FAQs from International Families
As someone who meets with international families across dozens of countries each year, I’ve learned that, while students and parents come from many different cultures, the questions tend to sound very familiar, especially when applying to a U.S. university like USC.
Below are some of the most common (and completely fair!) questions I receive, along with honest, clear answers you can rely on.
Are my application requirements different from a domestic student’s?
In most ways, your requirements will look very similar to those of domestic applicants: you'll submit the Common Application, USC's writing supplement, transcripts, a letter of recommendation, and (optionally) test scores. However, there are a few key differences for international students:
If English is not your first language, you’ll be required to submit an approved English proficiency exam; TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo English Test.
If your transcript is not in English, we’ll also need an official English translation submitted alongside the original version.
International applicants must submit a financial statement showing proof of funds to cover one year’s cost of attendance at USC. This is required for us to issue the I-20 Form, which you’ll need to apply for an F-1 student visa.
Be sure to review the international student admission website to learn more about the requirements.
Do you admit by country or region?
No. USC does not admit by quota, country or passport. Each applicant is reviewed individually based on their school context, curriculum, academic preparation and holistic strengths. It doesn’t matter whether we receive 50 applications or 500 from your country. There's no preset limit, cap or target. We’re looking for academic excellence, personal depth and a genuine match with USC’s values and opportunities. If you’re a strong applicant, we’ll see that, regardless of where you’re applying from.
Is it harder to get in as an international student?
Not at all. International students are evaluated using the same holistic review process as all applicants. At USC, we’re very familiar with a wide variety of international curricula, from IB and A-Levels to French Bac, CBSE, Gaokao and many national systems in between. Our international team reads applications from your region specifically because we understand your grading scales, course offerings and school structures. Whether or not your transcript includes a GPA, we’re prepared to evaluate it in context. USC actively welcomes students from around the world, and we read each file with care and cultural awareness.
Do I need to take the SAT or ACT?
USC is test-optional for all applicants, including international students. If you have strong SAT or ACT scores and feel they strengthen your academic profile, you’re welcome to include them. If not, you can absolutely apply without them. Many international students are admitted each year without test scores, especially if they’ve taken rigorous courses or have strong results in exams like IB, A-Levels, or other national assessments.
Do I need to take the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test?
If English is not your first language, you’ll need to submit an English proficiency exam. USC accepts the TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, and Duolingo English Test. These are required even if you attend an English-medium school. We do not automatically waive this requirement based on curriculum or instruction language unless English is your native language. These tests help us ensure that you’ll be able to thrive in a fast-paced, English-speaking academic environment, especially when it comes to writing, discussion-based courses and research. Your SAT or ACT score can also satisfy this requirement, but you cannot be test-optional if you choose them to fulfill your English language proficiency.
I’m a U.S. citizen attending high school outside the U.S., am I still considered an international student?
In terms of citizenship, no, you're considered a domestic applicant. But in terms of academic context, yes, we review your application as an international school student. What that means is this: you will not be asked to submit English proficiency scores or considered in a separate “international pool,” but your curriculum (e.g., IB, A-Levels, French Bac, national exams, etc.) and school system will be reviewed by our international team. We’ll evaluate your transcript in the context of your school’s grading system, available courses and regional norms, just as we would for any student educated abroad. So, while your citizenship makes you a “domestic” applicant, your academic background will still be assessed with international expertise.
Does USC offer scholarships or financial aid for international students?
USC offers a limited number of merit scholarships to international students, only through the Early Action process, through Early Decision for first-year applicants to the Marshall School of Business, or December 1 for portfolio-based programs. These scholarships are highly competitive and awarded based on academic achievement, leadership and other personal accomplishments. Outside of those application rounds, international students are not eligible for USC's merit-based awards. Need-based financial aid is not available for international students. If affordability is a key factor in your college search, we recommend beginning research early and exploring external funding sources or scholarships in your home country. International students should not expect to receive a USC merit scholarship to cover their cost of attendance.
If I’m in IB or A-Levels, what should I submit?
We encourage IB Diploma candidates to work with their school counselors to submit predicted scores as part of their application, if available. Predicted scores are a helpful benchmark and allow us to assess your academic progress within a globally standardized system. For students in the British system, we look for IGCSE results (typically from Year 11 or U.S. Grade 10 equivalent) and predicted A-Level scores. These externally assessed exams provide meaningful academic context and often serve as the main indicators of college readiness.
What if I’ve attended several different schools?
That’s totally fine, and very common among international applicants. Whether you’ve moved cities, changed countries or switched school systems (e.g., from CBSE to IB, or from a national curriculum to a U.S.-style school), we understand the realities of a global education. We’ll evaluate your academic record across all schools and look for consistency, growth, and adaptation. Be sure to report all the schools you’ve attended in your application and, if needed, use the Additional Information section to explain any transitions that affected your coursework or grades. These changes won’t hurt your chances; we just want to understand your journey.
What are my chances as an international applicant?
There’s no specific acceptance rate for international students, because every applicant is reviewed individually. Your citizenship doesn’t affect your evaluation. What matters more is the strength of your application within the context of your school and curriculum. Did you challenge yourself academically? Did you write with authenticity and reflection? Did you show curiosity and engagement in and out of the classroom? We are not comparing you to applicants from the U.S. or other countries, we're evaluating you within the academic and personal opportunities you’ve had. That’s why we encourage international applicants to lean into their experiences, not away from them. Your background brings a perspective we value at USC.
Still have questions? You're not alone, and you're always welcome to reach out. Our international admission team is here to help you feel seen, supported, and informed every step of the way. Find your admission counselor here.
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I’m considering the U.S., U.K., and my home country. What are the benefits of studying in the U.S., and at USC specifically?
Great question. One of the biggest advantages of the U.S. system is its flexibility. Unlike many foreign systems that require you to commit to a subject early on, U.S. universities allow you to explore multiple academic interests before declaring a major. At USC, this means you can study business and biology, engineering and music, or international relations and screenwriting—all at once. Students are encouraged to pursue interdisciplinary learning, research, internships and creative opportunities from the moment they arrive at USC.
Outside the classroom, USC’s global location in Los Angeles offers access to world-class industries, such as ntertainment, tech, healthcare, and more, plus a deeply international city where languages, cultures and cuisines intersect. You’ll also benefit from the Trojan Family, our global alumni network that supports students far beyond graduation. If you’re looking for a place where you can customize your education, connect with mentors and prepare for an international career, USC offers a distinctly interdisciplinary and distinctly dynamic experience.
Written by: Tyler Swartout - International Admission Officer, USC Office of Admission