University of Southern California (USC)
University of Southern California (USC)
University of Southern California (USC) overview
Founded in 1880, the University of Southern California (USC) is a prestigious private research university located in Los Angeles, the largest city in California. Established through the support of local civic leaders under the leadership of Judge Robert M. Widney, USC began its operations with just 53 students and 10 faculty members, and has since grown into one of the world's leading universities, particularly renowned for its strengths in film, media, business, engineering, medicine, and public policy.
The university is also home to the internationally acclaimed USC School of Cinematic Arts — one of the oldest and most selective film schools in the United States — as well as the Marshall School of Business and the Viterbi School of Engineering.
USC has produced distinguished alumni who have made significant contributions to academia, innovation, and culture across diverse fields, including filmmakers George Lucas and Ron Howard, astronaut Neil Armstrong, pioneering architect Frank Gehry, and actors such as Will Ferrell.
USC is also recognized for its research contributions to science and technology, particularly in areas such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and communications.
About University of Southern California (USC)
Founded in 1880, the University of Southern California (USC) is a prestigious private research university located in Los Angeles, the largest city in California. Established through the support of local civic leaders under the leadership of Judge Robert M. Widney, USC began its operations with just 53 students and 10 faculty members, and has since grown into one of the world's leading universities, particularly renowned for its strengths in film, media, business, engineering, medicine, and public policy.
The university is also home to the internationally acclaimed USC School of Cinematic Arts — one of the oldest and most selective film schools in the United States — as well as the Marshall School of Business and the Viterbi School of Engineering.
USC has produced distinguished alumni who have made significant contributions to academia, innovation, and culture across diverse fields, including filmmakers George Lucas and Ron Howard, astronaut Neil Armstrong, pioneering architect Frank Gehry, and actors such as Will Ferrell.
USC is also recognized for its research contributions to science and technology, particularly in areas such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and communications.
University of Southern California (USC) faculties and programs
University of Southern California (USC) scholarships and financial aid
The University of Southern California offers scholarship opportunities to students with international status. However, it should be noted that the funding and capacity of scholarship programs are limited, that scholarships are awarded based on both need and merit, and that admission standards are high. Students wishing to apply to scholarship programs offered by the University of Southern California can find the relevant programs through the link below.
University of Southern California (USC) Exam Requirements
Submitting at least one of the exams below with the required score is a prerequisite for application. The score threshold may vary by program.
How to get into University of Southern California (USC)
Prospective international students wishing to apply to undergraduate programs offered by the University of Southern California must meet the following admission requirements.
- Completion of 12 Years of Primary and Secondary Education
- 4-Year High School Diploma
- High GPA
- Official transcript documents showing the courses and grades received by the applicant throughout high school
- SAT or ACT Score
- English Proficiency Certificate
- An English proficiency certificate obtained through exams such as IELTS or TOEFL iBT
- Personal Statement & Essay
Academic qualifications obtained through programs such as GCE A-Level, International Baccalaureate, and Advanced Placement are not sufficient for direct admission on their own; however, students enrolled in these programs may request course credit for the courses they have completed.
Prospective students wishing to apply to graduate programs offered by the University of Southern California must meet the following admission requirements.
- 4-Year Bachelor's Degree Diploma
- High GPA
- Official transcript documents showing the courses and grades received by the applicant throughout university
- Relevant Work Experience
- English Proficiency Certificate
- An English proficiency certificate obtained through exams such as IELTS or TOEFL iBT
- GRE/GMAT scores may be required depending on the specific admission requirements of the program applied to.
Application Deadlines
* These dates are subject to change. Get in touch with our Dream Uni advisors to learn the up-to-date deadlines and all the details about the University of Southern California (USC) application process.
Take a closer look at University of Southern California (USC)
The University of Southern California operates two main campuses, both located in Los Angeles: University Park Campus (UPC) and Health Sciences Campus (HSC).
University Park Campus, situated close to downtown Los Angeles on a 229-acre site, is home to most of USC's academic schools, including the renowned School of Cinematic Arts, the Marshall School of Business, the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, and the Viterbi School of Engineering.
The Health Sciences Campus, located approximately three miles northeast of UPC near the Boyle Heights neighborhood in central Los Angeles, is primarily dedicated to medicine, pharmacy, and biomedical research and education.
This campus is home to the Keck School of Medicine, the USC School of Pharmacy, and numerous specialized research centers and hospitals renowned for their excellence in patient care, research, and education — including USC Keck Hospital and USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center.
With more than 1,000 student organizations at USC — including academic clubs, cultural associations, community service groups, and arts and media organizations — key student-led groups include the Undergraduate Student Government (USG), the Daily Trojan newspaper, and the famous Trojan Marching Band, nicknamed the "Spirit of Troy."
Students also participate in performing arts communities organized by USC's prestigious School of Cinematic Arts, including theater productions, film screenings, and media workshops.
The university's Trojans athletics teams compete in NCAA Division I sports within the Pac-12 Conference. Annual events such as Welcome Week, Conquest (an energetic event held before the football game against rival UCLA), Springfest, and the Book Festival further strengthen the sense of community among students.
The University of Southern California has an extensive alumni network with many distinguished graduates who have excelled in various fields. Among the university's notable alumni are:
- Neil Armstrong
- Charles Bolden
- O. J. Simpson
- Byron Allen
- Lillian Copeland
- George Lucas
- Andrew Viterbi
- John Wayne
- Dexter Holland
- Will Ferrell
- John Ritter
- Frank Gehry
- Ron Mix
- Jerry Buss
- Gary Anderson
University of Southern California (USC) cost of living
University of Southern California (USC) Location
Los Angeles
University of Southern California (USC) Contact
University of Southern California (USC)
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How to Get Into University of Southern California (USC)
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By assessing your English level and academic grades, your eligibility for the universities and colleges Dream Uni partners with is determined.
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