Page Text: IELTS – Select University of Southern California Graduate Programs
International applicants
If you are not a United States citizen or permanent resident, and you will be entering or have already entered the United States with an F-1 or J-1 student visa, you must apply as an international student.
Proof of financial support
International applicants (those who are, or will be, in the United States on a non-immigrant visa) must submit documented evidence of financial support. You must upload your statement of financial support and a copy of your passport to the Supporting Information section of the online graduate application.
Visit USC Graduate Admissions Financial Support for instructions.
English proficiency requirements
International graduate applicants must demonstrate English-language proficiency by submitting either TOEFL or IELTS scores. This requirement may only be waived under the following circumstances:
Your entire undergraduate degree was completed in the United States or another Anglophone country.
Your native language is English. This applies to English speakers from countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and Canada (except Quebec) where English is both the only official language of the country and the language of instruction.
Please refer to the USC English Proficiency Requirements for details.
TOEFL or IELTS score minimums
The recommended minimum score for TOEFL is 114 and 8.0 for IELTS. However, all completed applications for admission are reviewed by the faculty admission committee even if you score below the minimum.
Important links for international students