UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA

International Applicants

Academic Preparation

A graduate of an international university or college who has completed an academic program equivalent to an American bachelor's degree may apply for admission and financial assistance. Equivalent degrees at international universities and colleges are normally four years in length. International applicants are required to submit with their application an official, certified transcript indicating the nature and scope of their academic training. Only international students interested in seeking a degree and pursuing a full course of study are considered for admission.

Language Requirement

An applicant whose native tongue is not English is required to submit a satisfactory score (minimum 570 for paper based testing, 230 for computer based testing and 75 for internet based testing or higher for some programs) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing Service (IELTS) Academic Course Type 2 exam (minimum score of 6.5, higher for some programs). International applicants who earned a degree (bachelor's or master's) from an accredited US institution are exempt from this requirement. To obtain information about taking the TOEFL you can write to Test of English as a Foreign Language, Educational Testing Service, Princeton, NJ 08540, U.S.A. or visit their website at www.toefl.org. For information on IELTS, contact Cambridge Examinations and IELTS International, 100 East Corson Street, Suite 200, Pasadena, CA 91103, U.S.A or visit their website at www.ielts.org.

Immigration Requirement

In addition, international applicants are required to submit an Application for Immigration Document and a Certification of Support form before an I-20 or DS-2019 will be issued. If you are transferring from another institution you must complete a Transfer In Form. To download the Immigration Document and the Certification of Support, visit our homepage at www.gradschool.sc.edu. For more information on International Student Services and Immigration, please visit the homepage of the Office of International Programs for Students at www.sa.sc.edu/ips.

Housing

Dormitory rooms, on-campus apartments, and married student housing can be assigned only after you have been accepted by The Graduate School. Applications for housing can be obtained by contacting the Office of Housing, 1215 Blossom Street, USC, Columbia, SC 29208.