UNCW Summer

This summer programme is hosted by the Office of International Students and Scholars and the Center for Marine Science at the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW).

The Summer International Research Experience (SIRE) program is a 4-week, in-person program designed for visiting international students seeking hands-on research experience in Finfish Aquaculture, with exposure to additional areas of aquaculture and marine science. Students will work closely with faculty mentors and complete the program with a formal poster presentation showcasing their research.

Program highlights include:

• Hands-on research at UNCW’s Center for Marine Science, located on Wrightsville Beach
• One-on-one faculty mentorship (no Marine Science major required)
• Additional experiences in the Shellfish Hatchery, drone-based aerial analysis, and coastal exploration
• On-campus housing and organized cultural activities in Wilmington and throughout the Carolinas
• No student visa required

Students will complete the program with:

• Poster presentation
• Certificate of Completion
• Professor evaluation

Students awarded standard funding:

• You are responsible for paying the $2050 programme fee directly to UNCW
• You will also be responsible for any additional costs
• Go Global will pay you an initial funding instalment on your arrival in USA (£1900), once your arrival has been confirmed
• Go Global will pay you a final funding instalment at the end of your programme, once attendance has been confirmed (£100)
• Your programme must be completed by August 31st 2026 for funding purposes.

Students awarded enhanced widening participation funding:

• You are responsible for paying the $2050 programme fee directly to UNCW
• You will also be responsible for any additional costs
• Go Global will pay you an initial funding instalment on your arrival in USA (£2400), once your arrival has been confirmed
• Go Global will pay you a final funding instalment at the end of your programme, once attendance has been confirmed (£100)
• Your programme must be completed by August 31st 2026 for funding purposes.

What is included in the UNCW programme fee of $2050?

• housing and linens
• meal plan (7 meals/week)
• research supplies
• airport pickup
• cultural excursions.

What is not included in the programme fee?

• travel insurance
• flights
• any additional costs

You will be eligible for funding only if you:

• Sign a grant agreement and participation agreement by any deadline set. These documents will be emailed to you following your application
• Complete your programme in full. Failure to complete or fully participate in the programme will result in you having to repay any funding received or paid to programme providers on your behalf
• Complete Swansea University's travel approval process by any deadline set.

Current Widening Participation criteria is as follows:

• annual household income of £25,000 or less 
• students receiving Universal Credit* 
• care leavers and care experienced students*
• care givers*
• estranged students*
• refugees and asylum seekers*

*applies for Taith and Turing WP funding

If you think you meet the household income criteria listed above, you will be required to submit a copy of your Student Finance Award letter as part of your online funding application. This is the only way we can review your household income and assess your eligibility for enhanced funding.

• Students must be enrolled at Swansea University
• Students cannot be in the final year of study
• Students must be 18 years old to participate in all programmes
• Students will need to meet any eligibility criteria set by the programme provider/partner university summer school (where applicable)
• Postgraduate students can apply for funding but must provide evidence that their academic supervisor approves of their participation at the point of application
• International students should speak to the Visa Advice team to check the impact of participation on their Student Route visa

READY TO APPLY? FOLLOW THESE STEPS:

1. Research

• Attend an information event on campus or online, or research programmes via our website and programme provider webpages
• Check programme details and funding payments on this page and decide if they suit your budget
  
  

2. Apply

• Apply for funding via the Go Global team by completing our ONLINE APPLICATION.
• Funding is limited and applications are reviewed on a first come, first served basis.
• Apply directly to UNCW through their website before April 15th 2026
• UNCW will guide you through their application process and notify you if you have been successful
• Ensure you attend any pre-departure events held by your programme provider
• Upload your bank details to the University intranet system at this stage!
  
  

3. Funding confirmation and student payments

• We will let you know if you are eligible for funding and send you a Grant Agreement to sign and return to the Go Global team. 
• You will be responsible for paying any required deposits, programme fees and booking your travel. 
• You remain liable for any financial commitments made before travel approval is granted and for any non-refundable payments made in the event that you fail to participate in the programme. 
  
  

4. International Travel Approval

• Complete Swansea University's Travel Approval process with guidance from the Go Global team. You will not receive any funding or be covered by Swansea University's travel insurance without it.
  
  

5. Funding paid to you

• You will receive the first instalment of your funding when you start your summer programme and return an Arrival Form signed by you and the programme provider.
• At the end of your summer programme, you will receive the second instalment of your funding, once you have returned a Certificate of Attendance signed by you and the programme provider and completed online feedback
• No funding will be paid before you have started your summer programme, returned the requested documentation and provided us with your bank details.
  
  

You remain liable for any financial commitments you make to your chosen programme before funding confirmation and travel approval are confirmed.

You are responsible for making all payments required directly to the programme provider. It is your responsibility to confirm cancellation and refund policies with your programme provider and your travel provider. 

All students must complete the University's International Travel Approval process in order to participate in summer programmes and remain eligible for funding.

More information is available on our Health & Safety page