Want to study in the U.S. without paying full international tuition? The University of Memphis offers the International Merit Scholarship (IMS)—a strong award for qualified new international undergrad and graduate students. Let’s explore eligibility, deadlines, how it works, common mistakes, and real advice so you can prepare smartly.

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🎯 What Is the International Merit Scholarship (IMS)?

• A merit-based scholarship for first-time international degree seekers on F‑1 or J‑1 visas (no dual citizens or permanent residents) Scholarship Roarmemphis.edu+2memphis.edu+2memphis.edu+2
• Covers the difference between international and domestic tuition rates for non‑Tennessee residents. That’s potentially thousands in savings each semester Scholarship Roar+2memphis.edu+2Wordpress+2
• Renewable each year—up to four years for undergraduates, and throughout your graduate program if GPA requirements are met WordPress.

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🎓 Who Qualifies?

Undergraduate Applicants:

• Must apply by July 31, 2025 for fall intake or December 31, 2025 for spring intake Wikipédia+15memphis.edu+15Scholarship Roar+15
• Academic minimum: ACT ≥ 25, SAT ≥ 1200, or GPA of 3.25 U.S. equivalent via credential evaluation (SpanTran or IEE recommended) Reddit+6memphis.edu+6Wordpress+6
• Maintain full-time enrollment and earn a UofM GPA of 2.75 in year 1, then 3.0+ subsequently memphis.edu+2memphis.edu+2Wordpress+2.

Graduate Applicants:

• Need GRE ≥ 310 (with at least 150 verbal, 150 quantitative, and 2.5 AWA) or equivalent GMAT scores memphis.edu+15memphis.edu+15Wordpress+15
• Or a 3.25 GPA equivalent undergraduate degree or relevant master’s degree Reddit+15memphis.edu+15Wordpress+15
• Maintain 3.25 UofM GPA each semester to keep the award Reddit+4memphis.edu+4Wordpress+4.

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🚦How to Apply and Win It

1. Apply to UofM as an international student on F‑1 or J‑1 visa.
2. In your Tiger Tracks portal, opt in for IMS consideration (don’t forget this step!) Reddit+2Wordpress+2Reddit+2memphis.edu+1Wordpress+1
3. Provide required documents: credential evaluations, test scores, transcripts, and proof of intent to maintain full-time status memphis.edu+1memphis.academicworks.com+1.
4. If admitted and selected, the tuition difference is automatically applied for eligible semesters. It can’t combine with other UofM institutional scholarships, except departmental awards memphis.edu+1Scholarship Roar+1.

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⏰ Deadlines & Timeline

• Fall 2025 intake: Apply by July 31, 2025
• Spring 2026 intake: Apply by December 31, 2025
• IMS is unavailable for Summer term entries memphis.edu+15memphis.edu+15memphis.edu+15.

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❌ Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the “opt-in” step in Tiger Tracks—your scholarship won’t be considered.
• Relying only on GPA; standardized score requirements matter too.
• Assuming previously enrolled students or those with U.S. permanent status can apply—they cannot.
• Dropping below required GPA during studies—your award can be revoked.

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🧠 Real Student Note

One graduate student shared their struggle on Reddit: accepted into a graphic design master’s program, but couldn’t afford tuition until exploring assistantships and scholarships. Their experience highlights the importance of early scholarship searches and emailing departments about funding opportunities memphis.edu+1Wordpress+1memphis.edu+2Reddit+2Reddit+2Reddit.

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🧾 Quick Checklist Before Applying

• [ ] I’m applying as an international freshman or graduate-only student
• [ ] I’ve opted into IMS in Tiger Tracks portal
• [ ] I meet academic thresholds (ACT/SAT or GRE, GPA)
• [ ] I understand full-time enrollment and GPA maintenance rules
• [ ] I know the application deadline for my term

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✅ Why This Scholarship Matters

The International Merit Scholarship is one of the most valuable awards for international students at UofM—it brings tuition down significantly and makes American higher education more accessible. If you’re eligible, it’s well worth the effort to apply.

For more info, visit the official pages:

• University of Memphis International Merit Scholarship: memphis.edu/admissions/basics/int‑scholarships.php RedditWordPress+1memphis.edu+1memphis.edu+1Wordpress+1
• Broader UofM scholarship portal and Tiger Scholarship Manager: memphis.edu/scholarships