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Applying to UT » Types of Applicants » International Students


International Students

Thank you for your interest in The University of Tennessee, Knoxville.  Each year we enroll undergraduate and graduate students who are citizens of more than 100 countries.  We provide them with a high quality academic experience and campus offices to assist them in achieving success as a student on our campus. In addition, students find the city of Knoxville a safe, pleasant, and comfortable community—where they can live in a friendly environment while obtaining their educational goals.

The University of Tennessee’s “Ready for the World” initiative is our commitment to provide programs that contribute to each person’s understanding and appreciation of the rich cultural and intellectual traditions of peoples of all nations.

General Admissions Policies and Procedures for International Students

An international student is someone who will be attending college in the United States on on a visa (including F-1, J-1, H-4). 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 will need a non-immigrant (F-1) visa to enter the U.S., you must include 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: Applicants are required to submit official copies of their academic transcripts to an evaluation agency that is a member of NACES (National Association of Credential Evaluation Services), or from AACRAO (American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers).  The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, will be able to process an application only after receiving the necessary report from the evaluation company.

Entering First Year Students:  An evaluation of the secondary degree earned, with a statement of equivalency to study in the United States, is required.  A calculated Grade Point Average (GPA) is preferred.

Companies offering these evaluation services and their appropriate evaluations include:

Note: Students applying for admission to the UT College of Engineering must also submit an official SAT score to The University of Tennessee, Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

Transfer Students:  A “detailed” or “course-by-course” evaluation” including a calculated college Grade Point Average (GPA) is required for all college work completed in a country other than the United States.  Applicants who have completed fewer than 30 transferable college credit hours will also be required to also submit an evaluation listed above for entering freshman students that interprets all secondary or high school work.  Applicants who have completed 30 or more transferable credit hours must have an official transcript and English translation sent to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and to the evaluation agency.

Companies offering “detailed” or “course-by-course evaluations for completed college level work include those listed above.

Readmission Students:  A student who has previously been enrolled at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and has subsequently left campus and enrolled in college coursework at a college or university in a country other than the United States must submit a “detailed” or “course-by-course” evaluation” through one of the organizations previously mentioned on this page in order to receive credit toward graduation at UT Knoxville.

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

Note: Prospective undergraduate students who meet all admission requirements except for English proficiency requirements will receive a CONDITIONAL ADMISSION to the University. Students who receive a conditional admission will be issued Form I-20 for an F-1 visa or change of status. Students who receive a CONDITIONAL ADMISSION must meet English proficiency requirements before being admitted to a degree program, and before being allowed to enroll in non-ESL courses. Conditionally admitted students who wish to enter the U.S. using UT’s I-20 must attend the University of Tennessee’s English Language Institute.

STEP 5: All F-1 and J-1 visa status students must submit financial documentation. After an offer of admission is made, the Center for International Education (CIE) will provide information concerning the submission of Financial documentation, including a completed Financial Support StatementAdobe pdf icon and an official bank statement reflecting a balance of at least $30,645.00 USD. 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: A copy of the photo page of the applicant’s passport must be sent with the applicant’s financial documentation, if it was not submitted with the application for admission.

STEP 7: Ensure that all documents are postmarked by the deadline dates indicated below:

Entering Term Spring 2010  Summer 2010 Fall 2010
Application submitted August 1, 2009 January 1, 2010 March 1, 2010
All documents received October 1, 2009 February 15, 2010 May 15, 2010


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

A Closer Look

» UT welcomes the world to our campus!
In 2009, 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.

» Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
For a list of frequently asked questions about the international application process, please visit our International Application FAQ.

» Request Information
If you wish to receive more information before you apply, please complete our online information request form.

» Office of Graduate and International Admissions If you wish to pursue graduate study at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, please visit the web site of the Office of Graduate and International Admissions.

» The Center for International Education 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 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 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]