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Through world-class test preparation, academic English coursework and unparalleled support by USC admissions advisers, the Master’s Preparation Program helps you apply for admission to the U.S. graduate school of your choice.
Who Is This Program For?
This program is for students who want to pursue graduate studies in the United States, but haven’t taken the TOEFL iBT, IELTS, GRE or GMAT — or whose scores don’t meet minimum requirements for direct admission to their college or university of interest.
What Are the Minimum Entry Requirements?
- Bachelor’s degree
- High-intermediate English level
Academic Background
Master’s Preparation applicants must have earned a bachelor’s degree that is recognized by their home country’s ministry of education and is equivalent to a four-year U.S. bachelor’s degree.
English Proficiency
Master’s Preparation applicants must have at least a high-intermediate level of English to be considered for admission. This is equivalent to one of the following:
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- TOEFL iBT 61+
- IELTS Academic 5.5+
- PTE Academic 44+
- Cambridge 162+
If you are not sure about your English proficiency or do not meet this requirement, simply apply to the Academy’s Intensive English Program. We will determine your level and help you progress to the Master’s Preparation Program when you qualify.
Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to any USC degree program.
Dates and Costs
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Each semester is 14–15 weeks long (approximately four months) and takes place in the fall, spring or summer. View the calendar for more information.
2025
Fall Semester: September 4, 2025 – December 10, 20252026
Spring Semester: January 8, 2026 – April 21, 2026
Summer Semester: April 30, 2026 – August 5, 2026
Fall Semester: September 3, 2026 – December 9, 2026 -
Spaces are still available for subsequent terms. Overseas students are advised to apply as early as possible to ensure the student visa is secured in time.
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2025 and 2026
Program Fee: $13,500 (USD)
University Service Fee: $950 (USD)The required university service fee covers the cost of textbooks and materials, health insurance, access to campus facilities (medical center, gym, computer labs and more), airport shuttle transportation and issuance of immigration documents.
How to Apply
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To begin the process, please visit 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.
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Please assemble the following documents:
- Financial statement
- Copy of your passport page
- Copy of English language test results (if available)
- Copy of your university transcripts
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The application fee is $195 (USD) and is non-refundable. The fee is paid online when you submit your application.
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Application processing takes five to seven business days after we receive your application. If your eligibility to the Master’s Preparation Program is approved, you will receive notification by email that includes an acceptance letter by USC International Academy.
To secure your space in the Master’s Preparation 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 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.
Supporting Documents
Supporting documents should be uploaded to the Supporting Documents section of the online application. If you are experiencing problems uploading documents, please email us for further instructions at info-international@usc.edu.
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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.
Your financial statement must show a minimum available balance of:
- One semester(~4 months): $23,194 USD
- Two semesters (~8 months): $46,388 USD
- Three semesters (~12 months): $69,578 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 the name on these documents must be written in English.
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If you have taken the TOEFL iBT, IELTS Academic, PTE Academic or Cambridge English exam, please upload your official score report in the “Supporting Documents” section of the online application. English-proficiency scores must be dated within two years (24 months) of the date you submit your graduate application.
The following test scores are accepted:
- TOEFL iBT Test
- TOEFL iBT Test Home Edition
- IELTS Academic
- PTE Academic
- PTE Academic Online
- Cambridge English
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If admitted to the Master’s Preparation program, please bring your official transcripts from all colleges, universities and post-secondary institutions you have previously attended with you to USC International Academy. For more details on preparing for your arrival, please visit our Before You Arrive page.