Lori Meadows
International students make up more than a quarter of the total student population at the University of Southern California (USC). The university defines an international student as an individual who has entered or will enter the United States on a 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 required to provide proof of their ability to pay tuition and living expenses, as well as demonstrate English language proficiency. They must also obtain a visa, attend orientation, and register for courses. The application process for international students at USC involves submitting transcripts, test scores, and supplemental materials, as well as paying an application fee.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition of an international student | An individual who will enter or has already entered the United States with a visa. |
| Student types not considered international students | Students with DACA or other undocumented statuses. |
| Application process | Nearly the same as students who are US citizens, with a few differences. |
| Application requirements | Proof of ability to pay tuition and living expenses, academic records, English language proficiency, external examination results, and more. |
| Application fee | $90 for most graduate programs, $155 for Marshall School of Business, and $175 for the International Academy's Pre-Master's program. |
| Scholarships | All international applicants who apply by the deadline are eligible for USC Merit Scholarships. |
| Enrollment checklist | Accepting admission offer, obtaining a visa, attending orientation, registering for courses, etc. |
| International student population | Over 25% of the total student population at USC. |
| Represented countries | China, India, Canada, the United Kingdom, South Korea, Singapore, and Hong Kong, with students from 135 countries in total. |
| Acceptance rate | 10% out of more than 80,000 applicants. |
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What You'll Learn
International student visa requirements
International students make up more than a quarter of the total student population at the University of Southern California (USC). The majority of international students at USC are on an F-1 visa, while a smaller number are on a J-1 visa. Canadian citizens are exempt from obtaining an F-1/J-1 visa.
To obtain a student visa for USC, the United States government requires all international applicants to provide proof of their ability to pay tuition and living expenses. This is because international students will not be able to pay for 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
- A copy of your current passport
Additionally, 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.
International students whose native language is not English must also submit proof of English proficiency.
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Application process
International students make up more than a quarter of the total student population at USC, with students from 135 countries. USC defines an international student as an individual who will enter or has already entered the United States with a visa, including a non-immigrant visa.
The application process for international students at USC involves several steps, including submitting the necessary documents, demonstrating English language proficiency, and providing proof of financial support. Here is a detailed breakdown of the application process:
- Standardized Tests and Academic Records: As an international applicant, you may submit additional tests or examination results, such as GCSE, IB, or A-Level, to represent your academic performance and fit for USC. While SAT or ACT scores are not required, you may choose to submit them if they positively impact your application. Your academic record is the most important part of your application, and USC expects to see a well-distributed course load across all major subject categories.
- Essays and Supplemental Information: USC encourages applicants to write essays that showcase their passions and interests, helping the admissions team understand how they can contribute to the university's community, tradition, and spirit.
- English Language Proficiency: All international applicants whose native language is not English must submit proof of English language proficiency. This can be done through various means, including USC-approved English proficiency exams.
- Financial Documentation: International applicants must provide financial documentation affirming their ability to finance USC's full cost of attendance. This includes submitting a Financial Statement of Personal or Family Support, proof of sufficient funds, and other relevant documents, such as bank statements, tax returns, or employment records.
- Visa Requirements: International students are required to have an appropriate visa to study at USC, such as an F-1 or J-1 visa.
- Online Application and Fee: Complete the graduate application for your intended program online, along with the application fee, which is typically $90 for most graduate programs.
- Recommendations: Identify potential recommenders who can provide letters of recommendation. While recommendations may be optional for some programs, they can enhance your application.
- Official Transcripts: Have your official transcripts sent to USC, ensuring that any university seals or security features are intact.
- Acceptance and Enrollment: If you receive an offer of admission, you will need to accept the offer, obtain your visa, attend orientation, and register for courses.
- Tuition Payment: Pay your first-semester tuition and fees by the specified deadline, which is usually the Friday before the start of classes.
It is important to note that USC does not offer need-based financial aid for international applicants, and the availability of merit-based scholarships is highly competitive. Additionally, international students should be aware of the limited job opportunities due to U.S. government regulations restricting employment authorization for student visa holders.
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Scholarships and fees
International students make up more than a quarter of the total student population at USC, with the most represented countries outside the US being China, India, Canada, the United Kingdom, South Korea, Singapore, and Hong Kong.
International applicants who apply by the appropriate deadline are eligible for USC Merit Scholarships. These are not based on financial need and are awarded based on a comprehensive, holistic review of an applicant’s candidacy. Merit scholarships are reserved for students with special qualifications, such as academic, athletic or artistic talent. They are also available for students who are interested in particular fields of study, are actively involved in different cultural communities, or live in certain areas of the country.
The USC Merit Scholarships require students to apply for admission to the university by November 1 or December 1, depending on their intended major. The scholarship awards range from a few thousand dollars up to full tuition.
Some USC scholarships are administered by organizations outside the Office of Admission, including on-campus offices and alumni groups. These scholarships generally require a separate application and have varying deadlines, eligibility requirements, and award amounts (from a few thousand dollars to upwards of $10,000).
Additionally, other sources of aid may be available to international students who are not U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens. These include merit-based scholarships, on-campus work (not including Federal Work-Study), and off-campus work (with permission from the Office of International Services).
International students should also check with their home institution and government to find out if other scholarship options are available to them.
The United States 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 for students to obtain a visa. This proof can include a variety of documents, such as bank statements, tax returns, employment or salary statements, and property valuations.
For graduate programs, newly admitted international students should follow these steps to commit to enrolling at USC: accepting the admission offer, obtaining a visa, attending orientation, and registering for courses. Some graduate programs require certified students to pay a nonrefundable commitment deposit to reserve their spot, which is applied to first-semester tuition charges.
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English language proficiency
International students make up more than a quarter of the total student population at the University of Southern California (USC), and the university is accustomed to receiving applications from all over the world.
At USC, an international student is defined as an individual who will enter or has already entered the United States with a visa. This includes students on non-immigrant visas such as the E2, H2, or L2. Students with DACA or undocumented status are not considered international students but are still eligible to apply to USC.
International applicants whose native language is not English, including those already residing in the United States, must submit proof of English language proficiency as part of the admission review process. This is because academic, extracurricular, and professional success at USC depends on the ability to engage in academic English confidently and comfortably.
There are several ways for international applicants to demonstrate their English language proficiency:
- Submitting scores from English proficiency exams such as TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic, or the C1 Advanced Exam. The average TOEFL iBT score for admitted students is above 111, with a score of 25 or higher in each section.
- Taking the Duolingo English Test and achieving a minimum score of 130.
- Providing external examination results or predicted results (such as GCSE, IB, or A-Level) that demonstrate English proficiency.
International applicants who wish to use either the SAT or ACT to demonstrate their English language proficiency will have their scores assessed for both proficiency and general admission review. However, it is important to note that USC does not waive the English proficiency requirement based on any other consideration, such as work experience, ESL enrollment, or the amount of time spent in the U.S.
There are exemptions from submitting English proficiency scores for international applicants who:
- Hold a degree (bachelor's, master's, or doctorate) from USC or are currently enrolled in a USC degree program.
- Hold a bachelor's degree completed entirely in the United States or the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree in a qualifying Anglophone country, where English is the only official language and the language of instruction.
Additionally, admitted students with certain scores may be exempt from taking the ISE Exam. These include students who have taken the PTE Academic test and selected the "University of Southern California" from the list of available institutions.
International applicants should refer to USC's Country Requirements page to determine if TOEFL/IELTS/PTE scores are required for their country of study and to check for any program-specific guidelines and test score waivers.
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Orientation and registration
Orientation Programs
Welcome Trojans is the university-wide orientation program that marks the official enrollment of new students at USC. It offers both in-person and online events, providing a comprehensive introduction to the university and its resources. Students who have committed to enrolling at USC will receive an invitation to participate in the Welcome Trojans orientation program.
In addition to the university-wide orientation, many academic departments at USC also offer their own school-specific orientation events. Graduate students should refer to their respective departments and the Office of Orientation Programs for information on these events.
Registration Requirements
Before registering for classes, there are several important requirements that international students must fulfill. These requirements apply to both undergraduate and graduate admissions:
- Immigration Status Verification: Graduate students must complete Immigration Status Verification (ISV) before registering for classes. This process verifies a student's immigration status and ensures their eligibility to enroll at USC for the upcoming semester.
- English Language Proficiency: If required, international students must take the International Student English (ISE) examination to maintain their enrollment at USC. New scores that meet the TOEFL/IELTS threshold can be submitted to waive the examination requirement.
- Academic Records: Official copies of academic records from all previous educational institutions must be provided, including external examination results and predicted results. If the native language of the records is not English, certified English translations must accompany the original documents.
- Financial Documentation: International students must provide proof of sufficient funds to cover their educational expenses. This includes submitting a Financial Statement of Personal or Family Support, along with supporting documents.
- Health Requirements: All incoming students must complete the health requirements mandated by USC Student Health.
Once these requirements are met, international students can proceed with registering for their classes. They should review the USC Schedule of Classes and consult with their academic advisor to plan their first semester of coursework.
Course Registration
Course registration at USC is conducted online through the Web Registration link in myUSC, the university's portal to online campus resources. Students can access their academic and financial records, as well as course-related information, through their USC Net ID and official USC email address.
Additionally, students are introduced to the USCard, which serves as their student ID card and provides access to various campus services. The USCard is used for meal plans, purchasing items on campus, and borrowing privileges in USC libraries.
Ongoing Support
USC offers ongoing support and resources for international students throughout their academic journey. The Office of International Services advises on immigration-related issues, while the Degree Progress department at the Registrar One Stop Center assists with continuing registration requirements.
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Frequently asked questions
USC categorizes an "international student" as any student who will enter or has already entered the United States on a visa, including a non-immigrant visa.
International students must provide proof of English language proficiency and the ability to pay tuition and living expenses. They must also submit transcripts, test scores, and supplemental materials for admission review.
Newly admitted international students should accept their admission offer, obtain a visa, attend orientation, and register for courses. They must also complete Immigration Status Verification within 15 days of arriving in the United States.
Yes, all international applicants who apply by the appropriate deadline are eligible for USC Merit Scholarships. These scholarships are awarded based on merit and are not based on financial need.
The application fee varies depending on the graduate program. For most programs, the fee is $90, while the Marshall School of Business charges $155, and the International Academy's Pre-Master's program charges $175.
