University of Southern California for Indian students (2026–27)
Indian applicants to University of Southern California typically plan around academics + English tests, proof of funds, and the United States student visa timeline. Use this spoke for the India-focused path; the full university guide covers every section in depth.
Which Program Level Fits You?
The University of Southern California offers undergraduate, postgraduate, professional, and research programmes across a wide range of disciplines.
| Program Level | Overview |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's (Undergraduate) | Undergraduate programmes in Computer Science, Engineering, Business, Data Science, Architecture, Communication, Psychology, Economics, Arts, and Social Sciences. |
| Master's (Postgraduate Taught) | Advanced master's programmes in Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Computer Science, Engineering, Business Analytics, Finance, Public Policy, and more. |
| Professional Programmes | Graduate programmes through the Marshall School of Business, Viterbi School of Engineering, Keck School of Medicine, Gould School of Law, and School of Cinematic Arts. |
| PhD (Research) | Research-intensive doctoral programmes supported by internationally recognised faculty and advanced research centres. |
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements vary depending on the programme and level of study. Applicants must meet programme-specific academic and English language requirements.
| Requirement | Typical Requirement |
|---|---|
| Academic Qualifications | Outstanding academic performance with programme-specific requirements |
| GPA | Highly competitive academic record |
| SAT / ACT | Considered according to current undergraduate admissions policies |
| IELTS | Minimum 7.0 overall for most programmes |
| TOEFL iBT | Minimum 100 overall for most programmes |
| Duolingo English Test | Accepted for selected programmes |
| Other Requirements | |
| Academic transcripts, essays, recommendation letters, résumé/portfolio (where applicable), and programme-specific documents |
Cost of Attendance
The University of Southern California tuition fees vary depending on the programme and level of study. Students should also budget for accommodation, meals, books, health insurance, transportation, and personal expenses while studying in Los Angeles, California. Although Los Angeles has a relatively high cost of living, students benefit from unparalleled access to internships, research opportunities, startups, Fortune 500 companies, Hollywood studios, healthcare organisations, and global technology firms.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
The University of Southern California offers a range of merit-based scholarships, need-based financial aid, graduate fellowships, assistantships, and departmental awards. Undergraduate applicants are automatically considered for several merit scholarships when they apply by the scholarship deadline. Popular funding opportunities include:
- Trustee Scholarship
- Presidential Scholarship
- Dean's Scholarship
- Mork Family Scholarship
- Stamps Scholarship
- International Freshman Academic Scholarship
- Graduate Fellowships
- Teaching Assistantships
- Research Assistantships
- Department-specific Scholarships
- External Scholarships
Graduate students may also receive programme-specific fellowships, assistantships, and research funding depending on their school and degree. International students are eligible for selected merit-based scholarships but generally have limited access to U.S. federal need-based financial aid.
Visa & Post-Study Work
International students admitted to the University of Southern California generally require an F-1 Student Visa to study in the United States. After graduation, eligible students may gain professional experience through Optional Practical Training. Graduates in eligible STEM programmes may also qualify for the STEM OPT Extension, allowing additional work experience in the U.S., subject to current U.S. immigration regulations.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Student Visa | International students generally require an F-1 Student Visa to study in the United States. |
| Optional Practical Training (OPT) | Eligible graduates may apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) after completing their degree. STEM graduates may qualify for an extended OPT period, subject to current U.S. immigration regulations. |
Practical checklist for Indian applicants
- Confirm degree equivalence and transcript requirements for your target school
- Book IELTS/TOEFL/Duolingo early if your programme requires proof of English
- Model first-year cost of attendance before requesting an I-20 / CAS / admission letter
- Align education-loan or sponsor documents with visa financial proof rules
- Start the application 10–12 months before your target intake Ask StudyWhere AI for a profile-specific plan.
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