Organizer Information
The University of Memphis is a public research university in Memphis, Tennessee, United States. Its College of Communication and Fine Arts and Department of Art and Design offer undergraduate and graduate study in visual arts, art history, graphic design, photography, museum practices, and film and video production. These programs serve students pursuing creative practice, media production, design, art education, and careers in cultural institutions.
Key Information
- Official Institution Name: The University of Memphis
- Opportunity Type: University Programs & Admissions
- Study Levels: Undergraduate and graduate
- Degrees Offered: BA, BFA, MA, MFA, MAT
- Academic Fields: Fine Arts, Film, Photography, Graphic Design, Fashion Design, Art History, Museum Studies, Communication and Media
- Relevant Programs: Visual Arts, Studio Arts, Art Education, Graphic Design, Fashion Design, Museum Practices, Art History, Printmaking/Photography, Film and Video Production
- Language of Instruction: English
- International Applicants: Yes
- Application Period: Fall, spring and summer admission; program-specific restrictions may apply
- Application Deadline: Varies by entry term and program
- Start of Studies: Fall, spring and summer terms, subject to program availability
- Application Fee: $50 undergraduate; $60 international graduate
- Tuition: Varies by study level, residency and credit hours
- Funding: Competitive merit-based scholarships are available to eligible international students.
Field of Study & Eligible Disciplines
The university offers programs across visual arts, art and design, and film and media. Relevant options include:
- Visual arts and studio practice: Visual Arts, Studio Arts, Painting, Ceramics, Sculpture, and Printmaking/Photography.
- Design and fashion: Graphic Design, Fashion Design, and Fashion Merchandising.
- Art history and museums: Art History, Museum Practices, African American–African Diaspora Art Histories, and Egyptian Art and Archaeology.
- Film and media: Film and Video Production, combining filmmaking practice with cinematic studies, production techniques, editing, cinematography, screenwriting, and documentary filmmaking.
The precise academic background and admission requirements depend on the chosen degree and concentration. Applicants should consult the relevant departmental program page before applying.
General Eligibility
- The university accepts international applicants for undergraduate and graduate study. Admission is subject to academic qualifications, English-language proficiency, and the requirements of the selected program.
- International undergraduate freshmen are evaluated competitively using their secondary-school academic records and English proficiency. International transfer applicants must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale for consideration.
- Graduate applicants must meet the Graduate School's requirements and any additional departmental criteria. Admission to one program does not establish eligibility for another.
Educational Background
- Undergraduate programs: Applicants must provide the appropriate secondary-school or previous college/university academic records, depending on their applicant category.
- Transfer admission: Applicants must submit academic records from previously attended institutions; the published minimum GPA for international transfer consideration is 2.0/4.0.
- Graduate programs: Applicants must satisfy the academic prerequisites established by the Graduate School and their intended department.
The required prior degree, accepted academic disciplines, and any additional prerequisites should be verified on the individual program's official admissions page.
Language Requirements
- International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency unless they qualify for an approved exemption. For undergraduate admission, the university lists the following minimum scores:
| Test | Minimum score |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 6.0 |
| TOEFL iBT | 61 before 2026; 4 under the revised scale for tests after 2025 |
| PTE | 50 |
| Duolingo English Test | 95 |
| iTEP | 3.7 |
- The university also lists alternative qualifications, including qualifying SAT, ACT, International Baccalaureate, and Cambridge English results. Exemptions depend on the stated eligibility conditions. Graduate applicants should check the requirements applicable to their department and program.
Application Fee
| Applicant category | Application fee |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate international applicants | $50 |
| Graduate domestic applicants | $35 |
| Graduate international applicants | $60 |
Undergraduate international applicants are required to pay the non-refundable application fee. The published undergraduate fee-waiver program excludes international students.
Undergraduate tuition
| Study load | Per semester | Per academic year |
|---|---|---|
| 12 credits/semester | $10,752 | $21,504 |
| 15 credits/semester | $13,188 | $26,376 |
| 18 credits/semester | $15,624 | $31,248 |
Typical full-time estimate (15 credits per semester): $26,376 per academic year.
Graduate tuition
| Study load | Per semester | Per academic year |
|---|---|---|
| 6 credits/semester | $7,134 | $14,268 |
| 9 credits/semester | $10,701 | $21,402 |
| 12 credits/semester | $14,074 | $28,148 |
| 15 credits/semester | $17,350 | $34,700 |
The published 2026–2027 undergraduate international schedule lists a combined tuition and university service charge of $896 per credit hour. This is not an annual tuition figure. Review the official fee schedule for the applicable enrollment and any additional charges.
Funding & Financial Support
The university offers competitive merit-based scholarships for eligible international students.
- Undergraduate international scholarships: Available to qualifying first-time, degree-seeking international students studying on campus on an F-1 or J-1 visa. Eligibility and award amounts depend on the scholarship criteria.
- Graduate international scholarships: Merit-based awards are available to qualifying newly admitted international graduate students studying on campus. The university lists a Graduate Non-Resident Merit Scholarship of $2,100 per semester for fall and spring, subject to eligibility and applicable terms.
Scholarships are not guaranteed. Applicants should verify current award conditions, deadlines, renewal criteria, and compatibility with other university funding.
University Services & Academic Support
- Film and Video Production students have access to production-oriented learning, faculty mentorship, and opportunities to develop a professional portfolio. The department describes training in filmmaking, digital production, television studio production, cinematography, editing, audio production, screenwriting, and documentary filmmaking.
- The College of Communication and Fine Arts also identifies technology requirements for participating programs, including personal laptops meeting the relevant academic unit's specifications. Equipment access and program-specific resources should be confirmed with the department.
Application Requirements
Requirements differ by degree and department.
Undergraduate international applicants must submit:
- An online undergraduate application.
- The non-refundable application fee.
- Uploaded academic transcripts or mark sheets.
- Evidence of English-language proficiency or an applicable exemption.
Official academic records are required before enrollment. International transfer applicants may also need credential evaluation to receive transfer credit.
M.A. in Communication — Film and Video Production: Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree in Communication or a related field from an accredited institution and have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75/4.0. The program encourages applicants to submit a sample video and/or screenplay as optional materials.
For other graduate programs, applicants must consult their department's admissions requirements for the exact document list and any portfolio, statement, recommendation, interview, or creative-sample requirements.
How to Apply?
Deadline & Timeline
Undergraduate international applicants applying from outside the United States for the first time on an F-1 visa:
- Fall application deadline: 1 July 2027
- Fall file completion deadline: 15 July 2027
- Spring application deadline: 1 November 2026
- Spring file completion deadline: 1 December 2026
- Summer application deadline: 1 April 2027
- Summer file completion deadline: 1 May 2027
M.A. in Communication — Film and Video Production:
- Fall admission deadline for international applicants: 1 May 2027
- Fall admission deadline for other applicants: 1 August 2027
Scholarship consideration:
- Priority scholarship deadline for admitted undergraduate students: 1 December 2026
These are recurring dates published on the university's admissions pages, not independently confirmed dates for every 2027 program. The university advises that deadlines can vary by applicant category and program. Applicants should verify the applicable cycle before applying. Summer admission is not recommended for international applicants who need a visa.
Location
The University of Memphis — Memphis, Tennessee, United States.
Additional Details
- The M.A. in Communication with a concentration in Film and Video Production is offered exclusively in person and admits students for fall entry only.
- The Department of Art and Design offers undergraduate and graduate concentrations, as well as graduate certificates in Graphic Design and Museum Studies. Availability and admission requirements depend on the individual program.
- International students should verify current visa documentation, proof-of-funding requirements, health insurance costs, and any program-specific restrictions before committing to enrollment.
- Tuition and fees are subject to change. The 2026–2027 undergraduate international fee schedule should be used for current planning rather than older cost estimates.