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International Students

General Admissions Policies and Procedures for International Students

An international student is someone who will be attending college in the United States on an F-1 visa. If that describes you, please read on!

Step 1: Complete and submit an application using your name as it will appear on your passport. If you have a non-immigrant visa, there must be an international address on the application.

Step 2: Non-refundable application fee. Please refer to the print or on-line application for current fee amounts. An additional fee is required if applying for student housing. Credit card or electronic check payment is required for the online application.  An international money order (payable on a US bank) or other paper payment can be made only if the applicant is submitting a paper application.

Step 3: Official records and transcripts of all previous academic work. These must reflect all courses taken. Students must submit an official English translation. An official from the educational institution must certify all copies as true copies. Notarized copies are not acceptable.

Step 4: Demonstrate English proficiency if your native language is not English. This can be done in one of the following ways:

  • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of 523 on the paper-based test, 193 on the computer-based test, or 70 on the internet-based (iBT).
  • Two semesters or three quarters of college-level English composition with a grade of C or better at an accredited college or university in the United States.
  • ACT (English sub-score of 21 is required) or SAT (verbal score of 510 is required) for U.S. Citizens or Permanent Residents.
    Scores must be received from the Educational Testing Service (copies are not acceptable).
  • IELTS (International English Language Testing System) - a minimum score of 6.5
  • Completion of the University of Tennessee English Language Institute's (ELI) core intensive curriculum with recommendation from the ELI faculty.

Step 5: All F-1 and J-1 visa status students must submit financial documentation. Financial documentation must include a completed Financial Support Statement and an official bank statement reflecting a balance of at least $29,513.00 USD that is dated within the last six months. If your government is sponsoring you, you must submit an official letter from the government stating that they will cover all expenses during your academic studies at The University of Tennessee.

Step 6: All international students must declare a specific major.

Step 7: Ensure that all documents are postmarked by the priority filing dates.

Step 8: Apply for an appropriate US visa. Read tips on Student Visas from the US Government.

A Closer Look

» Request Information
Still need more information before you begin the application process? Fill out our online information request form.

» Office of Graduate and International Admissions All undergraduate international students use the same application as domestic undergraduate students. However, the evaluation of your academic credentials and the admission decision for undergraduate international students is conducted by the Office of Graduate and International Admissions.

» The Center for International Education serves as a catalyst at every level for the internationalization of the UT Knoxville community. Once students have been formally admitted by a UTK admissions office, the CIE Office of International Student Services becomes responsible for the orientation and advising of international students. All new international students must report to this office. [Visit the CIE website]

» The English Language Institute helps international students improve their English ability, better understand American culture, and improve TOEFL scores. [Visit the ELI website]

» The International House is a place where all students can meet and learn about every culture represented 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]