Admission requirements
International Students
We’re thrilled about your interest in studying at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, TN in the USA! We are ready to assist you and cannot wait to review your application.
Why UT?
Founded in 1794, the University of Tennessee is big on tradition, and we are proud of our humble beginnings as the first public university chartered west of the Appalachian Divide. Since then, we’ve made it our mission to embody excellence in teaching, research, scholarship, creative activity, outreach, and engagement. We have a seat for every student who is curious about the world around them and passionate about making an impact.
International
Important Dates
Nov. 1
Early Action Application Submission Deadline
Nov. 15
Early Action Application Completion Deadline
Feb. 1
Regular Decision Application Submission Deadline
Feb. 10
Regular Decision Application Completion Deadline
Decision Release Dates: Early Action: Mid-December* | Regular Decision: Late February.
Fall Confirmation Deadline: May 1
*Students interested in studying Nursing or Architecture at UT should follow early-action deadlines to be reviewed for program admission.
Application Checklist
An international first-year student is any non-US citizen, other than a permanent resident, applying to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville who has or will soon complete their secondary school education.
Any applicant that has attended a college or university must apply as a transfer student.
If you are an international student coming to UT on an exchange program (J-1 visa), your application process is different from the steps below. Please visit the Programs Abroad website for your requirements.
Required
- Go Vols application or the Common Application
- $50 application fee (Fee waivers are not available to international applicants.)
- Official transcript(s)
- Proof of English proficiency
- Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR) if you attend a high school in the United States
Optional
- Recommendation letters (academic, professional, or personal)
- Supporting statement
Additional Application Requirements for Certain Programs
Additional Application Requirements are necessary in order to review your application in you are interested in the following programs:
- College of Architecture and Design
- College of Nursing
- Pre–Pharmacy Direct Admit Program
- School of Music
- Tickle College of Engineering
To view individual requirements, please visit the application requirements page.
Admissions Dates for International Students
Fall Entry
| November 1 | Early Action Application Submission Deadline |
| November 15 | Early Action Application Completion Deadline |
| Mid-December | Early Action Decision Release Date |
| February 1 | Regular Decision Application Submission Deadline |
| February 10 | Regular Decision Application Submission Deadline |
| Late February | Regular Decision Release Date |
| May 1 | Confirmation Deadline |
Spring Entry
| October 15 | Application Submission Deadline |
| November 1 | Enrollment Confirmation Deadline |
Summer Entry
| March 15 | Application Submission Deadline |
| April 1 | Enrollment Confirmation Deadline |
Official Transcript
Request your high school or college to send us official transcripts electronically (PDF) or by mail to:
The University of Tennessee
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
320 Student Services Building
Knoxville, TN 37996-0230
USA
Demonstrate English Proficiency
If you are not a US citizen, permanent resident, or a graduate of a high school, college, or university in the United States, applications must show proof of English proficiency through:
- Providing proof of citizenship of a country from the approved list of official English language nations.
- Providing an official high school, college, or university transcript validating English was the language of instruction.
- Receiving a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of 523 on the paper-based test or 70 on the Internet-based (iBT). UT’s code is 1843.
- Receiving an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) minimum score of 6.5.
- Taking the ACT (English score of 21 is required) or SAT (evidence-based reading and writing score of 540 is required). Scores must be received from the ACT or the Educational Testing Service. Copies are not acceptable. UT’s ACT code is 4026 and SAT code is 1843.
- Completing the ELS 112 intensive program.
- Completing the UT English Language Institute’s (ELI) core intensive curriculum with a recommendation from the ELI faculty.
| Exam | Minimum Score |
|---|---|
| TOEFL, paper-based | 523 |
| TOEFL iBT | 70 |
| IELTS | 6.5 |
| ACT | 21, English |
| ELS | Level 12 |
| IELTS Indicator | 6.5 |
| Duolingo | 100* |
| Person PTE Academic | 53* |
| TOEFL iTP Plus | 523** |
*Use for academic purposes but not placement. ELI 110 placement with English Placement Exam (EPE) option.
**Used for admission and placement. EPE will be required.
Note: The ACT or SAT is required of all US citizens (including dual citizens) and permanent residents.
Conditional Admission Information
Conditional Admission
International students who meet all admission requirements except for the English proficiency requirement may be admitted to UT with conditional admission. This means that you will first enroll in our English Language Institute (ELI), where you will attend English classes designed to help you develop English proficiency and prepare your for UT.
You will begin a degree program when you attain the required score on the institutional TOEFL, which is offered at no additional cost at the end of each ELI session, or when you complete ELI’s highest level and request a letter of recommendation from ELI.
Joining the ESL program at ELI?
ELI and undergraduate admissions have two separate applications and separate payment systems. Below is an outline of the process:
STEP 1: APPLY FOR CONDITIONAL ADMISSION
Submit your application for admission to the undergraduate degree program.
Select that you wish to be considered for conditional admission on the application
Pay the $50 undergraduate application fee
STEP 2: RECEIVE THE ADMISSIONS DECISION
We will review your undergraduate application for admission and determine whether you meet the admissions requirements. If so, you would receive a conditional admission offer and we will refer you to the English Language Institute.
STEP 3: APPLY FOR THE ESL PROGRAM
Complete the ELI application and proceed to the payment system where you should choose the $50 “Conditional Admission Application Fee” option.
Conditional Admission for the Tickle College of Engineering
First-year international applicants to the Tickle College of Engineering who meet admission requirements except for English and math (minimum SAT Math 590, ACT Math 25, or Online Math Placement Exam Level 3) will be offered double conditional admission to UT. Students offered this type of admission will be issued an I-20 form for an F-1 visa or change of status by the UT English Language Institute (ELI). Students must meet English proficiency requirements during enrollment at ELI and must also fulfill the math requirement by taking the Placement Exam of the Department of Mathematics and earning a minimum score of Level 3 before they can begin taking classes in their degree programs.
Student Visas
To study at the University of Tennessee as a non-U.S. citizen, most students will likely require an F-1 Student visa. This visa permits international students to pursue their degree at the University of Tennessee in the United States. To commence your studies, you must complete a series of steps to obtain an F-1 student visa.
Financial Requirements For a Visa
It is very important that you understand the financial requirements for a visa. Part of the process is certifying that there is adequate support for you to pursue your program of study. Cost of attendance can change from year-to-year, and there are serval important things to plan for. We have the current financial requirements listed at Required Funding for Visa Sponsorship.
I’d say Knoxville is the perfect place for you. You’re going to be able to anything you are interested in here.
Makenna Reilly
Nashville, TN
Additional Admissions Requirements
Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR)
All first-year students who attend high school in the United States are required to self-report high school grades and standardized ACT/SAT scores through the Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR) after submitting their application for admission. If you did not attend a high school in the United States, you are not required to complete a SRAR.
Prior Learning Credits
Did you know that you could already have college credit? Good scores on college placement exams are not required for admission to UT—but they can earn you college credit and a head start on your academic career!
International Core GPA
UT calculates a weighted International core GPA based on your grades in the courses listed below. Completion of all sixteen core courses is not required for admission but strongly encouraged.
In the core academic subjects, your GPA will be weighted by UT to reflect honors courses (0.5 quality points added), Advanced Placement (AP), Cambridge AS and A Level, International Baccalaureate (IB), and dual enrollment courses (1.0 quality points added). UT calculates your GPA on a 4-point scale. UT will use unweighted high school course grades as the basis for adding these weightings for the UT core GPA calculation. If you attend a high school that does not weight courses, UT will also not weight them. However, the academic rigor of your curriculum is important and will be valued by our admissions review team.
Core Academic Subjects
4 – English/Native Language
3 – Math (Algebra I or higher)
2 – Natural/Physical Science
1 – Additional (English/native language, math, or natural/physical science)
2 – Social Science
3 – Additional Courses (foreign language, comparative religion/philosophy, or any area listed above)
1 – Visual or performing arts
International Admissions FAQs
We understand applying for admission can be confusing—but it doesn’t have to be! We’ve compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions to help you along the way.
How do I know if I am an international student?
You are an international student if you meet one of the following:
- You will require an F-1 visa to enter and study in the United States.
- You are not a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident status ( “green card”)
- If you are in the process of obtaining your US permanent residency you will be classified as an international student until you submit proof of your permanent residency.
How much does it cost international students to attend UT?
We’ve provided a breakdown of cost for international students on our Undergraduate Budget Breakdown page.
How do international students apply? Is there a separate application?
No, there is not a separate application for international applicants. All first-year applicants can apply using the Common Application or register for a Go Vols account—your choice!
Ready to Apply?
We can’t wait to review your application for admission! Create a Go Vols account to start your application, or choose the University of Tennessee, Knoxville on your Common Application!
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Your admissions counselor will be with you every step of the way on your journey to Rocky Top! They’ll be more than happy to answer any questions you have and help you through the application process.
Application Status
After you submit your application, check your status by logging into your Go Vols Portal. Check your portal often to review your missing items checklist and upload required documents we need in order to make an admissions decision.
You will receive an email instructing you to check your Go Vols Portal once we’ve made an admissions decision!
Questions? Here to Help!
