International Applicants
Applying to USC as an international student
International prospective students can find helpful information and resources at the Office of International Services website.
Undergraduate applicants can find more information at USC Undergraduate Admission.
Additional Admission Requirements for International Applicants
For more detailed information on every step on this checklist please visit USC Graduate Admissions.
Transcripts
International applicants must send their official transcripts directly to USC Graduate Admissions in the original language of issuance. Please refer to the International Student Transcript Country Requirements as outlined on the USC Transcript website for submission instructions. Unofficial transcripts submitted to SOPHAS from a WES report will only be used for review purposes. Official transcripts to USC are still required for international applicants after being admitted. USC Graduate Admissions does not accept WES Evaluations to meet the transcript requirement.
For detailed instructions for international applicants, please refer to the SOPHAS Applicant Help Center – Foreign Transcripts.
Statement of Financing Studies
A Statement for Financing Studies at USC showing proof of the ability to pay all tuition and living expenses.
Financial document(s) and passport copies
Students who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents must have an appropriate visa in order to study at USC. If you plan to apply for an F-1 or J-1 visa, you must submit proof of adequate financial support and a copy of your passport. You must also submit passport copies for your dependents if they will be traveling with you to USC during your study period.
See more instructions on how to submit your financial documentation.
TOEFL or IELTS scores
Official test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). These scores are required of international applicants whose native language is not English.
Minimum TOEFL requirements:
- Internet-based exam score (iBT) of 90. Applicants must score no less than 20 points on each sub-score.
Minimum IELTS requirements:
- A total score of 6.5, with no less than 6 on each band score.
The TOEFL (or IELTS) is not required for international students who have earned a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. college or university.
Records of TOEFL scores are purged after 5 years. Please visit the Educational Testing Service for information about the TOEFL exam or the IELTS website for information about the IELTS.
How to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores
Submit official English language test scores (TOEFL, IELTS) using code 5688. USC must receive scores electronically from the testing service for them to be considered official. Photocopies or paper copies of scores from the testing service are not acceptable.
If submitting IELTS, select “University of Southern California” from the list of available institutions when you register to take the IELTS test. Alternatively, provide this information to your testing center after you have taken the test.
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Applications differ by program. Follow the links to submit to your program of choice.