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ACADEMY ADMISSIONS
MASTER'S PREPARATION PROGRAM
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).
- Bachelor’s degree
- High-intermediate English level
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.
Master’s Preparation applicants must have at least a high-intermediate level of English to be considered for admission. This is equivalent to:
- TOEFL iBT 61+/IELTS 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
Your English level of proficiency will determine whether you are placed in MP 1, MP 2, or MP 3. Each of these levels is one semester long (14 weeks) and takes place in the fall, spring, and summer.
IELTS 6.5+
PTE Academic 61+
Cambridge English 176+
IELTS 6+
PTE Academic 53+
Cambridge English 169+
IELTS 5.5+
PTE Academic 44+
Cambridge English 162+
Haven’t taken the TOEFL iBT or IELTS? Apply to the Intensive English Program and we will place you in the most suitable class for your English level.
Each semester is 14-15 weeks long (approximately 4 months) and takes place in the fall, spring, and summer.
Fall Semester: September 5, 2024 – December 11, 2024
Spring Semester: January 9, 2025 – April 22, 2025
Summer Semester: May 1, 2025 – August 6, 2025
Fall Semester: September 4, 2025 – December 10, 2025
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.
2024 & 2025
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, & more), airport shuttle transportation, and issuance of immigration documents.
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.
- Financial Statement
- Copy of your passport page
- Copy of English language test results (if available)
- Copy of your university transcripts
The application fee is $175 USD and is non-refundable. The fee is paid online when you submit your application.
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: 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.
Your financial statement must show a minimum available balance of:
- One semester(~4 months): $22,874 USD
- Two semesters (~8 months): $45,748 USD
- Three semesters (~12 months): $68,624 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 PLUS 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.
If you have taken the TOEFL iBT, IELTS, PTE Academic or Cambridge English exam, please upload your official score report in the Supporting Documents section of the online application. Scores must be dated no earlier than 2 years (24 months) prior to the start date of your intended first semester at the Master’s Preparation Program to be considered valid.
The following test scores are accepted: TOEFL iBT Test, TOEFL iBT Test Home Edition, IELTS Academic, IELTS Indicator, PTE Academic, PTE Academic Online, Cambridge English.
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.
Application processing takes 5-7 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 $1000 tuition deposit at least 30 days before the program start date. After you confirm your enrollment and pay the deposit, we will mail 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 In 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.
- Receive acceptance letter from USC International Academy
- Declare your intent to enroll by paying $1000 tuition deposit
- Receive you admissions packet including the letter of admission, pre-arrival information and Form I-20 by e-mail