Additional application materials for international applicants

• English Language Proficiency: In addition to the general admission criteria listed above, international students whose first language is not English are required to take the TOEFL or IELTS examination to be considered a candidate for admission. For exemption from additional language requirements, you must achieve an Internet Based TOEFL (iBT) score of 90, with no less than 20 on each section, or an IELTS score of 6.5, with no less than 6 on each band score. For more details on the university’s English Proficiency Criteria, please visit USC Graduate Admission: Proficiency in English.

Resources for international students

USC enrolls more international students than any other university in the United States. More than 100 countries are represented in USC’s graduate departments and professional schools, with the largest numbers of students coming from India, China, Taiwan, South Korea, Canada, Japan, Hong Kong, Indonesia, the United Kingdom and Thailand.

Over the years, USC has furthered the academic and professional careers of thousands of international students. These students choose to study at USC because of the renowned faculty, the multidisciplinary emphasis of the academic programs, the state-of-the-art facilities and the extraordinary caliber of the student body. The university’s location in the vibrant multicultural city of Los Angeles, a major gateway to the Pacific Rim, is also a strong lure for students from around the world.

The following resources are available to welcome international students to USC:

USC Office of International Services

The Office of International Services (OIS) provides continuing support services for international students. Professionally trained counselors and student peer counselors are available to advise international students on important issues such as immigration regulations, academic progress, financial concerns, housing and cross-cultural adjustment. Through this office, students also receive information about social and cultural activities.

Office of International Services
University of Southern California
3601 Trousdale Parkway, STU 300
Los Angeles, CA 90089-0899
Phone: (213)740-2666
Fax: (213)740-5194
Email: ois@usc.edu
ois.usc.edu

TOEFL and English Language Proficiency

All applicants who earned undergraduate degrees in a non-English speaking country are required to submit their TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) scores. The TOEFL 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 five years. The minimum TOEFL requirements are:

• Internet-based exam score of 90 (no less than 20 points per section)
• Computer-based exam score of 250

TOEFL
Educational Testing Service
Box 6151
Princeton, NJ 08541-6151
ets.org/toefl 

U.S. Visa Information

Admitted international students will receive either an I-20 or IAP-66 Eligibility Certificate from the Office of Graduate Admission. After receiving the I-20 or IAP-66, students must apply for a visa to enter the U.S. via a United States Embassy or Consulate. Any student entering the U.S. using USC-issued documents must register for the semester to which admission is granted.

Office of Graduate Admission
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA 90089
Phone: 213-740-1111
Email: gradadm.usc.edu/contact
gradadm.usc.edu/apply/international-students