USC International Academy
Language school, English courses in Los Angeles, The United States
The USC International Academy is the unit of the University of Southern California (USC), a private research university in Los Angeles, that helps international students strengthen their academic English and prepare for study in the U.S. It offers three programmes:
- Pre-Master's Program: conditional admission to one of more than 100 participating USC master's programmes before taking the required English or GRE/GMAT tests
- Master's Preparation Program: advising, intensive test preparation and academic English coursework for future master's applicants
- Intensive English Program: personalised English instruction with cultural activities and academic support, with six start dates a year
Pre-Master's students follow one of two tracks (Business, Social Sciences and Arts, or Science, Technology and Health), with courses in academic English, communication skills and GRE/GMAT preparation. To progress to their master's programme they need a B average and the GRE/GMAT score their programme requires. Minimum entry requirements are a bachelor's degree, a cumulative GPA of 3.0 and a high-intermediate English level, for example IELTS Academic 5.5 or TOEFL iBT 61.
Housing such as the Cardinal Gardens Apartments is available to enrolled Academy students. The Academy is based at the Davidson Conference Center on the USC campus and also has an Asia admissions office in Beijing.
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Admission
Pre-Master's Program applicants need:
- A bachelor's degree recognised in their home country and equivalent to a four-year U.S. bachelor's degree
- A cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (some master's programmes require more)
- English test scores such as TOEFL iBT 61, IELTS Academic 5.5, PTE Academic 44 or Cambridge English 162
Applications go through USC's online application system with transcripts, a financial statement, a passport copy, English scores, a CV if applicable and a statement of purpose. Applicants without an official score take the Academy's English placement exam at orientation. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Fees
Pre-Master's Program fees (US$):
- 2027: programme fee US$13,500, university service fee US$750 and health insurance fee US$1,050 (can be waived)
- 2026: programme fee US$13,500 and university service fee US$950
- Application fee: US$195, non-refundable; tuition deposit of US$2,500 to confirm a place
Housing in the Cardinal Gardens Apartments (twin room in a shared two-bedroom apartment, 60 meals) costs US$8,200 per semester from Fall 2026 to Fall 2027, plus a non-refundable US$150 processing fee. Intensive English Program fees are not listed on the pages checked.
Deadlines
Pre-Master's Program application deadlines (priority is given to Round 1 applicants):
- Spring 2027: 16 October 2026 (Round 1), 30 October 2026 (Round 2)
- Summer 2027: 19 February 2027 (Round 1), 5 March 2027 (Round 2)
- Fall 2027: 18 June 2027 (Round 1), 2 July 2027 (Round 2)
Processing takes on average six to eight weeks after a complete application.
Housing
University housing is reserved for enrolled Academy students and is subject to availability. Students may be placed in the furnished Cardinal Gardens Apartments, on or next to campus, with university meal plans; a twin room in a shared two-bedroom apartment with 60 meals costs US$8,200 per semester (Fall 2026). A non-refundable US$150 processing fee is due with the request, and housing fees must be paid within 72 hours of confirmation, so students should apply as soon as they are admitted. Privately owned apartments are also available nearby, and the Academy Housing Coordinator helps students find them.
Subjects taught
- Philology, Languages, Literature
- Language Courses
- Language Courses and Cultural Immersion Programs