USC Scholarships for International Students: A Comprehensive Guide

For international students aspiring to study at the University of Southern California (USC), understanding the available scholarship opportunities and eligibility requirements is crucial. This article provides a comprehensive overview of USC scholarships for international students, including merit-based awards, external funding sources, and important application considerations.

Who Qualifies as an International Student at USC?

USC defines an international student as someone who enters or has already entered the United States with a visa. The university prides itself on its diverse student body, with students representing nearly 130 countries. This vibrant inclusion of ethnic groups and international students from all over the world makes USC unique.

Application Process for International Students

International applicants to USC follow the same application steps as other first-year or transfer applicants. USC accepts a range of international qualifications, and applicants can use the “International Qualifications” tool on the Academic Expectations for International Students page to view admission expectations for various educational systems around the world.

When completing the Common Application, it is important to write your name as it appears on your passport and/or your I-20 or DS-2019. A valid address outside the United States that is not a P.O. box must also be provided.

Test-Optional Policy

USC has extended its test-optional policy, meaning that first-year applicants for the upcoming academic year are not required to submit SAT or ACT scores. However, if sent, these scores will be considered alongside other relevant academic information.

Financial Aid and Documentation for International Students

It is important to note that USC does not offer need-based financial aid for international applicants. All international applicants must provide financial documentation at the time of application, affirming their ability and intent to finance USC’s full cost of attendance (tuition and expenses) for at least the first academic year. Applicants relying on support from their home government or another official agency must send USC a similarly appropriate financial support document from their sponsor at the time of application. 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. International students will not be able to cover the full amount of their educational expenses by working while they are in the United States, as government regulations strictly limit employment authorization and require holders of student visas to be full-time students.

For timely and accurate admission review, the Financial Statement of Personal or Family Support should be uploaded via your USC Applicant Portal within two weeks of your respective application deadline. Approved/sanctioned education loans can also be used as financial support documents, provided they are dated within the specified timeframe.

Merit Scholarships for International Students

All international applicants who apply by the appropriate deadline are eligible for USC Merit Scholarships. These scholarships are not based on financial need and are awarded based on a comprehensive, holistic review of an applicant’s candidacy. There are no minimum eligibility requirements, but scholarship selection is a highly competitive process. International applicants should not rely on these awards to demonstrate their ability to pay. USC Scholarships are administered consistent with the University’s Notice of Non-Discrimination, and recipients are chosen without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, or any other prohibited characteristic.

Key Merit-Based Scholarships

Trustee Scholarship: A full-tuition scholarship based on academic excellence, leadership, service, and talent.
Presidential Scholarship: A half-tuition scholarship that is also merit-based and highly competitive.

Additional Scholarship Information

There are also talent-based scholarships, which are determined by the individual academic departments at USC. For all these scholarships, you are automatically considered when you apply for admission to USC, with no separate application required. However, the deadline for scholarship consideration is December 1st, earlier than the regular decision deadline of January 15th.

English Proficiency Requirements

Academic, extracurricular, and professional success at USC depends on the ability to engage in academic English confidently and comfortably. All international applicants whose native language is not English, including those already residing in the United States, must submit a USC-approved English proficiency examination to be considered for admission. Waivers or exceptions to this policy are not granted under any circumstances.

Accepted English Proficiency Examinations

TOEFL (or TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition): A minimum score of 100 is required, with no less than a score of 20 in each section. USC’s most competitive applicants have English proficiency exam scores that are significantly higher than the minimums listed above.
Duolingo English Test: A minimum score of 130 is required.

USC does not offer evaluative admission interviews. However, applicants may choose to submit Duolingo, InitialView, and/or Vericant interviews as additional and optional means of showcasing their English proficiency. These third-party interviews are used only as an additional tool to assess English-language ability and are not evaluative in nature. To ensure timely review of your application, submit any additional English interview supplements within two weeks of your respective application deadline.

External Scholarship and Funding Opportunities

The USC Financial Aid Office provides assistance to international students in identifying external sources of scholarships and funding, such as from organizations in your home country or global scholarships.

External Scholarship Examples

Study Abroad Scholarships: Many scholarships are available for study abroad programs, and students should research these well in advance, as many applications are due six months to more than a year in advance of travel.
Gilman and Boren Scholarships: Students studying a “critical language” (Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Russian, etc.) in destinations outside Western Europe and Oceania are good candidates for Gilman and Boren Scholarships.
Butex Scholarship: Each Butex scholarship is valued at £600.

Online Resources for Finding Scholarships

Go Overseas: Provides a scholarship database that includes guides for study in specific countries.
IEFA (International Education Financial Aid): Provides students from all over the world comprehensive information on financial aid for studying abroad.

Scholarships for Specific Programs and Fields of Study

USC offers a variety of scholarships tailored to specific programs, fields of study, or student backgrounds.

Program-Specific Scholarships

Dornsife School of International Relations Study Abroad Programs: The Janice and James Lacy International Travel Fund assists undergraduate students participating in these programs.
USC Madrid or Bilbao Programs: Dornsife majors participating in these programs can apply for a scholarship from the Del Amo Fund, which aims to promote education and increase understanding between Spain and southern California.
IES Berlin and Vienna Programs: Students participating in these programs are encouraged to apply for the Hovel Scholarship, an award of up to $5,000 for students demonstrating a high level of interest in German language and the culture, history, politics, economics, and society of Austria and/or Germany.
Pembroke Cambridge Summer Programme (PCSP): The USC Black Alumni Association Nancy J. and Reginald W. Scholarship awards are available once a year for Dornsife students participating in the PCSP.

Field-Specific Scholarships

National Security Education Program (NSEP) David L. Boren Scholarships: Provides funding for U.S. undergraduate students to study abroad in areas of the world that are critical to U.S. interests (including Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, Eurasia, Latin American & the Caribbean, and the Middle East).
Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program: Offers intensive overseas language and cultural immersion programs for American students studying critical languages.

Scholarships Based on Background

Gilman-McCain Scholarship: Provides awards of $5,000 for child and spousal dependents of active or activated United States military personnel during the time of application to study or intern abroad on credit-bearing programs.
Fund for Education Abroad: Provides scholarships and support to students who demonstrate financial need, with a significant percentage of recipients being first-generation college students.

Important Considerations for Study Abroad Scholarships

All scholarships granted by USC and all outside scholarships may be applied to the cost of a semester or year-long study abroad program. Tuition-based scholarships (e.g., Trustee, Presidential, Dean’s) are adjusted proportionally according to the total tuition (excluding the USC administrative fee) of the program to which the student is accepted.

Student aid packages are reevaluated by USC Financial Aid in consideration of the cost of a specific program and adjusted according to the modified cost of attendance. In cases where program costs are projected to be less expensive than an on-campus semester at USC, the estimated family contribution (EFC) will be maintained and the student’s aid package will be reduced.

General Tips for Scholarship Applications

Meet all published deadlines: Timely submission of all required documents is crucial.
Plan strategically: Give your application a competitive edge by highlighting your strengths and unique qualities.
Research scholarships well in advance: Many applications are due six months to more than a year in advance of travel.
Apply for financial aid every year: Students must reapply for financial aid annually.

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