Ibrahim Gardner
International students at USC make up more than a quarter of the student population, with students from over 130 countries. USC defines an international student as someone who has entered or will enter the US with an F1 visa. Students who are already in the US or plan to enter on non-immigrant visas such as the E2, H2, or L2 are also considered international students. International students at USC are expected to demonstrate English-language proficiency and must provide proof of the ability to pay tuition and living expenses. However, permanent residents, those married to a US citizen, and those who have been in the US long enough to file federal income tax returns as a resident may be eligible for education tax credits with the US Internal Revenue Service.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition of an international student | An individual who will enter or has already entered the United States with an F1 visa. Students on non-immigrant visas such as E2, H2, or L2 are also considered international students. |
| Application process | International applicants follow the same application steps as other first-year or transfer applicants. |
| Application fee | $90 for graduate programs, except for the Marshall School of Business ($155) and the International Academy's Pre-Master's program ($175). |
| Fee waivers | Available upon request after starting the online application. Requires documentation to verify eligibility. |
| Application requirements | Transcripts, test scores (GRE/GMAT), résumé/CV, recommendation letters, statement of intent, writing samples, creative portfolio, etc. |
| English language proficiency | Required for graduate programs. A rating of 6.0 in IETS or 60 for TOEFL is considered proficient. |
| Financial requirements | Proof of financial support or bank statements demonstrating the ability to pay tuition and living expenses. |
| Scholarships | Merit-based scholarships are available for international students but do not cover the full cost of attendance. |
| Work opportunities | Limited job opportunities due to U.S. government regulations. |
| Tax credits | Most international students are ineligible for education tax credits, except for permanent residents, those married to a U.S. citizen, or those claimed as a dependent by a U.S. citizen. |
| Visa requirements | Student Visa Conversion or Extension, Special Student Permit (SSP). |
| Additional requirements | Police Clearance (No Criminal Record), Certificate of Good Moral Character, passport with at least two-year validity, birth certificate, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
International student definition
Definitions of "foreign student" and "international student" vary from country to country. In the United States, an international student is defined as an individual who will enter or has already entered the country with a non-immigrant visa that allows for academic study at the post-secondary level. Most international students in the US hold an F1 Visa, while others may have E2, H2, or L2 visas.
Citizenship, or lack thereof, is commonly used as a defining characteristic of an internationally mobile student, especially for data from European Union and OECD countries. However, the UIS considers this an inadequate definition and adds a second criterion, prior education or permanent residence, to qualify citizenship. In countries where naturalization is less common, as in many European countries, the foreign student count (based on citizenship) would likely be much higher than the international student count because many permanent residents without citizenship would be counted as foreign students, even if they have lived in the country for most or all of their lives. In countries such as the United States and Canada, where naturalization is more common, the foreign student count would likely be closer to the international student count.
In Australia, an international student is not an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, New Zealand citizen, or a holder of an Australian permanent resident humanitarian visa. Meanwhile, in Japan, an international student is a student from a foreign economy receiving an education at any Japanese university or graduate school and residing in Japan with a 'college student' visa status.
The comparison of international enrollment statistics is problematic as national agencies collect data in different ways and according to different definitions. This makes statistical comparisons difficult and often inaccurate or misleading. In recognition of this, the two biggest compilers and aggregators of cross-border student mobility data have attempted to standardize terms and definitions related to the collection of academic mobility statistics since 2006. Specifically, they have drawn a distinction between an international student and a foreign student to encourage national agencies to standardize their data collection methods.
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Application process
International students make up more than a quarter of USC's student population, with students from over 130 countries. USC defines an international student as an individual who will enter or has already entered the United States with an F1 visa. Students who are already in the U.S. or who plan to enter the U.S. on non-immigrant visas such as the E2, H2 or L2 are also considered international students.
The application process for international students at USC involves several steps and requirements, including demonstrating English language proficiency, submitting transcripts and test scores, providing financial documentation, and completing visa procedures. Here is a detailed breakdown of the application process:
- English Language Proficiency: International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency as part of their application. This can be done through various tests, such as TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic, or the Cambridge English C1 Advanced Exam. Exemptions are granted for applicants who hold a degree from USC or a bachelor's degree completed entirely in the United States or a qualifying Anglophone country.
- Transcripts and Test Scores: Official transcripts with university seals or security features must be sent to USC. Additionally, applicants may need to submit test scores, such as the GRE or GMAT, depending on their chosen program.
- Supplemental Materials: Most graduate programs require supplemental materials for admission review, including statements of intent, recommendations, writing samples, and creative portfolios.
- Financial Documentation: International applicants must provide financial documentation demonstrating their ability to finance USC's full cost of attendance. This can include bank statements, tax documents, employment records, or proof of sponsorship.
- Visa Procedures: Once accepted and enrolled, international students must comply with visa requirements. This typically involves converting their visa status from a tourist visa to a student visa or obtaining a student visa extension.
- Additional Requirements: International students may also need to provide a police clearance certificate, a certificate of good moral character from their previous school, and proof of health insurance.
It is important to note that application deadlines and specific requirements may vary by program, so prospective students should carefully review the instructions for their intended program and plan their application process accordingly.
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Scholarships and funding
International students at USC are not eligible to receive federal or USC need-based financial aid. However, they may be awarded merit scholarships and/or other departmental awards. Additionally, international students may apply for some private loans with a qualified co-signer who is a U.S. citizen.
Some departments disburse their scholarships directly to recipients in the form of monthly stipends. On the other hand, on-campus work is an option for international students, though off-campus work authorization is very limited and requires permission from the Office of International Services.
International students at USC should not rely solely on scholarships to demonstrate their ability to pay, as the scholarship selection process is highly competitive. No USC Merit Scholarship covers the full USC cost of attendance.
For graduate international students, funding their studies through graduate assistantships is an option. These are part-time, paid work experiences (10-20 hours per week) within the department.
At the University of South Carolina, some departments offer competitive scholarships for international students. Graduate assistantships are also available for graduate international students, which may provide a salary, tuition supplements, and resident (in-state) tuition.
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Visa requirements
International students at USC are required to comply with visa requirements. An international student at USC is defined as an individual who has entered or will enter the United States with an F1 visa. Students who are already in the U.S. or plan to enter on non-immigrant visas such as the E2, H2, or L2 are also considered international students.
International students must provide proof of their ability to pay tuition and living expenses before USC can issue a formal offer letter. This includes a Financial Statement of Personal or Family Support, proof of sufficient funds, and a copy of their current passport. International students are not eligible to pay for their educational expenses by working while in the United States, as employment authorization is strictly limited by the U.S. government.
International applicants to graduate programs at USC must demonstrate English language proficiency and may be required to submit GRE or GMAT scores, transcripts, recommendation letters, and a résumé or curriculum vitae. Additionally, international students from countries that are members of The Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH) must submit authenticated documents through an Apostille issued by the Secretary of State of their country of origin.
Some international students may be eligible to claim education tax credits with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, including permanent residents, those married to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, those who may be claimed as a dependent by a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and those who have been in the U.S. long enough to file federal income tax returns as a resident.
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Tax implications
International students at USC on F-1 and J-1 visas are typically exempt from paying FICA taxes for their first five years in the U.S. However, J-2 visa holders with work authorization are not exempt from these taxes. FICA taxes are a form of taxation on income earned to fund federal programs that provide benefits for U.S. citizens and permanent residents when they retire, are disabled, or are the children of deceased workers.
International students at USC who are on fellowship stipends may have their stipends treated as taxable income by the IRS. The university may be obligated to withhold income taxes. The amount of tax withholding depends on the student's individual circumstances, including the total stipend and the status of the tax treaty of their home tax residence country. Tuition remission provided to an international student on fellowship is not taxable.
Students who are employed as TAs, RAs, or ALs receive their stipends through University Payroll Services, and these stipends are treated as taxable income by the IRS. The university may be obligated to report the income and withhold income taxes. The amount of tax withholding depends on the student's individual circumstances, including the total stipend, the instructions provided by the student on Form W-4, and the status of the tax treaty of their home tax residence country and Form 8233.
All Non-Resident Aliens (NRA) in F or J visa status and their dependents must file Federal Form 8843 and Statement of Non-Residence every tax season, even if no income was earned.
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Frequently asked questions
The application fee is $90 for all graduate programs, except for the Marshall School of Business ($155) and the International Academy’s Pre-Master’s program ($175).
International students applying to graduate programs at USC are expected to demonstrate adequate English-language proficiency and provide transcripts, test scores, and supplemental materials such as a statement of intent, recommendations, writing samples, etc.
No, permanent residents are not considered international students at USC.
International students applying to USC must provide proof of the ability to pay tuition and living expenses, such as a Financial Statement of Personal or Family Support, proof of sufficient funds, and a copy of their current passport.
International students at USC must comply with the Bureau of Immigration requirements, including Student Visa Conversion and Student Visa Extension or Special Student Permit.
