Frequently Asked Questions

Bachelor’s Degree:

• Completed high school or secondary education, English language proficiency. The minimum required scores are as follows:
• TOEFL - 61iBT
• IELTS - 5.5
• PTE - 44
• Duolingo - 95
• Standardized test scores: You must submit your SAT or ACT scores. The minimum required scores are as follows:
• SAT - 980
• ACT: 19

For a Master’s Degree:

• You must have a bachelor's or equivalent degree from an accredited institution. Your degree must be equivalent to a four-year U.S. bachelor's degree, minimum GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale or a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in the last 60 hours of undergraduate work.
• English Language Proficiency: You can do so by submitting TOEFL or IELTS scores. The minimum required score for TOEFL is 79 on the internet-based test (iBT), and the minimum required score for IELTS is 6.5.
• GRE or GMAT: Some programs may require you to submit GRE or GMAT scores as part of the application process. You should check with the specific program you are interested in to determine if this is required.
• Application Requirements: You must submit an online application, official transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a resume or CV as part of your application.

For a PhD:

• You must hold a Bachelor's or Master's degree from a regionally accredited or equivalent international institution, must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or equivalent.
• English language proficiency: You must demonstrate English language proficiency by submitting scores from a recognized English language proficiency test, such as TOEFL or IELTS.
• Letters of recommendation: You will typically need to provide letters of recommendation from academic or professional references.
• Personal statement: You will need to submit a personal statement outlining your research interests and why you want to pursue a PhD at the University of Memphis.

Bachelor’s degree candidates need to submit the following:

• High School Score card (GCE A/L results sheet)
• TOEFL, DuoLingo, PTE or IELTS test score - Duo Lingo can be taken online and results are available in 48 hrs. IELTS is more recognized but could take more time.
• Admission will be evaluated based upon:
• Good AL results (Above 2.5 or 75%)
• IELTS 6.0 minimum 5.5 / Duo Lingo 110 minimum with a minimum production score of 80

Post graduate admission will be evaluated based upon:

• Good Academic performance in bachelor's degree
• IELTS 6.5 or min 6.0 / Duo Lingo 110 minimum with a minimum production score of 90

The application itself will require;

• A Statement of Purpose
• 2-3 Reference Letters
• O/L and A/L certificates
• English test results

Following admission, the process is as follows:

The following documents must be submitted to the university:

• Affidavit of support (from father, mother, or any blood relation in Sri Lanka) - including a copy of their passport
• Bank statements or a bank loan letter indicating that the funds are ready for disbursement

Once these documents are approved, the university will provide the I-20 which is needed to apply for a student visa

Typically a deposit of USD 1,500 is required. This will be 100% refunded if the visa is rejected. If the visa is granted, these funds will be applied to the first semester tuition fees.

This depends on the speed at that the student submits his or her documents. Once all the documents are submitted, decisions can be made as soon as 1 week after if there are no complications.

• The cost to apply to the University of Memphis is typically $60, but it may be waived during events such as fairs/exhibitions.
• You can ask the FlowGlobal and Chesalon representatives about getting a fee waiver.
• It's important to note that the application fee is non-refundable, so make sure to submit your application only when you're ready.

The time it takes to receive an admission decision from the University of Memphis varies based on the speed with which the student submits their application and required documents. In some cases, a decision can be made as quickly as one week after completing the required documentation. Admission decisions are made throughout the year on a rolling basis. Students can check their application status through the university's online portal or by contacting the admissions office, with assistance available from Chesalon and Flow Global.

Acceptance to the University of Memphis depends on various factors, including academic performance, extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation. The overall acceptance rate for undergraduate applicants is 80%. To increase the chances of acceptance, students should submit a strong application that emphasizes academic achievements, leadership experience, and community involvement. Meeting all application requirements and deadlines is crucial, but meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance.

• For both bachelor's and masters/PhD programs students need to take one of the following English language tests: IELTS. TOEFL, PTE or Duolingo.
• Besides this an ACT/SAT is advisable for students who are planning to get their bachelor's degree.
• Some Masters and all Doctoral applicants need to take the GRE exam.
• Please check the University website to find out which of the programs require the GRE exam.

The University of Memphis accepts international applicants who have completed their O/Ls. However, to be considered for admission, the student's O/L credentials must be evaluated by a credential evaluation organization to determine if they are equivalent to a US high school diploma. The evaluation process assesses the content and level of the student's O/L subjects and compares them to US high school standards. If the evaluation determines that the student has met the minimum admission requirements, they may be eligible for admission to UofM.

The University of Memphis doesn't have age restrictions for its programs and evaluates applicants based on their academic credentials, work experience, and other factors. The university is committed to providing access to higher education for all students, and applicants in their mid-30s or older may contribute to the diversity of the student body with their unique life experiences and perspectives.

Having a gap in educational experience does not automatically disqualify a student UofM does not disqualify applicants with gaps in their educational experience. However, such applicants may need to provide evidence of their readiness for university-level education. UofM takes a holistic approach in evaluating each applicant's academic background, personal experiences, and other factors that may affect their potential for success. Students with gaps in their educational experience may be required to submit letters of recommendation, personal statements, or standardized test scores to demonstrate their academic readiness.

UofM accepts transfer students, who may be able to transfer credits from their previous institution. The requirements for transferring credits will depend on the courses taken and the previous institution. Students must get their Sri Lankan university transcripts evaluated by a credentialing agency such as myiee.org or spantran.com, to transfer credits to UofM.

The University of Memphis charges $31,504 for bachelor's students and $31,540 for master's students, but the cost may vary if the student has dependents. International students must demonstrate sufficient finances to pay for their education and living expenses while in the US, which is often referred to as "show money." The amount required may vary depending on the student's circumstances, duration of stay, and cost of living. The US government requires proof of financial support, such as bank statements, scholarship letters, or affidavits of support, to obtain a student visa.

Yes, that’s how payments are usually made.

Not unless you want to. They might ask for the first-semester payment upfront. You can see more information here: www.memphis.edu/usbs/fees/fee.php

They might ask for the first-semester payment upfront.

The University of Memphis has partnered with Flywire to provide international students with an easy and secure method to send international payments in their home currency to the University of Memphis. Flywire allows you to:

• Pay from almost any country and any bank.
• Avoid unexpected bank fees and ensure the best exchange rate with Flywire's Best Price Guarantee.
• Track your payments from start to finish.
• Access dedicated multilingual customer support.

• If you have provided "show money" documentation, you will be expected to have the finances to pay the fees.
• Besides the scholarship, there are other private providers of educational loans such as Prodigy who can help you finance your education.

• International students may work up to 20 hours per week on campus on a student visa.
• If they wish to work more than 20 hours per week, they will need to obtain a work visa.
• The most common work visa for international students is the Optional Practical Training (OPT) visa, which allows students to work for up to 12 months after completing their degree.
• Students who graduate with a degree in a STEM field may be eligible for an additional 24 months of OPT.
• International students should consult with their university's international student office to ensure that they are in compliance with US immigration laws regarding employment.

• Admission Letter: An official letter of acceptance from the University of Memphis.
• Passport: A valid passport that is not set to expire within six months of your intended date of entry into the United States.
• Financial Support Documents: Proof that you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs while studying in the United States. This may include bank statements, scholarship letters, or other financial documents.
• SEVIS I-20 Form: This is a form issued by the University of Memphis that indicates that you have been accepted and that you have sufficient funds to study in the United States. You will need to pay a SEVIS fee before the form can be issued.
• Visa Application: You will need to complete a nonimmigrant visa application (Form DS-160) and pay the application fee. You will also need to schedule an appointment for a visa interview at a US embassy or consulate in your home country.
• English Language Proficiency: You may need to provide proof of your English language proficiency by submitting scores from an approved test, such as the TOEFL or IELTS.

FlowGlobal and Chesalon USA are companies that offer assistance to students with their visa application process, providing guidance on required documents. However, students are responsible for submitting all necessary documentation to the appropriate authorities themselves. The University of Memphis also offers assistance with visa applications.

The duration of the visa process may vary depending on different factors such as paperwork readiness and the workload of the US embassy. However, it is important to submit the application well in advance of the intended start date and have all required documentation in order. On average, the process may take at least two months.

If a student's visa application is rejected after being accepted to the University of Memphis, they won't be able to attend the university, and it's possible to reapply after addressing any issues, but this may cause delays. If the application is rejected, there will be a written explanation for the reason from the embassy. The appeal process can be time-consuming and expensive, and common reasons for visa rejection include incomplete application forms, lack of financial resources, a criminal record, and concerns about returning to their home country or leaving the US after completing their studies.

The visa application fee of $160 is mandatory for all applicants, but there may be additional costs for the visa application process such as transportation to the US embassy and document translation fees.

Usually no. If the spouse has very good qualifications, and a US company is willing to sponsor them, they can apply for an H1-B work visa. If the spouse gets the visa they can work in the US.

Good schools for children are available in Memphis, Tennessee. Public schools will cost very little, while private schools can cost quite a lot.

• The University of Memphis has intakes in the spring (January) and fall (August).
• This allows students to choose the start date that best fits their schedule and academic goals.
• However, some programs may have start dates only in Fall (August), so it's important to check the specific requirements for each program.

• College of Arts and Sciences: The largest college at the University of Memphis, the College of Arts and Sciences offers more than 60 undergraduate majors and minors across various disciplines, including biology, chemistry, communication, economics, English, history, mathematics, philosophy, physics, political science, psychology, and sociology.
• Fogelman College of Business and Economics: The Fogelman College of Business and Economics offers undergraduate and graduate programs in various areas of business, including accounting, finance, international business, management, marketing, and supply chain management.
• College of Education: The College of Education offers undergraduate and graduate programs in education, including early childhood education, elementary education, secondary education, special education, and instructional design and technology.
• Herff College of Engineering: The Herff College of Engineering offers undergraduate and graduate programs in various areas of engineering, including biomedical engineering, civil engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering.
• Loewenberg College of Nursing: The Loewenberg College of Nursing offers undergraduate and graduate programs in nursing, including traditional BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, and DNP programs.
• School of Communication Sciences and Disorders: The School of Communication Sciences and Disorders offers undergraduate and graduate programs in speech-language pathology and audiology.
• Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law: The Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law offers a Juris Doctor (JD) program and various joint degree programs in law and business, law and public health, and law and urban planning.
• School of Public Health: The School of Public Health offers undergraduate and graduate programs in public health, including epidemiology, health promotion, and environmental health.
• University College: University College offers various undergraduate programs in interdisciplinary studies and academic support programs, including tutoring, advising, and career services.

• Biology - cell and molecular biology, ecology and evolution, microbiology and immunology, plant biology, zoology
• Communication - advertising, journalism, media studies, public relations
• Engineering - biomedical engineering, civil engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering
• Psychology - clinical psychology, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, social psychology
• Education - early childhood, elementary, secondary, special education
• Business - accounting, finance, international business, management, marketing, supply chain management
• Nursing - adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner, family nurse practitioner, neonatal nurse practitioner, nursing administration, nursing education
• Public Health - epidemiology, health promotion, health systems and policy, environmental health, biostatistics
• Law - business law, criminal law, environmental law, health law, intellectual property law

University life at the University of Memphis involves a mix of academic coursework, extracurricular activities, and social events. In addition to attending lectures, participating in class discussions, and studying for exams, students can also join clubs and organizations, attend cultural and sporting events, and participate in volunteer and service projects. The university provides a range of support services, including academic advising, tutoring, counseling, and health services. Overall, university life at the University of Memphis is challenging, exciting, and full of personal and academic growth opportunities.

• Yes, the University of Memphis offers online courses for students who prefer to learn remotely.
• The cost of these courses varies depending on the program, but the university provides a breakdown of the tuition and fees on its website.
• Online courses offer flexibility for students who may not be able to attend classes on campus, including international students, and students who live out of state or have work or family commitments.

Yes, it is possible. The process depends on the program. To change courses or majors, the student will need to meet with an academic advisor in the department or college of the new major. The advisor will discuss the options and determine if the student meets the prerequisites for the new major. Students may also need to complete additional coursework or meet specific GPA requirements to be eligible for the new major.

Pros of joining the University of Memphis:

• Affordable tuition: The University of Memphis has lower tuition fees compared to many other universities in the United States, making it an affordable option for students.
• Academic programs: The university offers a wide range of academic programs, including highly ranked programs in business, law, engineering, and health sciences.
• Location: The University of Memphis is located in a vibrant and culturally rich city, providing students with numerous opportunities for entertainment, internships, and networking.
• Campus life: The university offers a lively campus life with a variety of extracurricular activities, clubs, and sports teams, providing students with opportunities to meet new people, develop leadership skills, and pursue their interests.
• Research 1 university
• International scholarships for students with high GPAs
• Their long-standing history dates back to 1912

Cons of joining the University of Memphis:

• Campus safety: The University of Memphis has had some safety concerns in the past, including instances of crime on campus, which can be a concern for some students.
• Limited resources: The university may have limited resources in some areas, including research funding and facilities, which may limit the opportunities available for students to engage in research.
• Campus size: The University of Memphis is large, which may be overwhelming for some students who prefer smaller campuses.
• Weather: Memphis can experience extreme weather conditions, including hot and humid summers, which can be uncomfortable for some students.

The University of Memphis offers a wide variety of clubs and societies to suit the diverse interests of its student body. Here are some examples:

• Academic clubs and honour societies - These include groups such as the National Society of Leadership and Success, the Psychology Club, the Mathematics Club, and the History Club.
• Cultural and diversity clubs - These include organisations such as the Black Student Association, the Hispanic Student Association, the Indian Student Association, and the LGBTQ+ Student Association.
• Sports and recreational clubs - These include groups such as the Ultimate Frisbee Club, the Running Club, the Tennis Club, and the Weightlifting Club.
• Service and volunteer organisations - These include groups such as the Rotaract Club, the Volunteer Odyssey, the Make-A-Wish Club, and the Habitat for Humanity Club.
• Arts and performance clubs - These include organisations such as the Theatre Club, the Music Industry Student Association, the Dance Club, and the Film Club.
• Professional and career-oriented clubs - These include groups such as the Accounting Club, the Marketing Club, the Pre-Law Society, and the Student Nurses Association.

UofM offers a range of extracurricular activities for students, including sports teams, clubs, and organizations. These activities provide students with opportunities to pursue their interests, develop new skills, and meet other students who share similar passions.

UofM has a variety of sports facilities available on campus for students to use, including basketball courts, swimming pools, fitness centers, and fields for outdoor sports. The recreation center, which is located in the heart of campus, features state-of-the-art equipment and hosts a variety of fitness classes and intramural sports leagues throughout the year.

UofM is committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for students of all faiths. The university has several religious facilities on campus, including a mosque, a synagogue, a Catholic student center, and a Baptist student ministry. These facilities provide students with spaces to practice their faith, connect with others, and participate in religious events and activities.

UofM has a refund policy in place for students who cannot attend the university after paying their tuition fees, depending on the reason for not attending. Prospective students should review the refund policy and contact the admission office for more information. The common reasons for refunds include medical or family emergencies, or visa denials.

The US is generally a safe place to live, study, and work, and students should not be overly concerned about safety issues. However, as with any country, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and take necessary precautions.The international student office can help students with transportation from the airport to their accommodation upon arrival in Memphis. Moreover, the University of Memphis provides a shuttle service that operates on and off-campus for students to use to navigate the campus

• Public Transportation: Memphis has a public transportation system called the Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA). MATA offers bus services that connect various parts of the city. International students can use MATA to get to the University of Memphis. MATA has a website where you can find bus schedules, routes, and fares.
• Ride-sharing Services: Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are also available in Memphis. These services offer affordable and convenient transportation options for students who live outside the university.
• Taxis: Taxis are another option for international students. Memphis has several taxi companies that offer 24/7 services. However, taxis can be more expensive than other transportation options.
• Biking: Memphis has a bike-sharing program called Explore Bike Share. This program offers bikes for rent, making it easy for international students to bike to the university if they have access to a bike.
• Car Rentals: If an international student has a driver's license, they can rent a car from one of the many car rental agencies in Memphis. This option can be more expensive than other transportation options, but it offers flexibility and convenience.

Yes, the university will work with you on switching the payment to the next intake.

The University of Memphis offers a range of housing options, including traditional residence halls, apartments, and suites. There are eight residence halls on campus, while upperclassmen and graduate students can opt for apartment-style living in the University Gardens Apartments. The university also provides accessible housing options for students with disabilities or special needs, and all residence halls have amenities such as Wi-Fi, cable TV, and laundry facilities.

The University of Memphis provides both on-campus and off-campus accommodation options for students. Prospective students can find off-campus housing options through various online resources, and UofM also provides information about housing options on its website.

The summary is about accommodation eligibility and options for students at UofM. Students must apply for accommodation when applying to UofM, and accommodation options may vary depending on availability and student preferences. It is crucial to apply for accommodation as soon as possible due to limited space, especially in on-campus housing. On-campus housing may have specific requirements such as submitting a housing application and deposit, agreeing to a housing contract, and meeting eligibility criteria. Off-campus housing options may also have different requirements such as signing a lease and paying a security deposit.

International students can apply for in-house accommodation at the University of Memphis by completing an online housing application and paying the required deposit. The allocation of housing is based on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional documentation such as proof of health insurance and a tuberculosis test may be required for on-campus housing.

You will need to apply for family housing, not dorms for individuals.

Yes, the university will be able to assist with this.

Yes, the minimum requirement for the international merit scholarship is a GPA of 3.25.

Scholarships at the University of Memphis usually cover only tuition fees, not health insurance. International students are required to have health insurance while studying in the US, and the university offers a Student Health Insurance Program (SHIP) that covers medical and mental health services.

US residency or citizenship is generally required to be eligible for government funding, but non-US citizens or permanent residents may still be eligible for some federal and state-funded programs such as the Fulbright Program and the Gilman Scholarship Program. International students should also research potential funding opportunities in their home countries and private scholarships and grants that may be available.

The University of Memphis provides an international student scholarship that is awarded based on academic performance to assist with tuition fees for undergraduate and graduate programs. Eligible students must have a GPA of at least 3.25 and be enrolled full-time. However, the scholarship does not cover living expenses or health insurance.

Loans are typically not available to international students but if available following documents may be needed (depending on the lender’s requirements).

1. Proof of university enrollment
2. Student Identification/passport/visa
3. Proof of Income or financial stability
4. Guarantor's information

UofM provides a mandatory comprehensive health insurance plan for international students which covers various medical expenses, and is administered by United Healthcare. The cost is automatically added to their tuition bill every semester.

Students can choose to opt-out of the University of Memphis' insurance plan if they have their own insurance that meets the university's requirements. Students must provide proof of their insurance coverage and submit an opt-out request by the deadline each semester to have the health insurance charge removed from their tuition bill.

The University of Memphis has a health centre on campus that offers medical care to students by medical professionals such as physicians, nurse practitioners, and nurses. Students can book appointments to see a doctor through the online portal or by phone.

The University of Memphis provides mental health services to help students manage stress and mental health conditions. The Counseling Center offers individual and group therapy, workshops, and other resources to support students' mental health and well-being. Students can make an appointment to see a counselor by calling or using the online portal.

• To enrol in the university-sponsored health insurance plan, international students can visit the United Healthcare Student Resources website and follow the enrollment instructions.
• Students can also contact the university's International Student Services office for assistance with enrollment or health insurance questions.
• Once enrolled in the health insurance plan, students will receive a health insurance card that they can present to healthcare providers when seeking medical care.
• The plan covers both in-network and out-of-network care, but students may be responsible for paying a portion of the cost for out-of-network care.

• The University of Memphis has resources available to assist students who become sick while studying at the university.
• These resources include the University Health Center, which provides medical services to students, as well as resources for mental health and wellness.
• The University Health Center provides a range of services, including primary care, urgent care, and preventative care.
• They can also help you find a specialist if needed.
• In addition to medical services, the University of Memphis has resources available to support students who may need to miss classes due to illness or other reasons.
• These resources include academic advisors, who can help you develop a plan for making up missed work, and the Office of Student Disability Services, which can provide accommodations if your illness or condition requires them.

The university will assist with getting medical insurance for the family members as well.

On-campus jobs: According to government regulations, international students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week. The University of Memphis offers a variety of on-campus job opportunities for students, including positions in the library, dining services, administrative offices, and more.

• International students who have completed their studies at the University of Memphis are automatically eligible for a practical training visa for 1-3 years, allowing them to work in their respective fields of study.
• They may also apply for a work permit (H1-B visa) if a US company is interested in hiring them.

International students at the University of Memphis may work off-campus, but there are limitations as per US immigration law. They can only work off-campus if the job qualifies as an internship, which is based on the program of study and approved by the director of the program.

The availability of white-collar part-time/full-time jobs for international students at the University of Memphis depends on their qualifications and the job market. Although there are many opportunities for on and off-campus work, including internships and co-op programs, finding a job in the field of study may be competitive, and not all students may be able to secure one.

International students in the US are typically allowed to work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and full-time during school breaks.