Non – Degree Programs

Visiting Students

Students attending another regionally accredited college or university may desire to attend East Carolina University for a limited period of time and then return to their original institutions. Such applicants must complete a visitor’s application and have the dean or other appropriate official at the parent institution verify that the applicant is in good academic standing and eligible to take specific ECU courses. Please note: Visiting students must reapply each semester.

All Visiting Students (including schools outside the UNC system) are allowed to enroll in classes for both online and face-to-face courses. Due to limited resources and increased demand for certain summer courses, acceptance to East Carolina University for summer enrollment does not guarantee the availability of specific classes. Anyone can access the list of course offerings (without an ECU login).

Credit earned as a visiting student cannot be used to qualify for admission to ECU as a full-time student.

Deadlines: Visiting & Auditing Student Applications for Admission

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Visiting Student Requirements

All visiting students must:

• Submit an online application.
• Pay the $75 nonrefundable application fee.
• Request your official transcript to be sent from your current institution.
• Submit the course permission form (Admissions will send after you apply).

Auditing Students

Auditing a course consists of attendance at classes and listening but taking no part in the class. An auditor is not responsible for any assignments, nor is allowed to take any tests or examinations. However, to have the audited course recorded on the official transcript, a student must attend classes regularly. An auditor may not enroll in a participation course (art classes, laboratories, etc.). Under no circumstances will a grade be assigned, evaluations be made, or performance reports be issued on a student auditing a course. Auditing a course or part of a course is contingent upon the approval of the instructor and the appropriate departmental chairperson or school/college dean.

Students regularly enrolled in the university wishing to audit course(s) must initiate the approval process with their advisor. A student may audit no more than two courses in any semester.

Auditing Student Application Process

• Complete the Audit Student Form to begin the process.
• After submitting the form, create an account and log in to our undergraduate admissions portal.
  • A started application will be waiting for you.
  • Complete the remainder of the application and pay the application fee.
    • Exception: Applicants who are 65 or over and live in NC will automatically receive a full application fee waiver. The fee waiver is NOT based on the normal residency determination system.
• After being admitted, audit-only students should contact the Registrar’s Office to discuss course registration.
  • Students will only be registered for a course on the last day of drop/add AND only if there is space available in the course.
• In addition to the waived application fee, senior NC auditors (65+) do not have to pay audit tuition. However, they can only register for lecture-based courses.  Auditing is not permitted in courses that require laboratories, studios, or performances, or in online distance education courses, independent studies courses, internships, special topics, or other special courses. For more information, read the complete senior audit policy.
• Students should contact the Cashier’s Office if they have questions about tuition for auditing courses.

Pre – College Dual Enrollment

East Carolina University’s Pre-College Dual Enrollment Program provides academically qualified high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to enroll in ECU courses while remaining enrolled in high school. Through this program, students can challenge themselves academically, explore areas of interest, and begin earning college credit before graduating from high school.

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for admission, students must:

• Be a junior or senior currently enrolled in high school.
• Have a minimum cumulative weighted high school GPA of 3.5.
• Demonstrate readiness for college-level coursework through their academic record.
• Obtain approval from their high school principal or counselor.
• Submit an official high school transcript.
• Complete the ECU Pre-College Dual Enrollment application.

Application Process

Students seeking admission to the program must submit:

• A completed ECU Pre-College Dual Enrollment application.
• An official high school transcript.
• A recommendation or approval form from their high school counselor or principal.
• Any additional documentation requested by ECU.

Applications will be reviewed by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and the appropriate academic department. Admission decisions are based on academic preparation, course availability, and program eligibility requirements.

Fall 2026 Important Dates

Important Information

• Participation in the program does not guarantee future admission to ECU as a degree-seeking student.
• Students are responsible for meeting any course prerequisites.
• Enrollment is subject to course availability and departmental approval.
• Students must adhere to all ECU academic policies and standards while enrolled.
• Credits earned may be applicable toward future degree programs subject to institutional transfer and degree requirements.