Studying in the United States can be expensive for international students, especially when tuition, housing, meals, books, insurance and other living costs are added together. Fortunately, University of Memphis Scholarships for International Students can help eligible students reduce the cost of earning a degree in the United States. The University of Memphis offers merit-based scholarship opportunities for qualified international students entering undergraduate and graduate programs.
The important point is that these scholarships are not all handled in the same way. Some international undergraduate students are considered based on information submitted with their admission application, while eligible graduate students may qualify for a specific non-resident merit scholarship. There are also departmental scholarships and other funding opportunities that international students may explore.
This guide explains the University of Memphis Scholarships for International Students, who can qualify, how much selected awards are worth, the academic requirements, renewal conditions, application process, and practical steps international applicants can take to improve their chances of receiving financial support. The information below reflects the University of Memphis scholarship information available for the 2026 academic year.
What Are University of Memphis Scholarships for International Students?
University of Memphis Scholarships for International Students are financial awards available to eligible international students who plan to study at the University of Memphis.
The university describes its main international scholarship opportunities as merit-based scholarships, meaning academic achievement is an important part of the selection process. For international students, eligibility generally depends on factors such as academic performance, admission status, visa status, enrollment level and, where applicable, standardized test results.
For undergraduate students, the university considers newly admitted, degree-seeking international students studying on campus with an F-1 or J-1 visa. Continuing or already enrolled students are not eligible for the particular incoming international scholarship described on the university’s international scholarship page.
Graduate international students can also receive merit-based assistance. One important award is the Graduate Non-Resident Merit Scholarship, which is specifically available to qualifying students admitted to eligible graduate degree programs.
Therefore, prospective applicants should not assume that every scholarship at the university is automatically available to every international student. Each award has its own eligibility requirements.
University of Memphis Scholarships for International Students: Undergraduate Awards
The University of Memphis selectively awards competitive academic scholarships to newly admitted international undergraduate students.
There are currently two main pathways through which undergraduate students may receive academic scholarship consideration:
- GPA plus test-score evaluation
- GPA-only evaluation
The university states that students may be evaluated using their cumulative high school GPA together with ACT or SAT scores. Certain scholarships may also be considered using GPA alone. The university encourages eligible students to submit qualifying test scores because superscoring may be used to maximize scholarship consideration. Updated GPA and test scores may be submitted through March.
This means that international students should take the admission process seriously. A strong academic record can be important even before a student begins looking for additional scholarships.
Who Can Apply for the Undergraduate Scholarship?
The main requirements include:
- Being a newly admitted, degree-seeking international student
- Studying on campus
- Holding an eligible F-1 or J-1 visa
- Meeting the university’s academic scholarship criteria
- Being an entering first-time applicant
- Meeting applicable enrollment and academic requirements
Dual citizens and permanent residents are excluded from this particular international scholarship. Students who are already enrolled or continuing at the university are also not eligible for the incoming international scholarship. Students receiving assistantships or other university funding may also be excluded from this award.
Is the Undergraduate Scholarship Renewable?
Yes. Academic scholarships for qualifying undergraduate international students can be renewable for up to three additional years, meaning the initial award may potentially continue beyond the first academic year if the student satisfies the renewal conditions.
Students must generally:
- Maintain at least 12 credit hours per semester
- Maintain good academic standing
- Complete required service hours where applicable
- Continue meeting the university’s scholarship renewal requirements
The university recommends that students take 15 credit hours per semester when possible to remain on track for a four-year degree.
University of Memphis Scholarships for International Students: Graduate Students
Graduate students have a separate scholarship structure.
The Graduate Non-Resident Merit Scholarship is available to qualifying newly admitted graduate students, including eligible international students holding F-1 or J-1 status.
The current published award is:
| Scholarship | Award | Study Level | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graduate Non-Resident Merit Scholarship | $2,100 per semester | Graduate | Eligible graduate admission and academic qualifications |
| Academic year value | $4,200 | Graduate | Fall and spring enrollment |
| Undergraduate international scholarships | Varies | Undergraduate | Academic merit and admission-based consideration |
| Departmental/other scholarships | Varies | Undergraduate/Graduate | Requirements depend on individual award |
The graduate scholarship is worth $2,100 for the fall semester and $2,100 for the spring semester, for a total of $4,200 for the academic year when the student receives both semester awards.
This scholarship is not intended to cover every educational expense. Instead, it provides a reduction in the financial burden associated with studying at the university.
Graduate Scholarship Eligibility Requirements
According to the University of Memphis, applicants must be admitted to an eligible graduate degree program, excluding law school.
Academic qualifications include a 3.25/4.0 U.S.-equivalent cumulative undergraduate GPA or completed master’s degree GPA. The university also lists a standardized testing route involving a 310 GRE score, including at least 150 in both Verbal and Quantitative sections and a 2.5 Analytical Writing score, or an equivalent GMAT qualification.
Applicants should therefore prepare their academic documents carefully and ensure that international credentials can be appropriately evaluated against U.S. academic standards.
Graduate Scholarship Renewal Requirements
Maintaining the scholarship requires students to remain enrolled full-time during the fall and spring semesters.
Recipients must also maintain at least a 3.0 University of Memphis GPA each semester. If a student falls below full-time enrollment during the final semester, the award may be prorated for that semester.
Another important restriction is that students receiving graduate assistantships or other university funding, including certain tuition waivers, are not eligible for the graduate non-resident scholarship.
How Much Can International Students Receive?
One of the most common questions about University of Memphis Scholarships for International Students is the exact amount available.
There is no single scholarship amount that applies to every international student.
For undergraduate students, the university describes academic scholarships as selective and merit-based, but the current international undergraduate page does not present one universal award amount applicable to every recipient. The actual scholarship opportunity can depend on the student’s academic profile and the specific award for which the student qualifies.
Graduate applicants have a clearer published figure: the Graduate Non-Resident Merit Scholarship provides $2,100 per semester, or $4,200 for fall and spring combined.
Students should therefore avoid websites that advertise a guaranteed scholarship amount without confirming the current terms with the University of Memphis.
University of Memphis Scholarships for International Students: How to Apply
The application process depends on the level of study.
Undergraduate Applicants
For international undergraduate students, scholarship consideration is connected to the admission process. The University of Memphis states that scholarships are awarded based on information submitted through the university’s admissions application.
A practical application process is:
Step 1: Choose your degree program.
Select an eligible undergraduate program and review the admission requirements.
Step 2: Prepare your academic documents.
Gather your secondary-school transcripts, examination results and other documents required for admission.
Step 3: Submit your University of Memphis admission application.
Make sure all information is accurate and complete.
Step 4: Submit qualifying test scores if available.
ACT or SAT results may be considered for scholarship evaluation. Students should check the university’s current requirements before deciding whether to submit scores.
Step 5: Monitor your admission and scholarship information.
Scholarship consideration is connected to the admission process, so applicants should monitor their application status and university communications.
Step 6: Complete any additional scholarship requirements.
If an additional scholarship application is required for a particular award, follow the instructions provided by the university.
Graduate Applicants
Graduate international applicants should first apply for admission to an eligible graduate degree program.
The Graduate Non-Resident Merit Scholarship is admissions-based, meaning eligible students do not submit a separate scholarship application beyond the admission application. Eligibility is determined during the admission process.
This makes the admission application particularly important. Applicants should ensure that their academic history, test scores where applicable and supporting documents are submitted correctly.
University of Memphis Scholarships for International Students: Application Link
For students looking for the University’s scholarship application and scholarship-management portal, use the official Tiger Scholarship Manager:
International students should carefully read the eligibility requirements for each opportunity before submitting an application.
For the main incoming undergraduate and graduate international merit awards, remember that scholarship consideration can be tied directly to the University of Memphis admission application, rather than requiring a separate scholarship form.
What Documents Should International Students Prepare?
Although individual programs may request different documents, applicants should generally be prepared to provide:
- Academic transcripts
- Secondary-school or university examination results
- Bachelor’s degree documents for graduate applicants
- English-language proficiency evidence where required
- Standardized test scores where applicable
- Passport information
- Proof of previous academic qualifications
- Letters of recommendation where required by the degree program
- Personal statements or essays where required
- Financial documentation for immigration and enrollment purposes
Graduate applicants should pay particular attention to academic credential requirements because the scholarship criteria refer to a U.S.-equivalent GPA.
Important Tips for Winning University of Memphis Scholarships for International Students
Scholarships are competitive, so meeting the minimum requirements does not necessarily mean an applicant will receive an award.
1. Apply for admission early
The University of Memphis currently states that freshmen should apply by December 1 for priority scholarship consideration.
Waiting until the last minute can create problems if transcripts, test scores or other documents are delayed.
2. Keep your grades strong
Academic performance is central to the university’s international scholarship process. Applicants should present their strongest academic record.
3. Submit test scores when they strengthen your application
For undergraduate scholarship consideration, the university uses GPA and test scores for one evaluation pathway and also has a GPA-only pathway. Therefore, applicants with strong ACT or SAT results may want to submit qualifying scores.
4. Understand renewal requirements
Receiving a scholarship is only the beginning. Students must continue meeting the conditions required to keep the award.
For example, undergraduate recipients must maintain the required enrollment level and good academic standing, while graduate scholarship recipients must remain full-time and maintain the required GPA.
5. Search for additional funding
The main international merit scholarship should not necessarily be the only source of funding you consider.
The University of Memphis also has a centralized Tiger Scholarship Manager where students can explore additional scholarship opportunities. Some departmental and donor-funded awards may have separate eligibility requirements.
Graduate students should also contact their academic departments about graduate assistantships, since these are administered at the department level and may provide another potential form of financial support.
Are University of Memphis Scholarships Fully Funded?
Generally, students should not assume that University of Memphis Scholarships for International Students are fully funded scholarships.
A scholarship reduces eligible educational costs, but students may still need money for tuition balances, housing, meals, books, health insurance, transportation, visa-related expenses and personal living costs.
For example, the graduate international merit scholarship currently provides $4,200 across fall and spring when both semester awards are received. That is financial assistance, but it does not mean all expenses associated with studying in the United States are automatically covered.
Students should therefore create a complete financial plan before accepting admission.
Can International Students Apply for Other Scholarships?
Yes. International students can explore additional institutional, departmental and external opportunities when they satisfy the requirements.
The university’s international student services information specifically points students toward additional scholarships and the Tiger Scholarship Manager.
However, students should carefully check whether an outside or university-funded award can be combined with their existing scholarship. Some University of Memphis awards have restrictions involving other university funding, assistantships or tuition waivers.
This is especially important for graduate students because accepting another form of university funding could affect eligibility for the Graduate Non-Resident Merit Scholarship.
Frequently Asked Questions About University of Memphis Scholarships for International Students
Does the University of Memphis offer scholarships to international students?
Yes. The University of Memphis offers merit-based scholarship opportunities for eligible international students. Undergraduate scholarships are available for qualifying newly admitted international students, while graduate students may qualify for the Graduate Non-Resident Merit Scholarship.
How much is the University of Memphis graduate international scholarship?
The Graduate Non-Resident Merit Scholarship is currently $2,100 per semester, covering fall and spring for a potential annual value of $4,200. Students must meet the scholarship’s academic and enrollment conditions to maintain the award.
Do international undergraduate students need a separate scholarship application?
For the main incoming international undergraduate academic scholarships, scholarship consideration is based on information submitted through the University of Memphis admission application. Applicants should nevertheless check individual scholarship opportunities because additional awards can have different procedures.
Can international students receive scholarships for several years?
Potentially, yes. Eligible undergraduate academic scholarships can be renewable for up to three additional years when recipients meet the required academic, enrollment and service conditions.
Can graduate students receive both an assistantship and the international merit scholarship?
The University of Memphis states that students receiving graduate assistantships or other university funding are not eligible for the Graduate Non-Resident Merit Scholarship. Students considering multiple forms of funding should therefore review the specific terms before accepting an award.
Final Thoughts on University of Memphis Scholarships for International Students
University of Memphis Scholarships for International Students can provide valuable financial support for students who want to pursue undergraduate or graduate education in Tennessee. The most important opportunities include merit-based scholarships for newly admitted international undergraduates and the Graduate Non-Resident Merit Scholarship for qualifying graduate students.
The key is to understand that these awards are not automatically guaranteed. Academic performance, admission status, enrollment, visa status and scholarship-specific conditions all matter. Undergraduate applicants should pay close attention to the admission and scholarship timeline, while graduate applicants should review the GPA and testing requirements carefully.
If you are planning to study at the University of Memphis, start by preparing a strong admission application, organizing your academic documents and checking your eligibility early. Then use the official scholarship portal to explore additional opportunities that may be available to you.
