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UNITED STATES · JACKSON

University of Mississippi Medical Center

public · Founded 1955 · Languages: en

In short

The University of Mississippi Medical Center is Mississippi's only academic health science center, offering a wide array of health-related programs. It provides integrated education, patient care, and research opportunities within its Jackson, Mississippi campus, serving as a hub for medical innovation and training.

Key facts

Type: Public
Founded: 1955
Students: 3,000
International students: 120
Acceptance rate: 40%
Tuition (intl): €9–35k/yr
Languages: EN
Location: Jackson, United States

The University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) is the state's only academic health science center, dedicated to providing exceptional healthcare, advancing medical research, and educating the next generation of health professionals. Located in Jackson, Mississippi, UMMC serves a critical role in the region's healthcare landscape. The institution is committed to discovery and innovation, with a strong focus on multidisciplinary research aimed at improving health outcomes. UMMC offers a comprehensive range of health-related academic programs, preparing students for careers in medicine, nursing, dentistry, health-related professions, and graduate studies in the health sciences. As a major medical complex, it integrates education, patient care, and research within a single institution, offering students a unique learning environment with real-world clinical exposure and research opportunities. Beyond its core academic and clinical missions, UMMC actively engages in outreach programs to address health disparities and improve the well-being of communities across Mississippi. The institution is continually evolving, with ongoing strategic plans to enhance facilities, expand services, and foster cutting-edge research to meet future healthcare needs.

Why study here

Access to a comprehensive academic health science center with integrated patient care and research facilities.
Opportunities to engage in multidisciplinary research aimed at health improvements.
Benefit from a wide array of health-related academic programs within a supportive educational environment.
Train at Mississippi's only Level I trauma center, children's hospital, and organ transplant program for unmatched clinical exposure.
Study in Jackson, a state capital with a low cost of living and strong community ties.

Student life

Student life at the University of Mississippi Medical Center includes various resources and services designed to support students. These include international student services, learning resources, professional development opportunities, and access to student counseling and wellness centers. The campus also provides shuttle services and hosts academic events such as Research Day and recognition ceremonies. Students can engage with the Associated Student Body and Graduate Student Body to participate in campus activities and governance.

Fees

InternationalAs a public health sciences center, UMMC charges program-specific tuition that varies widely by school (medicine, dentistry, nursing, pharmacy, health-related professions, and graduate studies). International and out-of-state students pay non-resident rates; budget roughly $9,000-$35,000 per year depending on the program.

HomeMississippi residents pay substantially lower in-state tuition. Graduate and professional rates differ by school; consult the specific program for current figures.

LivingJackson has a relatively low cost of living compared with major US metro areas. Students should budget approximately $12,000-$16,000 per year for housing, food, transport, and personal expenses.

All figures are in US dollars and are indicative. Health professional programs carry additional clinical, equipment, and insurance costs. Verify current tuition with the relevant UMMC school.

Admissions

Prior academic recordA strong undergraduate (or relevant prior) academic record with completion of program prerequisites is required; competitive GPAs vary by school.

Standardized / professional testsProfession-specific entrance exams are required where applicable (e.g., MCAT for medicine, DAT for dentistry, PCAT/holistic review for pharmacy, GRE for select graduate programs).

Clinical / supporting experienceRelevant healthcare, research, or shadowing experience and letters of recommendation are evaluated as part of holistic admission.

TOEFL iBT80 (typical minimum; programs may require higher)

IELTS6.5 overall

Rankings

U.S. News & World Report (Best Hospitals)Recognized regionally as Mississippi's leading academic medical center

NIH Research FundingLargest recipient of biomedical research funding in Mississippi

University scholarships

UMMC Institutional ScholarshipsVaries by program

Mississippi Rural Physicians Scholarship ProgramUp to full tuition plus stipend

Graduate Research AssistantshipsStipend plus tuition support

Accreditation

Institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Individual programs hold professional accreditation including LCME (medicine), CODA (dentistry), ACPE (pharmacy), and CCNE (nursing).

For international students

United States

Student visa & funds

International students primarily enter on the F-1 visa, which requires enrolment at a SEVP-certified institution. Before the visa interview the school issues a Form I-20 — a certificate of eligibility — for which a Designated School Official must verify documented funds covering tuition, living expenses and travel for the first year, plus a reliable source for subsequent years. The financial evidence must be specific and from an identified source.

Working while you study

F-1 students may work on campus up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session and full-time during official breaks, with no separate authorization needed. Off-campus work is generally not permitted in the first academic year. After one academic year in good standing, students may use Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for paid work that is an integral part of the curriculum, authorized by the school; other off-campus work requires an approved Employment Authorization Document from USCIS.

After you graduate

After completing a degree, F-1 students may apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) — up to 12 months of work authorization in a related field — by filing Form I-765 and receiving an EAD before starting work. Graduates of a degree on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List may apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, for up to 36 months total. The extension requires an E-Verify employer and a qualifying STEM degree earned within the previous ten years.

English tests

IELTSUG 6.0–6.5; PG 6.5–7.0; top-tier programs 7.0–7.5
TOEFL iBTUG 80–100; PG 90–110; selective research universities 100+
PTE AcademicUG 50–60; PG 55–70; highly selective programs 65+

Main intakes

AugustJanuary

Typical living cost

€1,420/month

Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.

SourcesStudy in the States — Students and the Form I-20 · Study in the States — Financial ability · USCIS — Students and employment · USCIS — Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 students · USCIS — STEM OPT extension · LeapScholar — Minimum IELTS scores for USA universities · Mastersportal — Student living costs in the USA (2025–2026)

Scholarships

for United States

Browse all scholarships →

full funding

Duke University

Karsh International Scholarship Program

Open to international (non-U.S. citizen, non-permanent-resident) high school students applying for first-year undergraduate admission to Duke University. Candidates must demonstrate financial need through Duke's need-based aid process, show interdisciplinary academic curiosity, and have a record of community engagement. There is no separate scholarship form; international applicants who indicate they are applying for financial aid are automatically considered for the Karsh award.

University of Miami (with the Stamps Family Charitable Foundation)

University of Miami Stamps Scholarship

Open to high school seniors, both domestic (U.S.) and international, applying for first-year undergraduate admission to the University of Miami through Early Decision I or Early Action. Applicants are automatically considered with no separate scholarship form; they must submit all first-year admission requirements and demonstrate strong academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement. Semi-finalists complete a Zoom interview.

QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship

Open to high-achieving US high school seniors from low-income backgrounds who are US citizens, permanent residents, or students studying in the US regardless of citizenship. Competitive applicants typically earn mostly A's in challenging courses, rank in the top 5-10% of their class, and have strong standardised test results (SAT/PSAT above 1310 or ACT above 28), though each application is read in context. Applicants must demonstrate strong writing, intellectual curiosity and determination through essays and recommendations. Matched students must attend a partner college as a binding-early-decision commitment.

Argonne National Laboratory

Maria Goeppert Mayer Fellowship at Argonne National Laboratory

Open to early-career scientists and engineers of all nationalities who hold a PhD awarded within the last three years at the time of application, or who will complete the PhD before the fellowship start date. Research interests must align with Argonne's mission areas. U.S. citizenship is required for national-security-related projects (Detection of Imaging Signatures).

Boustany Foundation / Harvard Business School

Boustany MBA Harvard Scholarship

Open to candidates of any nationality (priority to those of Lebanese descent) who have received an offer of admission to the Harvard MBA programme and have a strong academic background.

Knight-Hennessy Scholars

Open to citizens of any country who earned their first/bachelor's degree within the last ~7 years (or will by the Stanford start) and who apply for and gain admission to a full-time Stanford graduate program. Selection seeks independence of thought, purposeful leadership, and a civic mindset.

Frequently asked questions

What academic programs are offered at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC)?

UMMC offers a comprehensive range of health-related academic programs across seven schools: Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, Pharmacy, Health Related Professions, Population Health, and Graduate Studies. These programs prepare students for diverse careers in the health sciences.

What is the tuition like for international students at UMMC?

As a public health sciences center, UMMC charges program-specific tuition. International students pay non-resident rates, which can range roughly from $9,000 to $35,000 per year depending on the specific program. Additional costs for clinicals, equipment, and insurance may apply.

What are the English proficiency requirements for international applicants?

International applicants typically need a TOEFL iBT score of 80 or an IELTS overall score of 6.5. Some programs may require higher scores, so it's essential to verify the specific requirements with the school you are applying to.

What kind of clinical experience can students expect at UMMC?

Students benefit from a unique learning environment with real-world clinical exposure, as UMMC is Mississippi's only Level I trauma center, children's hospital, and organ transplant program. This provides unmatched training opportunities within an integrated academic health science center.

What support is available for international students?

UMMC provides various resources for students, including dedicated international student services. Other support includes learning resources, professional development opportunities, and access to counseling and wellness centers.

Last updated 3 July 2026