UNITED STATES · LOS ANGELES
University of Southern California
private · Founded 1880 · Languages: en
In short
The University of Southern California is a leading private research university in Los Angeles, offering diverse academic programs across 23 schools. It emphasizes innovation, research, and strong career prospects, welcoming students globally.
Key facts
- Type
- Private
- Founded
- 1880
- Students
- 46,000
- International students
- 13,000
- Acceptance rate
- 13%
- Tuition (intl)
- €60–66k/yr
- Languages
- EN
- Location
- Los Angeles, United States
The University of Southern California (USC) is a leading private research university located in Los Angeles, California. Established in 1880, USC is dedicated to advancing knowledge, educating future leaders, and transforming lives through its diverse academic programs and research initiatives. The university is home to 23 schools, offering a wide range of undergraduate, master's, and doctoral degrees, as well as specialized certificates. USC is committed to fostering a vibrant academic culture that encourages engagement with diverse perspectives, addressing critical issues through research, and preparing students for successful careers in a globalized world. The university actively supports innovation across various fields, including technology, design, business, and health sciences, contributing significantly to both local and international communities. With a strong focus on both academic excellence and practical application, USC provides students with opportunities for hands-on learning, research, and engagement with industry leaders. Its extensive alumni network, strong partnerships with private industry and foundations, and commitment to civic engagement underscore its role as a key institution in higher education.
Why study here
- Access to a wide array of innovative academic programs across 23 schools.
- Opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research with world-renowned faculty.
- Strong career prospects and connections to California's high-tech economy and other major industries.
- A dynamic and diverse student body and alumni network, fostering global collaboration.
- Commitment to affordability and financial aid initiatives, including free tuition for eligible domestic undergraduates.
- Hands-on learning and practical experience through labs, research centers, and industry partnerships.
Student life
USC offers a dynamic student life experience, enriched by its location in Los Angeles. Students can engage in various research opportunities, hands-on learning, and participate in a wide array of campus organizations and activities. The university is dedicated to supporting students' overall well-being and academic success. Student life is also enhanced by strong alumni networks and community engagement initiatives.
Fees
InternationalTuition fees for international students vary significantly by program and are not provided as a general range. Students should consult specific program pages for detailed fee structures. Scholarships and financial aid are available to help offset costs.
HomeUndergraduate tuition is the same for domestic and international students; USC offers need-based aid to eligible domestic students and a range of merit scholarships.
LivingDetailed living expenses are not provided in the source material.
Total annual cost of attendance including housing, fees and living expenses substantially exceeds tuition alone; budget accordingly for Los Angeles living costs.
Admissions
Undergraduate DegreeRequired from a regionally accredited university for graduate programs.
Professional ExperienceMinimum of three or more years of relevant experience for the IPPAM program; considered for other graduate programs.
Application Fee$90 (non-refundable)
TranscriptsOfficial transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, sent directly to USC. E-transcripts accepted via eSCRIP SAFE (Grad), eTranscriptCA (CCC), Texas Server (Grad), or University to University.
Letters of RecommendationMinimum of three, including at least one academic and one professional reference for IPPAM. Specific requirements may vary by program.
PortfolioRequired for Roski School of Art and Design undergraduate and graduate programs (BFA Art, BFA Design, MA Curatorial Practices, MFA Art, MFA Design, MFA Fashion).
Essay/List of Creative AccomplishmentsRequired for Roski School of Art and Design undergraduate programs.
TOEFLScores are considered for admission but specific minimums are not provided globally. Submitting scores is encouraged, but not required before application submission for IPPAM.
IELTSScores are considered for admission but specific minimums are not provided globally. Submitting scores is encouraged, but not required before application submission for IPPAM.
Rankings
QS World University Rankings146
University scholarships
Heather Anne Barnes Endowed ScholarshipNot specified
Gold Family Graduate Fellowship$5,000
USC Del Amo Foundation Research AwardUp to $5,000
Hovel Summer Travel AwardUp to $5,000
USC WiSE Grant ProgramsNot specified
Accreditation
The University of Southern California has been fully and continuously accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, the Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) since March 6, 1949.
For international students
United StatesStudent visa & funds
International students primarily enter on the F-1 visa, which requires enrolment at a SEVP-certified institution. Before the visa interview the school issues a Form I-20 — a certificate of eligibility — for which a Designated School Official must verify documented funds covering tuition, living expenses and travel for the first year, plus a reliable source for subsequent years. The financial evidence must be specific and from an identified source.
Working while you study
F-1 students may work on campus up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session and full-time during official breaks, with no separate authorization needed. Off-campus work is generally not permitted in the first academic year. After one academic year in good standing, students may use Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for paid work that is an integral part of the curriculum, authorized by the school; other off-campus work requires an approved Employment Authorization Document from USCIS.
After you graduate
After completing a degree, F-1 students may apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) — up to 12 months of work authorization in a related field — by filing Form I-765 and receiving an EAD before starting work. Graduates of a degree on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List may apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, for up to 36 months total. The extension requires an E-Verify employer and a qualifying STEM degree earned within the previous ten years.
English tests
- IELTSUG 6.0–6.5; PG 6.5–7.0; top-tier programs 7.0–7.5
- TOEFL iBTUG 80–100; PG 90–110; selective research universities 100+
- PTE AcademicUG 50–60; PG 55–70; highly selective programs 65+
Main intakes
AugustJanuary
Typical living cost
€1,420/month
Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.
SourcesStudy in the States — Students and the Form I-20 · Study in the States — Financial ability · USCIS — Students and employment · USCIS — Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 students · USCIS — STEM OPT extension · LeapScholar — Minimum IELTS scores for USA universities · Mastersportal — Student living costs in the USA (2025–2026)
Programs
a selectionUniversity of Southern California · United States
AI in Law: Strategy, Practice and Innovation
This fully online, on-demand course is designed for legal professionals and business leaders seeking to understand and leverage generative AI in their practice. It provides practical strategies to enhance efficiency, improve client services, and drive business results through AI. You will learn to navigate the AI landscape, apply AI tools effectively for tasks like litigation support and contract drafting, and make informed technology decisions. The course also addresses critical ethical, privacy, and governance issues specific to AI in law, equipping you with frameworks to manage risk and ensure compliance. Upon completion, you will have a robust AI strategy and implementation roadmap, preparing you to lead innovation within the legal field.
Certificate
Level
€1k
Tuition
6 mo
Duration
University of Southern California · United States
Astani CEE PhD Programs
The Sonny Astani Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) at the University of Southern California offers two doctoral degrees: Civil Engineering and Environmental Engineering. These programs allow students to specialize in various research areas within these broad fields. A Master's degree is not a prerequisite for admission, though applicants are expected to have completed a four-year Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline. Students with a prior Master's degree may be eligible to transfer up to 30 units towards the 60-unit requirement for the PhD. The program emphasizes research, engagement with the academic and professional community, and provides opportunities for students to develop into independent scholars.
PhD
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
University of Southern California · United States
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting for Stage and Screen
The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Acting for Stage and Screen at the University of Southern California's School of Dramatic Arts is a comprehensive program designed to train students for careers in acting across various performance mediums. This program focuses on developing the skills necessary for success in both live theater and film/television productions. Students will engage in rigorous training covering acting techniques, voice, movement, and script analysis. The curriculum is structured to provide a strong foundation in dramatic arts while also preparing students for the specific demands of screen acting. The BFA program aims to foster versatile actors capable of navigating the complexities of the entertainment industry.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
University of Southern California · United States
Doctoral Program in Materials Science
The PhD in Materials Science, offered by the Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, provides a rigorous academic and research experience. The program covers a wide array of subject areas, including advanced semiconductor materials, nanostructures, ceramics, metal composites, biotechnology, advanced computation, membrane separations, reactor design, and oil and gas exploration. Faculty research spans diverse fields such as energy technologies, health and wellness, data science, quantum materials, and advanced manufacturing methods. This program is designed to foster innovation and discovery in the field of materials science.
PhD
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
University of Southern California · United States
Doctoral Programs in Population and Public Health Sciences
The Department of Population and Public Health Sciences at the University of Southern California offers three distinct doctoral programs designed to equip students with advanced knowledge and research skills for careers in academia or industry. These programs focus on critical areas of public health research, preparing graduates to address complex health challenges. The PhD in Biostatistics equips students to apply statistical theory and methods to biological and health sciences, fostering skills in research, teaching, and consulting. The PhD in Epidemiology focuses on developing an epidemiologist with in-depth methodological knowledge and analytical capabilities, emphasizing advanced design and analytic techniques for studying the causes of disease and promoting public health. Lastly, the PhD in Health Behavior Research offers academic and research training for students interested in health promotion and disease prevention. This program integrates theory and methods from various disciplines like psychology, public health, and epidemiology to prepare students for research positions in preventive medicine, population health, and health policy.
PhD
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
University of Southern California · United States
Finance PhD Program
The Finance PhD program at the University of Southern California (USC) Marshall School of Business is designed to prepare students for academic careers in financial economics. Financial economics focuses on how individuals and firms manage their resources, including how they raise and invest capital, and how financial assets are priced. The program delves into specific topics such as the determinants of asset returns, risk pricing, investor behavior, and trading mechanisms, as well as corporate finance areas like capital structure, payout policies, financial intermediation, venture capital, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate governance. The program fosters a research-focused, collegial, and supportive environment where PhD students are treated as junior colleagues. This approach encourages early engagement in academic research with faculty, facilitated by a low student-to-faculty ratio and an open-door policy. Students benefit from frequent and meaningful interactions with faculty on research, career development, and teaching. Peer collaboration is also a key component, with students often working together on research projects. Students participate in weekly scholarly presentations featuring invited faculty from around the world. Internal seminars and reading groups provide platforms for exchanging ideas and receiving feedback on research. Additionally, seminars in applied economics and macroeconomics are available to PhD students, enriching their academic experience and broadening their research perspectives.
PhD
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
Scholarships
for United States
full fundingDuke University
Karsh International Scholarship Program
Open to international (non-U.S. citizen, non-permanent-resident) high school students applying for first-year undergraduate admission to Duke University. Candidates must demonstrate financial need through Duke's need-based aid process, show interdisciplinary academic curiosity, and have a record of community engagement. There is no separate scholarship form; international applicants who indicate they are applying for financial aid are automatically considered for the Karsh award.
full
Funding
€320k
Max
Jan 2, 2027
Deadline
full fundingUniversity of Miami (with the Stamps Family Charitable Foundation)
University of Miami Stamps Scholarship
Open to high school seniors, both domestic (U.S.) and international, applying for first-year undergraduate admission to the University of Miami through Early Decision I or Early Action. Applicants are automatically considered with no separate scholarship form; they must submit all first-year admission requirements and demonstrate strong academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement. Semi-finalists complete a Zoom interview.
full
Funding
€260k
Max
Nov 1, 2026
Deadline
full fundingQuestBridge
QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship
Open to high-achieving US high school seniors from low-income backgrounds who are US citizens, permanent residents, or students studying in the US regardless of citizenship. Competitive applicants typically earn mostly A's in challenging courses, rank in the top 5-10% of their class, and have strong standardised test results (SAT/PSAT above 1310 or ACT above 28), though each application is read in context. Applicants must demonstrate strong writing, intellectual curiosity and determination through essays and recommendations. Matched students must attend a partner college as a binding-early-decision commitment.
full
Funding
€185k
Max
Sep 26, 2026
Deadline
full fundingArgonne National Laboratory
Maria Goeppert Mayer Fellowship at Argonne National Laboratory
Open to early-career scientists and engineers of all nationalities who hold a PhD awarded within the last three years at the time of application, or who will complete the PhD before the fellowship start date. Research interests must align with Argonne's mission areas. U.S. citizenship is required for national-security-related projects (Detection of Imaging Signatures).
full
Funding
€130k
Max
Oct 1, 2026
Deadline
partial fundingBoustany Foundation / Harvard Business School
Boustany MBA Harvard Scholarship
Open to candidates of any nationality (priority to those of Lebanese descent) who have received an offer of admission to the Harvard MBA programme and have a strong academic background.
partial
Funding
€100k
Max
May 31, 2027
Deadline
full fundingStanford University
Knight-Hennessy Scholars
Open to citizens of any country who earned their first/bachelor's degree within the last ~7 years (or will by the Stanford start) and who apply for and gain admission to a full-time Stanford graduate program. Selection seeks independence of thought, purposeful leadership, and a civic mindset.
full
Funding
€90k
Max
Oct 8, 2026
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What is the University of Southern California (USC)?
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The University of Southern California is a private research university established in 1880, located primarily in Los Angeles, California. It is dedicated to advancing knowledge, educating future leaders, and transforming lives through its diverse academic programs and research initiatives across 23 schools.
Where is USC located?
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USC is primarily situated in Los Angeles, California, offering students access to a vibrant city with numerous professional opportunities. It also has a presence in Washington, D.C., through its Capital Campus, which enhances engagement with federal and global policymakers.
What kind of academic programs does USC offer?
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USC offers a wide range of undergraduate, master's, and doctoral degrees, as well as specialized certificates across its 23 schools. The university is committed to fostering a vibrant academic culture and supports innovation in fields such as technology, design, business, and health sciences.
How does USC support international students?
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USC welcomes applications from international students and provides a range of merit scholarships to help offset costs. While specific tuition fees vary by program, students can find detailed fee structures on specific program pages and are encouraged to explore available financial aid options.
What are the career prospects for USC graduates?
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USC graduates benefit from strong career prospects, with excellent connections to California's high-tech economy and other major industries. The university's extensive alumni network and partnerships with private industry further enhance opportunities for students.
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