USC International Academy
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At USC, you’ll get all the best parts of an American campus experience combined with world-class academics and a truly unique setting in the heart of Los Angeles.

An Unparalleled Education

There’s a reason why USC is a top destination for international students in the U.S.
Our reputation for cutting-edge research, personalized education with world-class faculty and powerful alumni network sets students up for future success. And don’t forget the extracurriculars: USC boasts a vibrant campus life in the U.S.’s second-largest city. Here you will encounter different perspectives, experience new cultures and collaborate with influential scholars and professionals who are making an impact in their fields.

49,000+

Students

150+

Countries represented

480,000+

Alumni worldwide

6

Nobel laureate

23

Top-ranked schools

1,200+

Student organizations

USC’s commitment to excellence in creative work and scholarly research prepares students to become innovative leaders across diverse industries. Studying at USC allows you to collaborate with influential scholars and professionals who are making an impact in their fields.

Our faculty members produce groundbreaking research addressing critical issues in society. They have preserved genocide survivors’ testimonies, pioneered internet protocols like the domain name system, created an antiviral drug to fight HIV and much more. Their achievements have been recognized by awards ranging from the Nobel Prize to the National Medal of Technology. USC faculty also hold memberships in the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering and the Institute of Medicine.

Explore Faculty Achievements
Browse Research Centers and Institutes
Michelson staff and faculty photographed during March 2018 at the USC Michelson Center for Convergent Bioscience. (Photo/Noé Montes)

Study in the Heart of LA

Just as USC has shaped the history of Los Angeles, the city has also shaped us. Best known as the home of the U.S. film and entertainment industry, the “City of Angels” is a global center of creativity, innovation, industry and culture. When you study at USC, you’ll benefit from LA’s booming business sectors, vibrant multiculturalism and unique setting with 292 days of sunshine per year.

As you make LA your new home, our team is here to help you at every stage of your journey. USC offers comprehensive support for international students ranging from health to safety to immigration matters.

    Accommodations

    During your time at USC, you can live in an on-campus dormitory or private apartment. All housing options are carefully selected by USC International Academy staff committed to supporting students throughout their living experience.

    Food

    From California cuisine to international offerings, you’ll never run out of food options in LA. USC International Academy students can also purchase a meal plan while at USC. The apartment meal plan is included for students living in campus housing in the fall and spring semesters.

    Transportation

    Yes, LA is known for its car culture — but did you know it also has a growing metro and bus network? Whether you’re headed downtown or taking a beach day, public transportation is easily accessible from USC. USC International Academy students receive a discount for Metro Bus/Rail Monthly Passes. The university also offers free transportation options for the USC community, including tram and bus services, Campus Cruisers and more.

    An American Campus Experience

    With beautifully landscaped parks, a multitude of fountains and many architecturally significant buildings, it’s no wonder the USC campus has been featured in iconic films across the decades. Although studying at USC may feel like a movie at times, here are some important, real-life resources to ensure your campus experience goes smoothly.

    • From the expansive archival collections of its libraries to the sophisticated technology at its medical center, USC’s state-of-the-art facilities provide the tools and services to support USC International Academy students’ academic pursuits and personal well-being. Make use of:

      • Twenty-three campus libraries with technology-enhanced spaces to support individual or group study and easy access to thousands of academic publications
      • Campus computing labs provide almost 1,000 high-power personal computers and workstations in public computing centers
      • Tutoring and conversation groups enable students to boost their conversational English skills or get individualized help with class assignments in a comfortable, supportive environment
      • A landscape that is optimized for learning, including quiet benches, lush parks and comfortable common areas across campus

    • USC International Academy students have full access to the USC Engemann Student Health Center on campus. A wide range of medical services are offered to help students maintain an optimum level of physical and mental health and to guide them in the prevention of illnesses.

      Is staying active important to you? As a USC student, you’ll also have access to:

      • The Lyon Recreation Center
      • The USC Village Fitness Center, offering three state-of-the-art fitness studios, a well-equipped weight room and an extensive selection of ellipticals, bikes and treadmills
      • The Uytengsu Aquatics Center, home of the 1984 Olympics
      • The main gym, with 21,800 square feet for basketball, badminton and volleyball
      • A state-of-the-art weight room
      • Intramural sports, club sports teams and recreational interest clubs
      • Racquetball and squash courts
      • Locker and changing room facilities
      • Fitness classes (for an additional fee)
      • A beautiful, green campus with wide sidewalks perfect for running and jogging

    • With one of the nation’s largest campus security offices, USC is committed to the safety of its students. Here are some of the ways we keep campus secure:

      • USC officers patrol the community areas surrounding the campus and work closely with the Los Angeles Police Department
      • The LiveSafe Mobile Safety App, managed by the USC Department of Public Safety and the USC Department of Emergency Planning, allows users to report suspicious activity, contact emergency responders and request to be virtually escorted with SafeWalk
      • The USC TrojansAlert system allows students to receive texts about emergency situations
      • The USC Lyft Rides Program gives students access to free rideshare rides in select areas
      • The USC Department of Public Safety has a dedicated page on safety tips
      • Students can check out USC’s Emergency Resources for more information

    • There’s a lot to see and do at USC outside the classroom. Get involved in campus clubs, student organizations, academic conferences and more: