The University of Memphis (UofM), a top-tier public research institution located in Tennessee, has officially opened its 2025-2026 scholarship programs for international students who aspire to pursue undergraduate or master’s degrees in the United States. Known for its commitment to academic excellence, cutting-edge research, and an inclusive and vibrant international student community, UofM continues to be a popular choice for students from around the globe.
These scholarship opportunities reflect the university’s dedication to making high-quality education accessible and affordable for talented individuals regardless of their nationality. Outstanding applicants may receive awards that cover up to 100% of tuition costs, significantly reducing the financial burden of studying abroad. In addition to tuition support, students may also benefit from academic advising, mentoring programs, and access to a wide range of student services designed to support their personal and professional development.
UofM boasts a diverse range of academic programs across various disciplines, state-of-the-art facilities, and a dynamic campus life that encourages innovation, leadership, and collaboration. International students at UofM become part of a thriving academic community that prepares them to compete and succeed on a global scale. With this scholarship initiative, the university is actively investing in the future of global education and nurturing the next generation of changemakers.
This very comprehensive guide will walk you through every critical aspect of securing funding at the University of Memphis, including:
✅ Scholarship types & coverage (Which awards include stipends?)
✅ Eligibility criteria (GPA, test scores, and English requirements)
✅ Step-by-step application process (Undergraduate vs. Master’s)
✅ Required documents checklist (Transcripts, recommendation letters, essays)
✅ Deadlines & timeline (Fall 2025 vs. Spring 2026 intakes)
✅ Life as an international student in Memphis (Cost of living, jobs, visa tips)
✅ Alternative funding options (If you don’t secure a UofM scholarship)
Why Choose the University of Memphis?
- Ranked among the top 300 universities in the U.S. (U.S. News & World Report)
- Diverse student body (Students from over 100 countries)
- Strong industry connections (FedEx, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, AutoZone)
- Affordable cost of living (Memphis is 30% cheaper than NYC or LA)
1. Scholarship Types & Coverage
The University of Memphis offers multiple scholarship tiers based on academic merit and financial need.
A. Undergraduate Scholarships
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| President’s Scholarship | Full tuition + $5,000 stipend | 3.8+ GPA, 30+ ACT/1360+ SAT |
| Dean’s Scholarship | 75% tuition waiver | 3.5+ GPA, 28+ ACT/1300+ SAT |
| International Tiger Scholarship | $10,000/year | 3.25+ GPA, 25+ ACT/1200+ SAT |
B. Master’s Scholarships
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate Assistantship (GA) | Full tuition + $12,000 stipend | 3.5+ GPA, GRE 310+ (if required) |
| International Merit Award | 50% tuition waiver | 3.3+ GPA, strong recommendation letters |
Key Notes:
- Undergrad scholarships are renewable (Must maintain 3.0+ GPA)
- Graduate Assistantships require 20 hrs/week work (Teaching or research)
2. Eligibility Criteria
Eligible Countries
It is open to all international students (There is no country restrictions).
Academic Requirements
| Program | Minimum GPA | Test Scores | English Proficiency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 3.25 (US equivalent) | ACT 25+ or SAT 1200+ | IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 79 |
| Master’s | 3.25 (US equivalent) | GRE 310+ (if required) | IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 79 |
English Test Waivers:
- If your previous degree was taught in English
- If you’re from an English-speaking country (Nigeria, India, etc.)
3. Step-by-Step Application Guide
Step 1: Choose Your Program
Browse UofM’s 150+ undergraduate and 100+ master’s programs at:
🔗 https://www.memphis.edu/academics/
Top Programs for International Students:
- Business Administration (BBA/MBA)
- Computer Science (BS/MS)
- Biomedical Engineering
- Public Health (MPH)
Step 2: Prepare Required Documents
| Document | Undergraduate | Master’s |
|---|---|---|
| Passport Copy | ✅ | ✅ |
| Academic Transcripts | ✅ (Unofficial accepted initially) | ✅ (Official required later) |
| Recommendation Letters | 1 (Optional) | 2 (Mandatory) |
| Personal Statement | ✅ (500 words) | ✅ (800 words) |
| Test Scores | ACT/SAT | GRE (if required) |
| English Proficiency | IELTS/TOEFL or waiver proof | IELTS/TOEFL or waiver proof |
Step 3: Apply for Admission
- Create an account on the UofM portal:
🔗 https://apply.memphis.edu/ - Upload all documents
- Pay the $50 application fee (Non-refundable)
Step 4: Apply for Scholarships
- Undergrads: Automatically considered for merit scholarships upon admission
- Master’s Students: Must submit a separate GA application
Step 5: Await Decision
- Response time: 4–6 weeks
- Scholarship notifications: Sent with admission letters
4. Writing a Winning Personal Statement
Structure Template (500–800 Words)
- Introduction (Hook + Goals)
“Growing up in Lagos, Nigeria, I witnessed how technology could bridge educational gaps—a passion I’ll pursue through Computer Science at UofM.” - Academic Background
- Relevant coursework
- Research/projects
- Leadership roles
- Why University of Memphis?
- Mention specific professors, labs, or courses
- “UofM’s FedEx Institute of Technology aligns with my AI research interests.”
- Future Plans
- How you’ll contribute to your home country
Avoid:
- Exceeding word count
- Generic statements (“I love learning”)
5. Deadlines & Timeline
| Intake | Application Opens | Priority Deadline | Final Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2025 | October 2024 | March 1, 2025 | August 26, 2025 |
| Spring 2026 | April 2025 | September 1, 2025 | December 1, 2025 |
Pro Tip: Apply by the priority deadline for the best scholarship consideration.
6. Life as an International Student in Memphis
Cost of Living (Monthly)
| Expense | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Rent (Shared Apartment) | 600–600–900 |
| Food | 250–250–400 |
| Transport | $50 (Student bus pass) |
| Health Insurance | $120 (Mandatory) |
Stipend Coverage:
- The $12,000 GA stipend comfortably covers living costs.
Career Opportunities
- On-campus jobs: 12–12–15/hour (20 hrs/week max)
- Internships: FedEx, St. Jude, AutoZone recruit UofM students
- Post-Grad Work Visa (OPT): 1–3 years for STEM graduates
7. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Missing document translations (Non-English transcripts must be certified)
- Applying last-minute (Portal crashes near deadlines)
- Weak recommendation letters (Avoid generic “X was my student” letters)
- Ignoring the priority deadline (Best scholarships fill early)
- Not proofreading essays (One applicant wrote “Harvard” instead of “Memphis”)
8. Alternative Scholarships
If you don’t secure University of Memphis funding, consider these ones:
- Fulbright Foreign Student Program
- University of Tennessee Knoxville Scholarships
- Arkansas State University International Awards
9. FAQs
Q: Can I apply without SAT/GRE?
A: Some programs offer test waivers—check department requirements.
Q: Is Memphis safe for international students?
A: Campus is secure, and student areas are well-patrolled.
Q: Can my family join me?
A: Yes on F-2 visas (spouse can’t work but kids get free schooling).
Q: What’s the acceptance rate?
A: ~85% for undergrads, ~70% for master’s (More competitive for scholarships).
Final Checklist Before Applying
✅ All documents scanned as PDFs
✅ Personal statement proofread
✅ Test scores sent to UofM (Code: 1459)
✅ Application submitted 2+ weeks early
Start Your Application: https://apply.memphis.edu/
