracoastal Waterway — a setting that makes UNF's environmental and marine science programs particularly distinctive.
UNF is structured around six colleges, each with a strong focus on applied learning, research, and career readiness. The university graduates more than 4,000 students each year and has a faculty-to-student ratio of 1:19, supporting a relatively personalized academic environment for a public university of its size.
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University of North Florida Fees for International Students
International students pay out-of-state tuition rates at UNF. Undergraduate tuition and fees are approximately $19,407 per year. Graduate tuition and fees are approximately $21,930 per year. The estimated total cost of attendance — including tuition, housing, food, health insurance, and personal expenses — averages around $37,583 per year for undergraduates and $40,347 per year for graduates according to international student financial certifications.
Note: These are estimated figures based on current university billing data. Tuition at UNF has remained stable in recent years but may increase. Always confirm the latest costs using the UNF tuition page and the international student financial support affidavit before applying. UNF recommends budgeting an additional 5% to 10% above estimated costs.
Scholarships for International Students
UNF offers limited but meaningful scholarship support for international students. The primary award is the International Student Award (ISA), which provides up to $12,000 per academic year in out-of-state tuition waivers. To apply, students must submit an application form, personal statement, and letter of recommendation to intlctrscholarships@unf.edu. Students must hold an F-1 or J-1 visa and maintain satisfactory academic standing.
Note: Unlike the automatic scholarships at some other US institutions, the ISA requires a separate application. Eligibility is assessed individually. Ask ApplyBoard about scholarship deadlines before applying.
Programs at the University of North Florida
UNF's academic colleges cover a broad range of disciplines, with particular strengths in health sciences, business, engineering, and environmental sciences. Each school focuses heavily on applied learning, research, and global career readiness.
Looking for more options? The programs listed above are only a curated sample. High-achieving international applicants can also explore the interdisciplinary Hicks Honors College pathways. To view the complete list of available majors and specific application windows, check the live University of North Florida programs on ApplyBoard.
English Language Requirements
International students applying to UNF must provide proof of English proficiency unless they are from an English-speaking country or have completed a degree taught entirely in English. Minimum entry benchmarks are standard across both program levels:
Coastal and Marine Biology at UNF
The University of North Florida's Coastal Biology program is one of its most well-known offerings, drawing students from across the US and internationally. Jacksonville's location on the Atlantic coast of Florida provides direct, regular access to the ecosystems that students study — the St. Johns River, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Intracoastal Waterway are all used as field sites during the academic year.
At the undergraduate level, the BS in Biology offers a Coastal and Marine Biology concentration alongside three other tracks (Biomedical Sciences, Coastal Environmental Science, and Ecology and Evolutionary Biology). At the graduate level, the MS in Biology includes a Coastal and Marine Biology track, training students in techniques specific to near-shore and marine environments.
Tip! UNF's summer coastal biology program offers a collaborative study option with partner universities including the University of West Florida, University of South Florida, Florida Gulf Coast University, and Florida Atlantic University. This is a distinctive field experience that is uncommon at this price point.
Admission Requirements
- Undergraduate: High school diploma or equivalent; official transcripts; English proficiency test results (if applicable). SAT or ACT scores are required by the state of Florida, though UNF applies a holistic review format.
- Graduate: A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the final 60 hours of undergraduate study. Some programs have additional track requirements (e.g., the MS Biology requires 12 credit hours of upper-level undergraduate biology coursework).
- Financial support: F-1 visa applicants must submit a completed Affidavit of Financial Support and Bank Certification, along with liquid bank statements showing sufficient funds for the first year of study.
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How to Apply to UNF Through ApplyBoard
You apply to UNF through the ApplyBoard platform. The application fee is $30 USD for both undergraduate and graduate programs and is non-refundable. UNF accepts applications for Fall (August) and Spring (January) intakes.
Before you apply, prepare the following:
- Valid passport (biographical page)
- Official academic transcripts from all previously attended institutions
- English language test results (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo)
- For graduate programs: evidence of a bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA in the final 60 credit hours
- Completed Affidavit of Financial Support and Bank Certification (submitted after admission for I-20 purposes)
- Bank statements showing sufficient liquid funds for at least the first year of study
Submit your application through the ApplyBoard platform. Choose your program and preferred intake. The $30 application fee applies at submission. UNF reviews applications on a rolling basis — apply early to allow sufficient time for admission processing and visa arrangements.
UNF will notify you of its admission decision. Once fully admitted, you will need to submit your financial support documents and the completed Affidavit of Financial Support so they can issue your I-20.
Submit your Affidavit of Financial Support, Bank Certification, and supporting bank documents to UNF's via ApplyBoard. UNF will issue your I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status) once all financial documents are verified.
Use your I-20 to apply for a US F-1 student visa. Apply as early as possible after receiving your I-20, as processing times and appointment availability vary significantly by country.
Travel to Jacksonville, Florida and complete enrolment at UNF's campus at 1 UNF Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32224. On-campus housing is available across several residential communities including Osprey Cove, Osprey Crossings, Osprey Halls, and Osprey Landing for first-year students. Apply for on-campus housing as early as possible, as spaces fill quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions: University of North Florida
The application fee at UNF is $30 USD for both undergraduate and graduate programs. This fee is non-refundable and applies regardless of whether you were previously enrolled at UNF. At $30, UNF has one of the lowest application fees of any public research university in the United States.
Yes. Coastal Biology is one of UNF's flagship programs. At the undergraduate level, the BS in Biology includes a Coastal and Marine Biology concentration. At the graduate level, the MS in Biology includes a Coastal and Marine Biology track. The program uses the St. Johns River, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Intracoastal Waterway as active field sites throughout the academic year. UNF's Biological Sciences Building was purpose-built with the Coastal Biology Program as its centrepiece.
Yes. The College of Computing, Engineering and Construction at UNF offers a Building Construction Management degree. This program prepares students for careers in Florida's construction and real estate sector, one of the most active in the United States.
Yes. The MBA is offered through UNF's Coggin College of Business, which is AACSB accredited — one of the most prestigious accreditations in business education, held by fewer than 5% of business schools globally. It operates as an on-campus, full-time track typically lasting between 12 to 24 months for international student enrollment.
The primary scholarship for international students at UNF is the International Student Award (ISA), which provides up to $12,000 per academic year in out-of-state tuition waivers. To apply, submit an application form, personal statement, and letter of recommendation to intlctrscholarships@unf.edu. Applicants must hold an F-1 or J-1 visa and maintain satisfactory academic standing. Unlike some other institutions, this scholarship requires a separate application and is not awarded automatically.
UNF operates a cutting-edge FinTech Academy through joint efforts by the Coggin College of Business and the College of Computing, Engineering, and Construction. International students can apply directly for a specialized, standalone Master of Science in FinTech or pursue a FinTech concentration within the popular MS in Business Analytics track.
International students on an F-1 visa may work on campus for up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during scheduled breaks. Off-campus work authorization through CPT (Curricular Practical Training) or OPT (Optional Practical Training) may be available in certain circumstances. Always confirm your work permissions with UNF's International Center before taking any employment.
The University of North Florida combines a competitive tuition rate, a low application fee, and distinctive programs in coastal biology, business, and engineering within a vibrant coastal city that is growing rapidly as a career destination. If you are ready to explore programs and apply, ApplyBoard can guide you through every step.
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