University of Memphis International Merit Scholarships 2025 – how to apply

The University of Memphis offers highly competitive International Merit Scholarships (IMS) to first-time incoming undergraduate and graduate international students on F-1 or J-1 visas, aiming to offset the gap between international and out-of-state domestic tuition rates, a vital lifeline for global learners seeking quality education in the U.S.

Eligibility Requirements: Clear Criteria for Applicants

Undergraduate applicants must meet one of the following:

• 25 ACT or 1200 SAT (or equivalent),
• 3.25 GPA (U.S. equivalent), verified through a NACES-approved credentials evaluation (SpanTran, IEE).

Graduate applicants must meet one:

• GRE score of 310 (with at least 150 in both Verbal and Quantitative, plus 2.5 AWA) or equivalent GMAT,
• or a 3.25 UG GPA (U.S. equivalent) or relevant master’s degree evaluated accordingly.

Applicants must:

• Be newly admitted and attending on-campus,
• Hold F-1 or J-1 visa status,
• Not be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and
• Be first-time degree applicants (not current students).

Scholarship Awards & Duration

IMS covers the tuition difference between international and domestic non-Tennessee resident rates, providing substantial financial relief.

• Undergraduate recipients can receive a renewable four-year scholarship (8 semesters), subject to full-time enrollment (minimum 12 credit hours per semester) and maintaining:
  • 2.75 UofM GPA in the first two semesters,
  • then 3.0 UofM GPA in subsequent semesters.
• Graduate recipients must maintain full-time enrollment and a 3.0 UofM GPA each semester; the award is renewable each academic year (fall and spring).

This scholarship cannot be stacked with other institutional scholarships (except departmental funding).

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Deadline & Application Steps

Deadline

Additional internal deadline is August 26, 2025.

How to Apply:

1. Submit your admission application to UofM and opt into IMS consideration via the Tiger Tracks Undergraduate and Graduate portal.
2. Provide required credential evaluation from a NACES-approved agency (SpanTran or IEE).
3. Upload your standardized test scores (e.g., SAT/ACT for undergrads; GRE/GMAT for graduates) and visa documentation.
4. Complete supplemental scholarship questions in AcademicWorks (e.g., intended semester, visa type).

Strategic Tips for Applicants

• Apply early to secure full-time admission and IMS eligibility.
• Use SpanTran or IEE for efficient and cost-effective credential conversion.
• Understand that scholarship renewal depends on academic performance and enrollment status.
• Students receiving departmental support may combine it with IMS, but other UofM scholarships generally cannot be stacked.
• Access additional aid via the Tiger Scholarship Manager platform.

The University of Memphis International Merit Scholarship unlocks accessible, high-quality education for select international scholars, rewarding academic excellence and offering sustained support. Aspiring students should act promptly, gather credentials early, and diligently maintain their GPA to secure and renew this impactful award.