Each of our programs sets its own application requirements and deadlines. If you have specific questions about the requirements, contact the program you are interested in directly. Find your program and contact information here.

Funding is administered by our individual academic programs. Please contact your program of interest directly to discuss the possibility of any assistantships, fellowships, scholarships, and other funding opportunities. Find your program and contact information here.

Yes, but we strongly recommend you focus on the program that best fits your interests and career objectives. Submitting multiple applications without carefully considering the competitiveness of each application based on your fit with each program is not a sound strategy for gaining admission to any program. If you do choose to submit multiple applications, you will be required to submit unique supporting documents for each application. We cannot transfer letters of recommendation, personal statements, resumes/CVs, writing samples, etc. from one application to another.

You may apply before we receive your scores. We will add your scores to your submitted application once we receive them. Note that it can take the testing service 10-15 days to process and send your scores to us.  Refer to the checklist associated with your application.

All international applicants are required to provide English language proficiency exam scores unless they are from a country where English is an official language, or they have earned a degree in a country where English is an official language. We do not waive the requirement based solely on language of instruction. If you earned a degree where the language of instruction was English in a country where English is not an official language, then you will be required to submit scores.

A list of exempt countries can be found here.

Our departments have the discretion to require English language proficiency exam scores from an applicant regardless of your country of origin.  Please check with your program of interest if you have questions about this requirement.

• TOEFL (link to site): Minimum score of 80 for internet-based tests
  • TOEFL iBT
  • TOEFL iBT Home Edition
  • TOEFL iBT Paper Edition
• IELTS International Academic Course Type 2 (link): Minimum score of 6.5
• PTE Academic (link): Minimum score of 53
• Duolingo (link): Minimum score of 120

You must submit official test scores directly from the testing service. Language test scores are valid for two years. Copies of scores are not considered official. Use the following codes for USC:

• TOEFL: 5818
• IELTS: No numerical code. Choose “University of South Carolina, Columbia Graduate Admissions” for electronic delivery.
• PTE: University of South Carolina
• Duolingo: University of South Carolina Graduate Admissions

Unfortunately, we are unable to troubleshoot this issue. Our application vendor, CollegeNET, can assist you or your recommender if you email them at [email protected].  Please contact your program office if your program is not using the CollegeNet ApplyWeb application.

Admitted international students will work with International Student and Scholar Support to obtain an I-20 and to apply for the student visa at a U.S. Consulate. International Student and Scholar Support will reach out to you with further details about the financial requirements and other materials needed after you have been admitted to USC. For more information, visit the International Student and Scholar Support website.

Official transcripts  include both grade sheets and final degree certificates (not provisional certificates).  They  must be mailed/couriered to USC directly by your previous institution(s). Emailed documents will not be accepted.  Transcripts can be sent from approved NACES-accredited transcript delivery services (e.g. WES ICAP, Educational Perspectives, Digitary by Parchment, etc.) to [email protected] or physically to:

If you are in possession of your official transcripts, they must be delivered to the Graduate School in person and in the original, sealed envelope provided by your previous institution(s). Once you arrive in Columbia, bring these to:

Refer to your admission letter to make sure you have satisfied all conditions associated with your admission. Once any submitted documents are processed, the appropriate university office will lift the associated hold(s) on your account.