International Application FAQ
Questions
- Does UT offer “conditional admission” to applicants who have not achieved English proficiency?
- What resources does UT have to assist students in achieving English language proficiency?
- Does UT have scholarships for international students?
- Does UT require the SAT I and SAT II exams for international students?
- What TOEFL score does UT require?
- Does UT offer housing for international students?
- How much does it cost to attend UT?
- How is UT ranked among U.S. universities?
- Are there students from my country currently enrolled at UT?
Answers
Does UT offer “conditional admission” to applicants who have not achieved English proficiency?
When an application for undergraduate admission is received along with the official evaluation of the student’s academic records, an admission decision will be made based upon that information and the student’s demonstration of English language proficiency. If the student has a very good academic record, but has not yet demonstrated English language proficiency, an offer of “conditional admission” may be made. Such an offer will require achievement of English language proficiency before the student can be fully admitted and register for classes.
What resources does UT have to assist students in achieving English language proficiency?
The English Language Institute (ELI) at UT provides full-time, intensive English language instruction to students who wish to achieve necessary scores on the TOEFL or other language proficiency examinations. A prospective UT student may enroll in the ELI program prior to admission at UT. More information about ELI and its programs can be found on the ELI website.
Does UT have scholarships for international students?
UT offers a wide range of scholarships to students each year. Although many of these are offered only to U.S. citizens who are legal residents of Tennessee, some of UT’s scholarships may be awarded on a competitive basis to international students. Please note the following:
- Competitive scholarships are awarded only to students enrolling in the fall academic term.
- Competitive scholarships require the completion of both the application for admission and the Entering Freshman Academic Scholarship Application or the Continuing and Transfer Scholarship Application.
- The application deadline for freshman (first year) scholarships and admission is November 1 prior to the fall term of intended enrollment.
- The application deadline for transfer student scholarships and admission is April 1 prior to the fall term of intended enrollment.
- Freshman (first year) scholarship applicants must submit an official SAT I score or ACT score as part of their scholarship application.
Does UT require the SAT I and SAT II exams for international students?
UT does not require the SAT I exam for admission consideration and does not use the SAT II exam for admission or placement. However, an international applicant who is applying for competitive scholarship must have an official SAT I or ACT test score sent to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. An applicant who has scored at least 510 on the Critical Reading part of the SAT I, or 21 on the English section of the ACT is considerd to have fulfilled the English Language proficiency for admission, based upon an official report of that score.
What TOEFL score does UT require?
For undergraduate students, UT requires a score of 523 on the paper-based test, 193 on the computer-based test, or 70 on the internet-based (iBT). See step 4 above for a complete list of ways in which an applicant can demonstrate English language proficiency.
Does UT offer housing for international students?
UT offers many different housing options for students, and international students live in the same residence halls as U.S. residents. For more information about applying for housing on campus, visit the University Housing website.
How much does it cost to attend UT?
The cost of attending UT is the same for international students as it is for U.S. citizens who are not residents of the State of Tennessee. The most recent list of tuition and fees is located at the website of the Bursar, under the link at upper left for Charges and Fees.
How is UT ranked among U.S. universities?
UT is recognized by the Carnegie Foundation as a level I, very high activity public research university. Other independent agencies, including Kiplinger.com and Princeton Review, have recognized UT Knoxville in 2010 as one of the top universities in the U.S. and a top value in higher education.
Are there students from my country currently enrolled at UT?
UT enrolls undergraduate and graduate students each year from almost 100 countries, and the largest numbers of international students enrolled on campus are from China, India, South Korea, Canada, Germany, United Kingdom, Japan, Brazil, Thailand, and Turkey
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» UT welcomes the world to our campus!
In 2010, UT welcomed undergraduate students enrolling from the Bahamas, Canada, China, Denmark, Hungary, India, Japan, Korea, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, and the United Kingdom.
» Office of Graduate Admissions
If you wish to pursue graduate study at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, please visit the web site of the Office of Graduate Admissions.
» The Center for International Education (CIE) at UT
The CIE provides important resources and information for international students and visiting scholars. After an international applicant has been formally admitted, the CIE Office of International Student Services assists international students with orientation and advising. All new international students must report to this office. The CIE issues the I-20 form required for international citizens to receive visas.
[Visit the CIE website]
» The English Language Institute (ELI) at UT
The ELI offers full-time, intensive English instruction to students and professionals who want to improve their English proficiency. ELI helps international students improve their English language skills, better understand American culture, and improve their TOEFL scores.
[Visit the ELI website]
» The International House (I-House)
The I-House is a place where all students can meet and learn about cultures and nationalities represented by students and faculty at UT. One of its primary purposes is to serve the unique needs of international students and provide a "home away from home" environment.
[Visit the I-House website]