USC International Academy
  • Intensive English Program
  • Intensive English Admissions

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The student procession makes its way to their seats during new student convocation, Aug. 22, 2024.(USC Photo/Gus Ruelas)

Achieve your academic and professional goals by improving your English at USC, while benefiting from start dates designed to fit your schedule.

Apply for Intensive English Program

This program is for students and professionals who want to improve their English for academic or professional purposes and need flexible start dates.

What Are the Minimum Entry Requirements?

  • Be at least 17 years old
  • Obtain an F-1 student visa (we will issue the necessary documents for your visa application upon admission)

USC International Academy Intensive English Program (IEP) applicants must be at least 17 years old and show sufficient financial capability. Students must obtain an F-1 student visa upon admission in order to study at the Academy’s IEP.

Please note there is no minimum English proficiency requirement for the Intensive English Program.

The Intensive English Program is offered year-round with seven start dates throughout the year. Students can study at the Intensive English Program until they reach their desired level of English proficiency.

It is possible to enroll in multiple semesters or sessions in advance.

  • To begin the process, please go to USC International Academy’s online application system. If it is your first time applying, you will need to create a username and password to access the application.

    You can also download the Intensive English Application Form. Students submitting PDF applications should email the completed form along with supporting documents to info-international@usc.edu.

  • Please assemble the following documents:

    • Financial statement
    • Copy of your passport page

  • The total application fee is $195 USD and is non-refundable. The fee is paid online via credit card when you submit your application.

  • Applicants should allow five to seven business days for complete applications to be processed. If you are admitted to the Intensive English Program, you will receive notification by email that includes an acceptance letter by USC International Academy.

    To secure your space in the Intensive English Program, you must confirm your intent to enroll online and pay the $1,000 tuition deposit at least 30 days before the program start date. After you confirm your enrollment and pay the deposit, we will email you a welcome packet that includes the Form I-20.

    If you are transferring to USC International Academy from another school in the United States, please fill out the top portion of the Transfer Form and then take it to the immigration adviser at your current school. Your adviser will update your SEVIS record so that your new I-20 can be created.

Upload your financial statement and passport page to the “Supporting Documents” section of the online application. If you experience problems submitting your documents, please email us for further instructions at info-international@usc.edu.

  • The United States government requires all international applicants to provide proof of ability to pay tuition and living expenses before a formal letter of admission or the forms needed for obtaining a visa can be issued.

    Here are the minimum available balances that your financial statement must show, depending on your program.

    Summer Intensive English Program

    • One session (around two months) : $8,097 (USD)
    • Two sessions (around four months): $16,194 (USD)

    Intensive English Program Academic Semester

    • One Semester (around four months) : $16,194 (USD)
    • Two semesters (around eight months): $32,388 (USD)
    • Three semesters (around 12 months): $48,578 (USD)

    Intensive English Program Extended Academic Semester

    • One Extended Academic Semester (around six months): $24,291 (USD)

    This amount would be enough for all of your educational and living expenses.

    One of the following is required for your financial statement:

    • A current personal bank statement or letter from your bank
    • A bank statement from your parent, guardian, employer or sponsor and a current letter of support
    • A scholarship letter from your government or sponsoring organization

    Please note that documents need to be dated and the name on these documents must be written in English.