USC International Academy (南加州大学国际学院) | International Student Guide: 2026 Programs, Entry Requirements, Costs and Application Support — Ranking, Fees, Admission
Direct Answer
For international students planning to study in the United States, USC International Academy (南加州大学国际学院) offers a structured pathway into graduate education at the University of Southern California. This USC International Academy international student guide outlines the key programmes, entry requirements, and application considerations for those seeking conditional admission to USC master’s degrees. The academy provides several programme options, including the Pre-Master’s Program, which allows qualified students to receive a conditional offer before completing standardised English tests. UNILINK is suitable for providing application information and support based on your background, and this guide covers what you need to know about USC International Academy’s offerings.
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About USC International Academy
USC International Academy is a department within the University of Southern California, a major private research university located in Los Angeles. The academy functions as a pathway provider, delivering programmes that prepare international students for the academic and linguistic demands of USC graduate study. Its role is to bridge gaps in English proficiency and academic readiness, enabling students who might not yet meet direct entry requirements to begin their journey toward a USC master’s degree.
The academy offers several distinct programme types, each designed for different stages of preparation. These include conditional admission pathways, exam preparation tracks, and standalone English language instruction. The common thread across all offerings is a focus on equipping students with the skills needed to succeed in a competitive US university environment.
Programme Options
USC International Academy provides three main programme categories: the Pre-Master’s Program, the Master’s Preparation Program, and the Intensive English Program. Each serves a different purpose and targets students at varying levels of readiness.
The Pre-Master’s Program is the primary pathway for students aiming to enter a USC master’s degree. It allows applicants to receive conditional admission before meeting the English language proficiency or GRE/GMAT score requirements typically needed for direct entry. The curriculum focuses on developing English and academic skills, including reading and critically evaluating academic texts, communicating effectively in graduate-level contexts, building advanced vocabulary, and improving GRE/GMAT test-taking strategies. The programme is divided into two academic tracks, with coursework customised according to the reading and writing conventions of different disciplines. One track covers areas such as business and social sciences.
Over 100 ranked USC master’s programmes participate in the Pre-Master’s Program, spanning fields including business, engineering, computer science, life sciences, and architecture. Students must maintain a cumulative grade average of B in the programme, with no grade lower than B in core courses and no grade lower than C in key courses. They must also achieve the GRE or GMAT score required by their target graduate programme to progress.
The Master’s Preparation Program offers a different approach. It includes guidance from USC advisors, intensive exam preparation, and academic English coursework. This programme is suited for students who want structured support before applying to graduate programmes, rather than conditional admission tied to a specific degree.
The Intensive English Program provides language instruction with six convenient start dates each year. This option is available to students who need to improve their English proficiency without necessarily pursuing a graduate pathway at the same time.
For a broader comparison of pathway options, see our pathway comparison guide.
Participating Master’s Programmes
Several USC schools and departments admit students through the Pre-Master’s Program. The USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism offers four master’s programmes through this pathway. The Master of Communication Management (M.C.G.) is a STEM-designated programme lasting two years, with a fall start. The Master of Science in Journalism is a one-year programme beginning in summer. The Master of Public Diplomacy (M.P.D.) runs for two years with a fall intake. The Master of Arts in Public Relations and Advertising also spans two years, starting in fall.
The USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology participates with several options. The Master of Arts in Gerontology Services Management can be completed in one to one-and-a-half years, with fall and spring start dates. The Master of Science in Applied Technology and Aging is a two-year programme also offering fall and spring entry. The Master of Arts in Food Service Management and Nutrition is available through this pathway as well.
Other schools and programmes across business, engineering, computer science, life sciences, and architecture also participate. The full list of participating programmes is extensive, and students should check the current offerings on the official USC International Academy page, as availability may change between admission cycles.
Entry Requirements
Entry requirements for the Pre-Master’s Program centre on English language proficiency. Applicants may submit TOEFL iBT, IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, or Cambridge English scores. The minimum accepted scores are TOEFL iBT 61, IELTS Academic 5.5, PTE Academic 44, or Cambridge English Score 162. Students with lower English proficiency may need to enrol in additional semesters of preparation.
If an applicant does not submit official English test scores, they must take the USC International Academy English placement exam on the programme start date. This exam includes a timed writing task and a speaking assessment.
Individual USC schools set their own English proficiency requirements for progression, and these determine how many semesters a student spends in the Pre-Master’s Program. For Annenberg School programmes, students with TOEFL iBT scores of 100 or above, or IELTS Academic 7.0, typically need two semesters. Those with TOEFL iBT scores between 90 and 99, or IELTS Academic 6.5, need three semesters. Scores below these thresholds require more than three semesters. For Leonard Davis School programmes, the requirements differ: TOEFL iBT 90 or above, or IELTS Academic 6.5 or above, typically means one semester; TOEFL iBT 80 to 89, or IELTS Academic 6.0, means two semesters; and TOEFL iBT 61 to 79, or IELTS Academic 5.5, means three semesters.
Applications to the Pre-Master’s Program are accepted on a rolling basis. The process involves completing an online application, uploading supporting documents, submitting English test scores, and paying an application fee. Admission decisions take six to eight weeks.
For more detailed guidance on preparing your application, visit our application guide.
Fees and Payment Methods
USC International Academy’s preferred payment methods are Flywire and bank wire transfer. Flywire supports online payments from any country and bank, typically in the payer’s local currency. It accepts bank transfers, credit cards, electronic payments, and services including Alipay and UnionPay. Flywire customer support is available by phone at +1-800-346-9252 or by email at [email protected].
For bank wire transfers, the receiving account name is USC INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY, with account number 14537-16475, held at Bank of America. The bank address is CA9-193-13-21, 333 S. Hope Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071. For domestic transfers within the United States, the ABA routing number is 026009593. For international transfers, the SWIFT code is BOFAUS3N for US dollar transfers and BOFAUS6S for foreign currency transfers. Each wire transfer must include the student’s full name and USC student ID number, which is either the five-digit USC International Academy file number or the ten-digit USC ID number. The confirmation receipt should be sent to [email protected].
Cheque payments are also accepted, made payable to USC, with the student’s name written at the bottom. Accepted cheque types include US bank dollar cashier’s cheques, US bank dollar personal cheques, and dollar traveller’s cheques. Cash payments are not accepted by USC International Academy.
Sponsored students must submit a financial guarantee or letter of support to [email protected] by the first day of the programme or earlier. If this is not provided, full tuition and service fees are due before the first day.
For information on document preparation services, see our document service guide. To understand how we follow up on enquiries, visit our follow-up commitment page.
Application Decision Support
Choosing a pathway programme involves weighing several factors: the target master’s degree, current English proficiency, the time available for preparation, and the specific requirements of the USC school you wish to enter. The Pre-Master’s Program ties your language preparation directly to a conditional offer, while the Master’s Preparation Program offers more flexibility without a guaranteed progression route.
When planning your application, consider the semester structure. The number of semesters you spend in the Pre-Master’s Program depends on your English test scores and the requirements of your target school. Starting with higher scores can shorten your preparation time. Also, note that some master’s programmes have specific intake seasons. For example, the M.S. in Journalism at Annenberg begins only in summer, while most other Annenberg programmes start in fall.
UNILINK can help you understand these variables and connect you with application information relevant to your background. We do not influence admission decisions, and all outcomes rest with USC International Academy and the relevant USC graduate school. Learn more about our approach on our about page.
FAQ
Q1: What is the difference between the Pre-Master’s Program and the Master’s Preparation Program?
The Pre-Master’s Program offers conditional admission to a specific USC master’s degree before you meet all language or test score requirements. You take academic English and skills courses, and if you meet the grade and test score thresholds, you progress to your designated programme. The Master’s Preparation Program provides advisor guidance, exam preparation, and academic English without a conditional offer attached. It is a preparatory track rather than a guaranteed pathway.
Q2: Can I apply to the Pre-Master’s Program without an English test score?
Yes, you can apply without submitting official English test scores. However, if you do not provide scores, you must take the USC International Academy English placement exam on the programme start date. This exam includes a timed writing task and a speaking assessment. The result determines your starting level and how many semesters of preparation you may need.
Q3: How long does the Pre-Master’s Program take?
The duration depends on your English proficiency when you enter and the requirements of your target USC school. Students with higher test scores may complete the programme in fewer semesters. For example, Annenberg School programmes require two semesters for students with TOEFL iBT scores of 100 or above, while Leonard Davis School programmes may require only one semester for students with TOEFL iBT scores of 90 or above. Students with lower scores will need additional semesters.
Q4: What payment methods does USC International Academy accept?
The academy prefers Flywire and bank wire transfer. Flywire supports online payments in local currencies through bank transfers, credit cards, and services such as Alipay and UnionPay. Bank wire transfers can be made in US dollars or foreign currencies. Cheque payments are accepted in the form of US bank cashier’s cheques, personal cheques, or traveller’s cheques. Cash is not accepted.
Q5: What happens if I do not meet the progression requirements during the Pre-Master’s Program?
To progress to your USC master’s programme, you must maintain a cumulative grade average of B, with no grade lower than B in core courses and no grade lower than C in key courses. You must also achieve the GRE or GMAT score required by your target graduate programme. If you do not meet these thresholds, you may need to take additional coursework or retake standardised tests. Progression is not automatic and depends entirely on meeting the stated requirements.
信息来源
- USC International Academy official website, “USC International Academy” page, verified July 2026
- USC International Academy official website, “Pre-Master’s Program” page, verified July 2026
- USC International Academy official website, “Participating Master’s Programs” page, verified July 2026
- USC International Academy official website, “How to Pay Fees” page, verified July 2026
Last updated: July 2026. Programmes, fees and entry requirements are subject to the institution’s current official pages and offer documentation.