University of Mississippi Scholarships: Undergraduate, Master’s & PhD Funding
The University of Mississippi, also known as Ole Miss, is a public research university in Oxford, Mississippi, USA. It welcomes international students from around the world and offers several scholarship and funding opportunities for students pursuing undergraduate, master’s and PhD degrees.
For international students, Ole Miss offers merit-based undergraduate scholarships as well as graduate assistantships that can provide stipends and substantial tuition support.
The university currently offers international undergraduate scholarships worth up to $20,160 per year for highly qualified students. Graduate students can also receive assistantships that combine stipends with tuition scholarships.
This guide explains the major University of Mississippi scholarships, eligibility requirements and how international students can apply.
University of Mississippi Scholarship Details
Ole Miss offers a variety of financial aid options, including merit scholarships, fellowships, grants and assistantships.
For international students, the university specifically provides merit-based scholarships and graduate assistantships with partial or full tuition support.
The amount of funding depends on the student’s academic qualifications, degree program and type of award.
1. Undergraduate Scholarships for International Students
International freshmen can qualify for the University of Mississippi’s International Student Scholarships.
For the 2026–27 academic year, the scholarship scale is based primarily on high school GPA and standardized test scores where provided.
Students with a GPA of 3.75–4.0 and SAT scores of 1420 or higher or ACT scores of 32 or higher can receive up to $20,160 per year.
Other awards range from approximately $3,000 to $18,000 per year, depending on academic performance and test scores.
This can significantly reduce the cost of earning a four-year undergraduate degree in the United States.
One important advantage is that eligible international students can be considered for these scholarships through the university’s undergraduate admission process.
2. Competitive Undergraduate Scholarships
In addition to automatic international scholarships, Ole Miss has competitive scholarships and academic programs for high-achieving students.
International students can explore additional opportunities through the university’s scholarship and competitive academic program applications.
The university’s international student office notes that the Freshman Scholarship Application and Competitive Academic Programs Application had a January 10, 2026 deadline for the relevant cycle. Students applying for a future academic year should check the current deadline before submitting their application.
3. Master’s Scholarships and Assistantships
International students pursuing a master’s degree at Ole Miss can explore graduate assistantships, fellowships and other funding opportunities.
Graduate assistantships are particularly attractive because they can provide both a stipend and tuition support.
Assistantships may involve teaching, research, laboratory work or other university responsibilities.
For 2026–27, a quarter-time graduate assistantship includes a minimum $7,500 academic-year stipend and a 75% tuition scholarship, while a half-time assistantship includes a minimum $15,000 stipend and a 100% regular graduate tuition scholarship. Both levels also receive a full nonresident fee scholarship during regular fall and spring terms.
The actual stipend can vary by department, degree level, responsibilities and appointment.
4. PhD Scholarships and Funding
PhD students at the University of Mississippi can access some of the university’s strongest graduate funding opportunities.
Doctoral students may receive graduate assistantships, fellowships, research funding and department-specific awards.
Some programs have established minimum assistantship stipends that are higher than the university-wide minimum.
For example, the 2026–27 minimum academic-year stipend is $26,000 for PhD Biology, $20,000 for PhD Computer Science, $30,000 for PhD Economics, $21,000 for PhD History, and $22,000 for PhD Physics.
These figures are program-specific minimums and do not mean that every student in those programs automatically receives an assistantship.
Who Is Eligible?
International students applying for graduate programs must apply directly to the University of Mississippi Graduate School and the relevant academic department.
Application deadlines vary by program.
Graduate assistantships are available by department and can be limited, so prospective students should investigate funding opportunities early and contact their intended department.
For undergraduate scholarships, academic performance is particularly important. Factors such as GPA and standardized test scores can influence the scholarship amount.
How to Apply for University of Mississippi Scholarships
Step 1: Apply for Admission
Start by applying to the University of Mississippi for your chosen undergraduate or graduate program.
Undergraduate applicants should complete the international admission process, while master’s and PhD applicants apply through the Graduate School and their academic department.
Step 2: Apply for Scholarships and Funding
Undergraduate students should complete any required scholarship applications and competitive program applications.
Graduate students should contact their academic department about available assistantships, fellowships and other funding opportunities.
Step 3: Submit Your Academic Documents
Provide your transcripts, test scores where applicable, English-language credentials and other required documents.
A strong academic record can improve your chances of receiving competitive funding.
Step 4: Watch for Your Award
Once your admission and scholarship applications have been reviewed, the university will communicate your scholarship or funding offer.
Graduate assistantships are generally awarded by departments and may require teaching, research or other university work.
Can International Students Get Full Funding?
Yes, but full funding is not guaranteed.
International undergraduate students can receive substantial merit scholarships, with the highest published international award reaching $20,160 per year for qualifying students in the 2026–27 scholarship scale.
For graduate students, a half-time assistantship can provide full regular graduate tuition coverage plus a stipend and a nonresident fee scholarship during regular terms.
PhD students in certain programs may also receive higher minimum stipends.
Final Thoughts
The University of Mississippi provides several funding opportunities for international students at different levels of study.
For undergraduate students, international merit scholarships can provide up to $20,160 per year. Master’s students can explore graduate assistantships and fellowships, while PhD students may have access to assistantships with stipends and substantial tuition support.
The best strategy is to apply early, maintain a strong academic profile and contact your intended department about graduate funding opportunities.
If you are looking for an affordable U.S. university with scholarships and graduate funding options, Ole Miss is worth considering.
For the latest requirements, deadlines and scholarship information, visit the official University of Mississippi admissions and financial aid websites.
