Is the University of Southern California public or private?

USC is a private research university in Los Angeles, founded in 1880. It is institutionally accredited by the WSCUC Senior College and University Commission.

Can international students apply to USC undergraduate programmes?

Yes, USC accepts international first-year applicants through its undergraduate admission route. For 2026-27, USC says SAT or ACT scores are not required, but applicants must provide financial documentation for at least the first academic year.

What English scores does USC require for graduate admission?

USC does not set one universal minimum for every graduate programme, but its general guidance lists TOEFL 100 for PhD and 90 for master's programmes, with section minimums, and IELTS 7 for PhD and 6.5 for master's programmes. Departments may set higher requirements or exemptions.

How much does USC cost for international students?

USC's 2026-27 undergraduate estimate is $103,162 on campus including tuition, fees, housing, daily living and other allowances. USC's standard graduate financial estimate is $80,133 for tuition, fees and living, while school-specific totals such as the full-time MBA are higher.

How do international graduate applicants apply to USC?

Applicants review the intended department's requirements, complete USC's online graduate application, pay the applicable fee, submit transcripts, English scores and programme materials, and track the application through USC. Deadlines and supplemental requirements vary by programme.

Does USC offer scholarships to international students?

USC says international undergraduate applicants are eligible for merit scholarships if they meet the appropriate deadline, but no USC merit scholarship covers the full cost of attendance. Need-based aid is not offered to international undergraduates, so applicants must show funding.

What visa support does USC provide?

After admission and financial review, USC's international offices process the I-20 or DS-2019 documentation needed for eligible students to apply for an F-1 or J-1 visa. Students should verify current U.S. government requirements separately before travel.

Is an USC LLM open to applicants without a law degree?

USC Gould's LLM is intended for applicants with a JD, LLB or equivalent first law degree, generally earned outside the United States. Applicants without a prior law degree should review Gould's separate legal master's options instead.

Is the University of Southern California public or private?

USC is a private research university in Los Angeles, founded in 1880. It is institutionally accredited by the WSCUC Senior College and University Commission.

Can international students apply to USC undergraduate programmes?

Yes, USC accepts international first-year applicants through its undergraduate admission route. For 2026-27, USC says SAT or ACT scores are not required, but applicants must provide financial documentation for at least the first academic year.

What English scores does USC require for graduate admission?

USC does not set one universal minimum for every graduate programme, but its general guidance lists TOEFL 100 for PhD and 90 for master's programmes, with section minimums, and IELTS 7 for PhD and 6.5 for master's programmes. Departments may set higher requirements or exemptions.

How much does USC cost for international students?

USC's 2026-27 undergraduate estimate is $103,162 on campus including tuition, fees, housing, daily living and other allowances. USC's standard graduate financial estimate is $80,133 for tuition, fees and living, while school-specific totals such as the full-time MBA are higher.

How do international graduate applicants apply to USC?

Applicants review the intended department's requirements, complete USC's online graduate application, pay the applicable fee, submit transcripts, English scores and programme materials, and track the application through USC. Deadlines and supplemental requirements vary by programme.

Does USC offer scholarships to international students?

USC says international undergraduate applicants are eligible for merit scholarships if they meet the appropriate deadline, but no USC merit scholarship covers the full cost of attendance. Need-based aid is not offered to international undergraduates, so applicants must show funding.

What visa support does USC provide?

After admission and financial review, USC's international offices process the I-20 or DS-2019 documentation needed for eligible students to apply for an F-1 or J-1 visa. Students should verify current U.S. government requirements separately before travel.

Is an USC LLM open to applicants without a law degree?

USC Gould's LLM is intended for applicants with a JD, LLB or equivalent first law degree, generally earned outside the United States. Applicants without a prior law degree should review Gould's separate legal master's options instead.

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PhD Computer Science at University of Southern California

Academic structure, teaching phases, and curriculum for PhD Computer Science at University of Southern California.

Written by Students Traffic Research Team·Updated On: 12 Jul 2026

University of Southern California campus overview

University of Southern CaliforniaLos Angeles, United StatesPhD Computer Science · Private$66,709/yr

Academics eligibility recognition admissions fees

Academic structure

Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science

Duration—5 yearsMedium—EnglishIntake—August

Teaching phases

1

Research coursework, qualifying milestones and dissertation

USC Viterbi doctoral applicants should identify a research area and review current department requirements, faculty fit and funding terms before applying.

Tuition fee and hostel estimate

Year-wise cost data is not currently published for this program.

Applying to University of Southern California?

Students Traffic verifies seat availability, checks current recognition status, and prepares your complete application for University of Southern California. The consultation is free.

Call us Compare colleges

PhD Computer Science at University of Southern California

Academic structure, teaching phases, and curriculum for PhD Computer Science at University of Southern California.

Written by Students Traffic Research Team·Updated On: 12 Jul 2026

University of Southern CaliforniaLos Angeles, United StatesPhD Computer Science · Private$66,709/yr

Academics eligibility recognition admissions fees

Academic structure

Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science

Duration—5 yearsMedium—EnglishIntake—August

Teaching phases

1

Research coursework, qualifying milestones and dissertation

USC Viterbi doctoral applicants should identify a research area and review current department requirements, faculty fit and funding terms before applying.

Tuition fee and hostel estimate

Year-wise cost data is not currently published for this program.

Applying to University of Southern California?

Students Traffic verifies seat availability, checks current recognition status, and prepares your complete application for University of Southern California. The consultation is free.

Call us Compare colleges

Training & support

Practical training & industry exposure

USC's published academic portfolio connects applied learning to named schools and facilities: Viterbi describes project-based engineering and data-science work; Marshall lists case competitions, cross-functional teams and projects with industry mentorship; Keck's MPH includes a practicum; and Cinematic Arts MFA programmes use production and portfolio work. USC's career and international offices provide advising, but outcomes and work authorisation depend on the programme, employer and immigration rules.

Industry & placement partners

Named school-level links include Los Angeles technology, entertainment, healthcare, public-sector and research organisations; USC does not publish one universal employer guarantee for all programmes.

Training & support

Practical training & industry exposure

USC's published academic portfolio connects applied learning to named schools and facilities: Viterbi describes project-based engineering and data-science work; Marshall lists case competitions, cross-functional teams and projects with industry mentorship; Keck's MPH includes a practicum; and Cinematic Arts MFA programmes use production and portfolio work. USC's career and international offices provide advising, but outcomes and work authorisation depend on the programme, employer and immigration rules.

Industry & placement partners

Named school-level links include Los Angeles technology, entertainment, healthcare, public-sector and research organisations; USC does not publish one universal employer guarantee for all programmes.