The University of Memphis Scholarships for International Students is a funding opportunity that helps talented students from around the world pursue undergraduate and master’s degrees at one of America’s respected public research universities. Founded in 1912 and located in Memphis, Tennessee, the University of Memphis offers a rich academic environment with strong research facilities, hands-on learning programmes, and a vibrant campus community. For international students, the scholarship reduces one of the biggest financial barriers to studying in the United States by covering a portion of the tuition difference between international and domestic rates.
This scholarship is designed for high-achieving international students who meet specific academic benchmarks and are ready to commit to a full undergraduate or postgraduate programme in the United States. Whether you are a secondary school graduate aiming for a bachelor’s degree or a working professional ready to advance with a master’s qualification, this opportunity is open to students from all countries as long as you meet the academic requirements.
In this post, we will walk you through everything you need to know about the University of Memphis International Student Scholarship, including who qualifies, what the scholarship covers, what documents you need, how to apply step by step, and important deadlines to keep in mind.
Scholarship Overview
| Field | Information |
| Host Country | United States of America |
| Degree Level | Undergraduate and Master’s |
| Funding Type | Partial scholarship (tuition difference between international and domestic rates) |
| Deadline | April 1, July 1, or November 1 |
| Who Can Apply | International students from all countries |
| Benefits Summary | Covers the difference between international and domestic non-Tennessee resident tuition fees |
Eligibility
To be considered for this scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Citizenship: Open to students from all countries worldwide. There are no nationality restrictions.
Academic qualifications for undergraduate applicants: You must have a minimum ACT score of 25 or SAT score of 1200, or an equivalent standardised test score. You must also have a minimum GPA of 3.25 on the U.S. scale, as determined by a recognised credential evaluation service.
Academic qualifications for graduate/master’s applicants: You must have a minimum GRE score of 310 or an equivalent test score. You must also have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.25 on the U.S. scale, or hold a relevant master’s degree from an accredited institution.
Language requirements: All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency. Accepted tests are expected to include IELTS, TOEFL, and the Duolingo English Test.
Other requirements: You must be applying as a full-time international student. This scholarship cannot generally be combined with other University of Memphis institutional scholarships, though it may in some cases be combined with departmental funding.
Eligible Countries
This scholarship is open to students from all countries in the world. A regional breakdown is below:
Africa: Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Cote d’Ivoire, Djibouti, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and all other African nations.
Asia: Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, China, Georgia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, and all other Asian nations.
Americas: Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay, Venezuela, and all other nations in Central America, South America, and the Caribbean.
Europe: Albania, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom, and others.
Middle East: Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Yemen, and others.
Oceania: Australia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, New Zealand, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, and others.
Eligible Fields of Study
This scholarship is open to all fields of study offered by the University of Memphis at the undergraduate and master’s levels.
Undergraduate programmes span fields including arts, business, education, engineering, health sciences, liberal arts, natural sciences, social sciences, communication, computer science, and many more.
Graduate programmes cover fields such as business administration, computer science, communication sciences, criminal justice, data science, education, engineering, health administration, public administration, social work, and many others.
If you are unsure whether your chosen field qualifies, check the official University of Memphis academic catalogue or contact the admissions team directly.
Benefits
- Tuition fees: The scholarship covers the difference between the international student tuition rate and the domestic non-Tennessee resident tuition rate. The exact amount varies by programme and credit load.
- Living allowance: This scholarship does not include a living stipend. Students are responsible for accommodation, food, transportation, and personal expenses.
- Travel costs: Travel is not covered. Students must arrange and fund their own travel to and from the United States.
- Visa fees: Visa application fees are not covered. Students are responsible for arranging and paying for their U.S. F-1 student visa.
- Other benefits: As a University of Memphis student, you gain access to research facilities, career services, academic advising, and a diverse campus community.
Required Documents
- Valid international passport (copy of bio-data page)
- Official academic transcripts from all previously attended institutions
- Previous academic degree certificate (secondary school diploma for undergraduates, bachelor’s degree for master’s applicants)
- Standardised test scores (ACT or SAT for undergraduates, GRE for graduate applicants)
- English language proficiency test scores (IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo, or equivalent)
- Personal statement or statement of purpose
- Curriculum vitae or resume (especially for graduate applicants)
- Credential evaluation report (for international academic documents)
- Completed University of Memphis international admission application
How to Apply
Step 1: Research your programme. Visit the University of Memphis official website and browse the undergraduate or graduate programmes available to international students. Confirm your chosen field is offered and check any department-specific requirements.
Step 2: Confirm you meet the eligibility criteria. Check that your GPA and standardised test scores meet the minimum requirements for your level of study.
Step 3: Sit your required standardised tests. Undergraduates need ACT or SAT scores. Graduate students need GRE scores. Register early to ensure your results arrive before your application deadline.
Step 4: Sit an English language proficiency test. Register for TOEFL, IELTS, or the Duolingo English Test and arrange for your official scores to be sent directly to the University of Memphis.
Step 5: Get your academic credentials evaluated. If your transcripts and certificates are from a non-U.S. institution, have them evaluated by a recognised credential evaluation service to determine your U.S. GPA equivalent.
Step 6: Prepare all supporting documents. Gather your passport copy, transcripts, degree certificates, test scores, personal statement, and recommendation letters. Make sure everything is complete before submission.
Step 7: Submit your admission application. Complete and submit the University of Memphis international student admission application online. Upload all required documents as instructed.
Step 8: Complete the scholarship process. After or alongside your admission application, follow any additional scholarship steps as directed by the International Admissions Office.
Step 9: Apply for your student visa. Once you receive your admission offer and I-20 form, use these to apply for a U.S. F-1 student visa at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
Step 10: Confirm enrollment and arrange housing. Accept your offer, pay any required enrollment deposit, and begin making arrangements for accommodation in Memphis before your programme starts.
Key Dates and Timeline
| Milestone | Date |
| Application Opens | To be Determined |
| Deadline – Intake 1 | April 1 |
| Deadline – Intake 2 | July 1 |
| Deadline – Intake 3 | November 1 |
| Shortlisting | To be Determined |
| Admission Decisions | To be Determined |
| Programme Begins | Varies by semester |
Application Deadline
The University of Memphis International Student Scholarship has three deadline windows:
April 1, July 1, and November 1.
Applications submitted after the relevant deadline will NOT be accepted. Submit well in advance to allow time to gather documents, complete all steps, and respond to any requests from the admissions office.
Selection Criteria
- Academic excellence: The primary selection criterion is your academic record. Strong standardised test scores and a GPA of 3.25 or above are essential. Higher scores may result in a higher scholarship amount.
- English language proficiency: Your ability to study and communicate in English is evaluated through your language test results.
- Personal statement quality: For graduate applicants, a clear and focused statement of purpose that explains your academic background, research interests, and career goals strengthens your application significantly.
- Programme fit: Applicants whose chosen programme aligns with the university’s offerings and strengths are well-positioned for consideration.
- Completeness of application: A fully complete, well-organised application submitted before the deadline gives you the strongest chance of being reviewed for funding.
Important Tips
- Apply early. Do not wait until the week before the deadline. Gather documents, sit tests, and get credentials evaluated well in advance. Rushing increases the risk of errors.
- Get your credentials evaluated ahead of time. Credential evaluation can take several weeks. Start this process early so your GPA conversion is ready when you apply.
- Aim above the minimum scores. The listed GPA and test scores are minimums. Competitive applicants typically exceed them. If your scores are borderline, consider retaking before applying.
- Write a strong personal statement. Be specific about why you chose the University of Memphis, what you plan to study, and how this degree fits your career goals. Generic statements rarely stand out.
- Send official test scores directly to the university. Use the official score-sending service from your testing body so the university receives verified scores rather than self-reported copies.
- Confirm your programme is currently available. Browse the academic catalogue to verify your programme is open to international students and check for any department-specific admission requirements.
- Monitor your email after applying. After submitting, check your inbox regularly including your spam folder for updates, document requests, or communications from the admissions team.
- Contact the admissions office when in doubt. The University of Memphis International Admissions team can clarify any part of the process. Reach out rather than guessing.
- Understand the scholarship combination restriction. This scholarship generally cannot be stacked with other University of Memphis institutional awards. Know what you are accepting before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to apply separately for the scholarship or is it automatic?
It is best to confirm directly with the University of Memphis International Admissions Office whether scholarship consideration is automatic with your admission application or requires a separate form.
Can students from all countries apply?
Yes. This scholarship is open to applicants from every country worldwide with no nationality restrictions.
What is the minimum GPA required?
A minimum GPA of 3.25 on the U.S. scale is required, determined through a recognised credential evaluation service. For graduate applicants, this refers to your undergraduate GPA, or you may qualify with a relevant master’s degree from an accredited institution.
Does the scholarship cover full tuition?
No. It covers the difference between the international tuition rate and the domestic non-Tennessee resident rate. Students are responsible for any remaining balance and all living expenses.
Can this scholarship be combined with other funding?
Generally, no. It cannot be combined with other University of Memphis institutional scholarships, though combination with departmental funding may be possible in some cases. Confirm with the financial aid office.
Which English language tests are accepted?
Standard tests like TOEFL and IELTS are expected to be accepted. Contact the university to confirm which tests qualify and what the minimum scores are.
How long is the scholarship valid for?
The standard programme duration is 4 years for undergraduate and 2 years for master’s study. Confirm whether the scholarship renews annually or is a one-time award.
What if I do not meet the GRE requirement for graduate admission?
Some departments may have alternative admission pathways or may waive the GRE under specific circumstances. Check directly with your target department as requirements can vary by programme.
Official Link
Visit the University of Memphis International Admissions page to begin your application:
https://www.memphis.edu/international/admissions/
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