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Columbia, South Carolina
About UofSC
Location: Columbia, South Carolina
Enrollment: 34,795
Setting: Urban
Type: Public, Co-Ed
City Population: 133,451
Climate: 14.6°C - 35°C
U.S. News Rank: #118
International Student Rate: 2.4%

The University of South Carolina is a top research school located in the charming Southern city of Columbia, South Carolina. UofSC is known for its strong academics, internship opportunities and generous community spirit.

Why UofSC?

The University of South Carolina offers nationally acclaimed undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs. Dedicated to providing you with innovative academics and career opportunities, we prepare our students to be tomorrow’s leaders.

  • #1 Sport Science Program—Shanghai Ranking of World Universities, 2018
  • 6th Safest Campus in the Nation—ADT Security, 2018
  • 100+ countries represented on campus
  • 300,000 alumni worldwide
  • Partnerships with Fortune 500 companies like Boeing, IBM and Fluor Corp. provide internship opportunities on campus
Get Involved at UofSC
  • 500+ student organizations, honor societies and club sports
  • 19 Division I athletic teams including basketball and football
  • State-of-the-art wellness and fitness facilities
  • Walking distance from the Main Street district, home to many of Columbia’s boutiques, restaurants and shops
Columbia, SC: Traditional Meets Modern

As the capital of South Carolina, Columbia offers big-city opportunities with a touch of small-town Southern charm.

  • Stroll along one of Columbia’s three rivers
  • Shop outdoors in the Congaree Vista, a popular area for shopping and dining and entertainment
  • Enjoy cultural events, art galleries or a concert
Weather & Climate

Located in the southeastern United States, South Carolina is known for its hot, sunny climate and short, mild winters.

Nearby Charleston

With its unparalleled history and charm, Charleston is an iconic part of American culture – and it’s only an hour and a half away.

  • Top City in the United States—Travel + Leisure, 2018
  • #10 Best Cities in the World—Travel + Leisure, 2018
  • Feast on traditional Southern cuisine and fresh seafood
  • Explore beach towns like Sullivan’s Island and Isle of Palm

As an international student enrolling at a select U.S. News Global Education school, you will have access to exclusive programs and services.

To make your transition as easy as possible, our enrollment counselors set you up for success with:

Application Assistance
  • Streamlined application process
  • Assigned counselor
  • Major/field of study guidance
Pre-Arrival Guidance
  • Visa interview help
  • Prep webinars & checklists
  • Help with required forms

Campus Transition
  • Airport welcome
  • Student & parent orientation
  • Cultural group outings
Academic Support
  • Classes for your academic level
  • English-language & ESL help
  • Tutoring support
Career Growth
  • Career Accelerator Program
  • Internship assistance
  • Job search help
I'm looking forward to
Undergraduate Programs
Graduate Programs
Major Lists
College of Arts and Sciences

African American Studies

Anthropology

Art Education

Art History

Art, Studio

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Biological Sciences

Cardiovascular Technology

Chemistry

Chinese Studies

Classics

Comparative Literature

Criminology and Criminal

Dance

Economics

English

Environmental Science

Environmental Studies

European Studies

Film and Media Studies

French

Geography

Geological Sciences

Geophysics

German

History

International Studies

Justice

Latin American Studies

Marine Science

Mathematics

Media Arts

Philosophy

Physics

Political Science

Science

Psychology

Religious Studies

Russian

Sociology

Spanish

Statistics

Women’s and Gender Studies

Darla Moore School of Business

Accounting

Business Economics

Finance

International Business

Management

Management Science

Marketing

Real Estate

Risk and Insurance Management

College of Education

Early Childhood Education

Elementary Education

Middle Level Education

Physical Education

College of Engineering

Biomedical Engineering

Chemical Engineering

Civil and Environmental Engineering

Computer Engineering

Computer Information Systems

Computer Science

Electrical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

College of Hospitality, Retail, & Sports Management

Hospitality Management

Integrated Information Technology

Interdisciplinary Studies

Retailing with Specialization in Retail Management or Fashion Merchandising

Sport and Entertainment Management

Tourism Management

College of Information and Communications

Advertising

Broadcast Journalism

Information Science

Journalism

Public Relations

Visual Communications

School of Music

Composition

Music Education

Band, Strings, Vocal

Jazz Studies

Performance

Brass, Guitar, Organ, Percussion, Piano, Strings, Voice, Woodwinds

Theory

College of Nursing

Nursing

College of Pharmacy

Pharmacy (B.S. to Pharm.D. six-year program)

Arnold School of Public Health

Exercise Science

Public Health

College of Social Work

Social Work

South Carolina Honors College

Baccalaureus Artium et Scientiae

B.A. (B.S.)/J.D. (six-year pre-law/law degree program)

Dates & Costs

For the latest application dates and program costs information, please click here.

Entry Requirements

International Direct students may pursue any of the 140 undergraduate degree options offered. However, many degree programs have unique entry and progression requirements based on academic background and performance.

Have a question about a specific degree? Our admissions team would be happy to help.

INTERNATIONAL DIRECT
Two Semesters
ACADEMIC ACCELERATOR (AAP)
Two Semesters
EXTENDED ACCELERATOR (EAP)
Three Semesters
PRE-SESSIONAL ENGLISH
9-17 weeks
GPA Requirement 3.0 GPA or equivalent 2.5 GPA or equivalent 2.5 GPA or equivalent 2.5 GPA or equivalent
TOEFL® Requirement 77; No subscore below 18 68; No subscore below 14 60; No subscore below 12 <60
IELTS™ Requirement 6.5+; No subscore below 6.0 5.5; No subscore below 5.0 5.0; No subscore below 4.5 <5.0
ITEP Requirement 4.5+ 3.5; No subscore below 3.0 3.0; No subscore below 2.5 2.5
Additional Admissions Requirements* Post-secondary credit
requires additional review
Post-secondary credit
requires additional review
Post-secondary credit
requires additional review
Post-secondary credit
requires additional review

All students will take an English language assessment test during their orientation. This test is the primary means for final placement and could vary from the preliminary placement identified on your offer letter. As a result, the length of study may be longer than originally anticipated, and involve additional costs including tuition and other fees.

*Students with post-secondary studies applying to through USC’s International Direct are subject to the following additional requirements:

1. Students who have studied university level courses after completion of high school must meet current secondary school GPA requirements (U.S. equivalent of a 2.5 secondary school GPA) as well as a 2.5 average collegiate GPA for all post-secondary college credits.
2. Vocational, diploma and ESL studies are not considered in the admissions review process.
3. Students with more than 18 credits of transferable credit are not eligible for the International Accelerator Program.
4. Students applying for the Integrated Accelerator may have additional GPA requirements to be admitted into their desired major. Details can be found here.
5. A course-by-course evaluation of all post-secondary college credit must be submitted to a NACES accredited evaluation service (WES, Silny) as soon as possible after admission to ensure that transfer credit can be awarded. This evaluation must be submitted prior to the registration period for the second term. For more information on course-by-course evaluation, click here.

Major Lists
Arnold School of Public Health

Exercise Science, MS (STEM designated)

Environmental Science, MS (STEM designated)

Collect of Arts and Sciences

Criminology and Criminal Justice, MA

College of Engineering and Computing

Aerospace Engineering (ME/MS) STEM Designated

Biomedical Engineering (ME/MS) STEM Designated

Chemical Engineering (ME/MS) STEM Designated

Civil Engineering (ME/MS) STEM Designated

Electrical Engineering (ME/MS) STEM Designated

Mechanical Engineering (ME/MS) STEM Designated

Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurial Engineering (MS)

College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management

International Hospitality and Tourism Management, MIHTM

Sport and Entertainment Management, MSEM

Dates & Costs

For the latest application dates and program costs information, please click here.

Living Expenses

Estimated Living Expenses: 2 Semesters (10 Months)
Estimated Housing Costs: $8,380 – $12,474 USD
Estimated Mandatory Health Insurance: $2,000 USD
Estimated Total Living Expenses: $11,860 USD

Note: Estimated total living expense is for housing and health insurance only and does not include dining, transportation, books and other incidental costs. Students should budget accordingly.

Have questions? We’re happy to help.
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Location:
Columbia, South Carolina
About UofSC
Location: Columbia, South Carolina
Enrollment: 34,795
Setting: Urban
Type: Public, Co-Ed
City Population: 133,451
Climate: 14.6°C - 35°C
U.S. News Rank: #118
International Student Rate: 2.4%
"Whatever you want to do [at USC], there are people whose job it is to make whatever goal you have come true while helping you through the process."
Andre Calderon - Mexico
"Piyush’s involvement and leadership skills secured him an internship at Mercedes-Benz in Charleston, South Carolina. Through this internship, he will have the opportunity to apply the skills he’s learned in the classroom to real-life experience and become a leader in his chosen industry."
Piyush - India , Engineering(PG)