USC SUMMER PROGRAMS INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
International students are non-U.S. citizens or non-U.S. permanent residents. Working within guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, USC requires ALL international students to enter the United States using an F-1 student visa. Once admitted, we will work with each student for an I-20, the I-20 is a form required for an F-1 student visa at your closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The F-1 visa requires students to enroll in a full-time course load of three units (one course) for the USC Summer Programs.
Citizens of Canada and Bermuda do not need a visa but require an I-20 form to enter the U.S. Other visas such as the B-1 “tourist” or B-2 “business” visa, and the visa waiver program associated with B-1 and B-2 visas, do not allow for academic study that earns credit or courses that involve more than 18 hours per week of in-class time.
International applicants are expected to complete the USC Summer Programs application materials without the use of paid agents, credentials services, or other paid professional assistance. The use of such services, plagiarizing, copying, or collaborating with others may lead to the rejection of application materials, the revocation of an admissions offer, cancellation of admission, or involuntary withdrawal from USC Summer Programs.
RESIDENTIAL EXPERIENCE & TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS
- International students, and students currently living abroad, participating in USC Summer Programs must:
- Reside on campus — the commuter option is not available
- Have a domestic, U.S. mobile phone number
- Please visit the Residential Experience section and Packing and Supply List page to learn about living arrangements on campus, what to bring, and what is available for purchase after arrival
- International students, and students currently living abroad, are automatically enrolled in the USC Student Health Insurance Policy for the duration of the program
- Due to the uncertainty of customs, students are responsible for their own travel arrangements to the USC campus
- USC Summer Programs cannot offer any early arrival or late departure accommodations, so please plan all flights and hotel reservations accordingly
- There is no guarantee students will be issued a visa — do not make final travel plans or buy tickets until students have a valid student visa, if needed
ADDITIONAL FEES FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
There are additional mandatory fees for international students. Some are paid directly to USC, and others are paid to the U.S. government. The university will not refund tuition or fees for USC Summer Programs students who are unable to enter the country due to an improper visa.
The table below summarizes the additional fees paid directly to USC, added to the base estimated cost for domestic residential students.
| Student Health Insurance Policy | $170 |
|---|---|
| I-20 Administration Fee | $350 |
| Estimated Cost of Attendance | $10,540 |
ESTIMATED VISA PROCESSING FEES PAID TO THE U.S. GOVERNMENT
- The price may vary from country to country
- The estimated total of these fees is $525
- The estimated total of these fees for citizens citizens of Canada and Bermuda is $350
Accepted international students must provide:
- A copy of their current passport
- A copy of their current I-20 (if currently attending high school in the U.S. on an F-1 visa) or other visa documentation
- Documentation of Financial Support*
*The U.S. government requires all international students to provide proof of the ability to pay tuition and fees. Along with supporting documents, international students must submit documentation of available funds (such as savings deposits, checking accounts, or a signed bank letter verifying the ability to pay educational expenses).
Note: To ensure application materials are received and processed, the student’s USC Summer Programs application and all supplemental materials should have their name as it appears on their passport.
RESOURCES
- The website of the USC Office of International Services (OIS) provides an excellent collection of information and resources to assist students studying in a foreign country
- For more information regarding visas and other necessary paperwork, contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate