Janice Lozano
The University of Southern California (USC) is a popular choice for international students, with citizens of over 130 countries making up more than 26% of the student body. USC welcomes international students and offers a holistic application process that considers more than just academic scores. However, international students must meet certain requirements, including demonstrating English language proficiency and providing proof of financial support for their tuition and living expenses. International applicants should also be aware that USC does not offer need-based financial aid, but they may be eligible for merit-based scholarships. Overall, USC provides a competitive and diverse environment for international students seeking a quality education in the United States.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition of an international student | Any student who will be in the United States on a student visa, including a non-immigrant visa |
| International student population | Citizens of more than 130 countries comprise more than 26% of the university's student body |
| Countries with the most representation | China, India, Canada, the United Kingdom, South Korea, Singapore, and Hong Kong |
| Admission requirements | Submission of a USC-approved English proficiency examination, valid address outside the US, and financial documentation |
| Visa requirements | F-1 or J-1 visas |
| Financial aid | USC does not offer need-based financial aid to international applicants, but they may be considered for merit scholarships |
| Enrollment process | Submission of the Intent to Enroll form, payment of a non-refundable commitment deposit, and completion of health requirements |
| Tuition and fee payment | First-semester charges must be paid by 5:00 p.m. Pacific time on the Friday before the start of classes |
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What You'll Learn
- International students make up over 25% of USC's student population
- English-language proficiency is required for international applicants
- International applicants must provide financial documentation affirming their ability to pay
- International students are not eligible for need-based financial aid
- International students must obtain a student visa
International students make up over 25% of USC's student population
The University of Southern California (USC) is a popular choice for international students, with a significant number of its students coming from outside the US. In fact, international students make up over 25% of USC's student population, with citizens of more than 130 countries represented. This diversity contributes to a vibrant global community on campus.
USC defines an "international student" as any student who will be in the United States on a student visa, including a non-immigrant visa. Students with DACA or undocumented status are not considered international students but are still eligible to apply. The university welcomes international applicants and offers a similar application process to that of US citizens, with a few key differences.
One notable difference is the financial requirements for international students. All international applicants must provide financial documentation demonstrating their ability and intention to finance USC's full cost of attendance for at least the first academic year. This documentation must be verified by a bank and dated within the past year. Additionally, international students are not eligible for need-based financial aid from USC or the US government. However, they may be considered for merit-based scholarships, although these are highly competitive.
Another important consideration for international students is demonstrating English language proficiency. All international applicants whose native language is not English must provide proof of proficiency as part of the admission review process. This can be done through a USC-approved English proficiency examination or the Duolingo English Test. Additionally, international students may be required to take the International Student English (ISE) examination to maintain their enrollment at USC.
Overall, USC is a welcoming and diverse institution for international students, offering a global outlook and a multicultural community. While there are specific requirements and considerations for international applicants, USC provides a wealth of information and resources to support them throughout the application and enrollment process.
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English-language proficiency is required for international applicants
The University of Southern California (USC) welcomes international students, who make up over 25% of its student population. Students from more than 130 countries are represented at USC, with the most common countries being China, India, Canada, the United Kingdom, South Korea, Singapore, and Hong Kong.
English-Language Proficiency Requirements for International Applicants:
USC requires all international applicants whose native language is not English to demonstrate English-language proficiency as part of the admission review process. This is because academic success at USC depends on the ability to engage in academic English confidently and comfortably.
There are several ways for international applicants to demonstrate English-language proficiency:
- Submit a USC-approved English proficiency examination: This is the primary method for demonstrating proficiency. USC will consider the results of various English proficiency tests, such as the Duolingo English Test.
- SAT or ACT scores: While not required, submitting SAT or ACT scores can also demonstrate English-language proficiency. USC will consider the overall score as well as the English language proficiency demonstrated in the test.
- GRE or GMAT scores: For graduate programs, most USC departments require either GRE or GMAT scores. These scores will also provide an indication of the applicant's English-language proficiency.
- Third-party proficiency interview: Applicants can choose to supplement their test scores with a third-party proficiency interview to further demonstrate their English skills.
International applicants should refer to USC's English Proficiency page for the most up-to-date information on accepted English proficiency examinations and requirements.
Additional Requirements for International Applicants:
In addition to demonstrating English-language proficiency, international applicants to USC must meet several other requirements:
- Financial documentation: All international applicants must provide financial documentation affirming their ability and intent to finance the full cost of attendance (tuition and expenses) for at least the first academic year. This documentation must be verified by a bank and dated within the past year.
- Visa requirements: International students must have an appropriate visa, such as an F-1 or J-1 visa, to study at USC. They must also provide proof of the ability to pay tuition and living expenses before USC can issue a formal letter of admission.
- Academic record: USC places significant emphasis on the applicant's academic record, expecting a well-distributed course load across all major subject categories. Most admitted students are in the top 10% of their class.
International applicants are encouraged to review the specific requirements and guidelines provided by USC for a successful application.
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International applicants must provide financial documentation affirming their ability to pay
International students make up over 25% of the total student population at USC, with students from more than 130 countries. The University welcomes applications from international students and follows a similar application process to that of US citizens, with a few differences.
One notable difference is that international applicants must provide financial documentation affirming their ability to pay for USC's full cost of attendance (tuition and expenses) for at least the first academic year. This is because the US government requires all international applicants to provide proof of the ability to pay tuition and living expenses before USC can issue a formal letter of admission and the forms required to obtain a visa. International students will not be able to fund their educational expenses by working in the United States as job opportunities are extremely limited.
The Financial Statement of Personal or Family Support includes:
- A signed Financial Statement of Personal or Family Support form
- Proof of sufficient funds (see list of acceptable documents below)
- A copy of your current passport
Acceptable documents to prove sufficient funds include:
- Bank statements
- Bank letter
- Proof of an organizational sponsor (government, corporation, etc.)
- Approved/sanctioned education loans
- Investment portfolio
- Tax returns or tax documents
- Employment or salary statements
- Property valuations
- Life insurance
- Retirement accounts
Financial documentation must be verified by a bank and dated within the year. Applicants relying on support from their home government or another official agency must send USC an appropriate financial support document from their sponsor at the time of application.
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International students are not eligible for need-based financial aid
The University of Southern California (USC) welcomes international students, who make up more than a quarter of its student population. The university's definition of an "international student" is any student who will be in the United States on a student visa, including a non-immigrant visa. Students with DACA or undocumented status are not considered international students but are still eligible to apply.
International students at USC are not eligible for need-based financial aid. All international applicants must provide financial documentation affirming their ability and intent to finance USC's full cost of attendance (tuition and expenses) for at least the first academic year. This documentation must be verified by a bank and dated within the year. Applicants relying on support from their home government or another official agency must submit an appropriate financial support document from their sponsor at the time of application. These requirements also apply to international students currently living in the United States.
International students at USC are expected to demonstrate English language proficiency. They must submit proof of proficiency as part of the admission review process. There are several ways to do this, including submitting scores from a USC-approved English proficiency examination. For students who do not have access to these tests, the Duolingo English Test is an option, but an additional exam will be required upon arrival on campus. A third-party proficiency interview can also be used to supplement any of these tests.
To obtain a visa, the United States government requires all international applicants to provide proof of their ability to pay tuition and living expenses before USC can issue a formal letter of admission. This proof includes a signed Financial Statement of Personal or Family Support form, proof of sufficient funds, and a copy of the applicant's passport. International students are unlikely to be able to pay for their educational expenses by working while in the United States, as job opportunities are extremely limited.
While international students at USC are not eligible for need-based financial aid, they may be considered for merit-based scholarships. These scholarships are awarded based on a comprehensive, holistic review of the applicant's candidacy and are not based on financial need.
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$10
International students must obtain a student visa
The University of Southern California (USC) welcomes international students, who make up over a quarter of its student population. International students are defined by USC as those who will be in the United States on a student visa, including a non-immigrant visa. Students with DACA or undocumented status are not considered international students but are still eligible to apply.
To demonstrate the ability to pay tuition and living expenses, international applicants must provide financial documentation at the time of application. This includes a Financial Statement of Personal or Family Support, proof of sufficient funds, and a copy of the current passport. The financial documentation must be verified by a bank and dated within the past year. Applicants relying on support from their home government or another official agency must provide appropriate financial support documentation from their sponsor at the time of application.
In addition to the financial requirements, international students must also demonstrate English language proficiency as part of the admission review process. This can be done through a USC-approved English proficiency examination or the Duolingo English Test. However, students who take the Duolingo English Test will need to take an additional exam upon arriving on campus. International students whose native language is English may need to submit SAT or ACT scores for English language proficiency evaluation.
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Frequently asked questions
International students make up more than a quarter of the total student population at USC, with students from 135 countries. The application process for international students is nearly the same as for US citizens, with a few differences. International students must demonstrate their English-language proficiency and provide financial documentation affirming their ability to pay tuition and living expenses.
International students whose native language is not English should plan on submitting a USC-approved English proficiency examination. Students who do not have access to these tests can take the Duolingo English Test, but will have to take an additional exam upon arrival on campus.
USC does not offer need-based financial aid to international applicants. However, international students may be considered for merit-based scholarships, although these are very competitive and hard to get.
