UG International Students​
International students, like domestic students, are accepted to the University of Southern California (USC). However, there are some differences in the application process and additional requirements to be aware of. Before starting your USC application, make sure you have everything together so that your application is received and processed by our office by the appropriate deadlines.
Who Is an International Student
International students, like domestic students, are accepted to the University of Southern California (USC). However, there are some differences in the application process and additional requirements to be aware of. Before starting your USC application, make sure you have everything together so that your application is received and processed by our office by the appropriate deadlines.
International applicant
In addition to meeting the exact admission requirements as domestic applicants, international applicants must also submit a TOEFL or IELTS score if English is not their native language. Additionally, international students must submit an academic record from their secondary school with their application.
Standardized Test Scores
Standardized test scores are required for admission to the University of Southern California. Students who have not taken the SAT or ACT must submit a TOEFL score.
Students who have taken either exam may submit their scores by going to www.ets.org/satspecialist or www.collegeboard.org/sat and clicking “Register Now” under “Register for Tests.”
Hours of English Language Studies Required
International students must take at least two years of English language studies before enrolling in classes at USC.
If you still need to take the TOEFL, we recommend doing so as soon as possible. If a student does not pass our test (with a score of 80 or higher), USC will arrange for them to take additional English instruction before enrollment.
International Applicant Academic Considerations
International applicants must meet the same academic standards as domestic students. All applicants must have completed a high school diploma or its equivalent and submit official transcripts in English from all post-secondary schools attended.
International students who do not hold an undergraduate degree from an institution recognized by USC may be required to take the ACT or SAT exam before attending USC as an undergraduate student. For more information on testing requirements, please visit our
International students apply to USC like any other student.
You do not have to be an international student to use, but you should be aware that some universities have different requirements for domestic and international applicants. For example, suppose you are an American citizen living abroad and want to attend college in the United States. In that case, you will need a green card before applying for admission, which can take several months (or longer). If this applies to you, then please get in touch with us directly at [email protected]
USC is a private university and does not follow all of the same rules as public schools regarding accepting international applicants; however, our admissions process is still very competitive!