for University of Southern California Scholarships?
Undergraduate Merit Scholarships
- Choose your USC undergraduate programme and check whether it requires additional materials such as a portfolio, résumé, writing sample, or audition.
- Complete the Common Application and USC-specific questions.
The application normally includes
Personal information
Academic record
Activities
USC supplemental responses
Intended programme
High-school transcripts
Recommendation letter
Additional programme materials where required
- Submit a strong scholarship-level application.
USC does not use a separate Trustee, Presidential, or Deans Scholarship application. Your admission application is used to select candidates for these scholarships.
Focus on demonstrating
Academic excellence
Leadership
Community service
Creativity
Significant extracurricular achievement
Intellectual curiosity
Contribution to your school or community
- Submit English-language evidence if required.
International applicants whose native language is not English must submit one of USC’s approved English proficiency examinations.
- Upload your international financial documentation.
USC requires international applicants to submit a Financial Statement of Personal or Family Support together with proof that sufficient funds are available for at least the first academic year. Scholarship applicants must still provide this evidence because merit scholarships are not guaranteed.
Acceptable evidence can include
Bank statement
Bank letter
Government or organisational sponsorship
Approved education loan
Investment portfolio
- Wait for USC’s scholarship selection.
Applicants meeting the scholarship consideration requirements are automatically reviewed for USC Admission Merit Scholarships. Selected students receive further instructions from USC.
USC PhD Funding
- Select a USC PhD programme closely aligned with your academic and research interests.
Review
Faculty members
Research laboratories
Current projects
Programme requirements
Funding arrangements
- Identify potential supervisors where appropriate.
Read recent publications before contacting faculty and attach a concise academic CV.
- Prepare your graduate application.
Typical documents include
Academic transcripts
Academic CV
Statement of purpose
Recommendation letters
English-language test result
Research experience
Writing sample or research proposal where required
Use our guides on preparing an academic CV, statement of purpose, and scholarship recommendation letter.
- Submit your application to the selected USC doctoral programme.
Most PhD funding is awarded through the department, fellowship competition, teaching assistantship, or research assistantship rather than through one separate central USC scholarship application.
- Review the funding offer carefully.
Confirm
Tuition coverage
Annual stipend
Health insurance
Dental insurance
Mandatory fees
Funding duration
Teaching requirements
Research assistantship requirements
The individual department’s funding offer is the most reliable source for the exact support you will receive.
Documents Required for University of Southern California Scholarships
Undergraduate Documents
International applicants should prepare
Common Application
USC supplemental responses
Official high-school transcripts
Recommendation letter
English-language test result
Passport
Financial Statement of Personal or Family Support
Bank statement or other acceptable financial evidence
Predicted IB or A-Level results where applicable
Portfolio, audition, résumé, or writing sample where required
PhD Documents
Applicants generally need
Graduate application
Bachelor’s degree certificate
Master’s degree certificate where applicable
Academic transcripts
Academic CV
Statement of purpose
Recommendation letters
English-language test result where required
GRE or another test where required
Research statement or proposal where required
Writing sample where required
Publications or research evidence
Applicants can use these ScholarshipRoar guides
Academic CV for Scholarship
Statement of Purpose for Scholarship
Scholarship Recommendation Letter
Scholarship Interview Questions and Answers
Website
For more information about University of Southern California Scholarships, visit
USC Merit Scholarships
USC Merit Scholarship Guide
USC Graduate School PhD Fellowships
Frequently Asked Questions
Does USC offer scholarships to international students?
Yes. All international undergraduate applicants who apply by the appropriate scholarship consideration deadline can compete for USC Merit Scholarships.
Is the USC Trustee Scholarship fully funded?
The Trustee Scholarship covers full undergraduate tuition, but it does not cover the complete cost of attendance, including housing, food, travel, and personal expenses. It is therefore a full-tuition scholarship rather than a completely fully funded scholarship.
How much does the USC Presidential Scholarship cover?
The Presidential Scholarship covers half of USC undergraduate tuition.
How much does the USC Deans Scholarship cover?
The Deans Scholarship covers one-quarter of undergraduate tuition.
Do international students receive USC need-based financial aid?
No. USC states that international undergraduate applicants are not eligible for USC need-based financial aid. They can instead compete for merit scholarships and departmental awards.
Do I need a separate application for USC Merit Scholarships?
No. Applicants who submit their USC admission application by the appropriate scholarship consideration deadline are automatically considered for the main USC Admission Merit Scholarships.
Are USC PhD programmes fully funded?
Many USC PhD programmes provide comprehensive multi-year funding, but the exact guarantee differs by department. For example, USC Price, Political Science and International Relations, and Marshall provide packages including tuition, stipends, and health-related benefits.
Is SAT or ACT required for USC Scholarships?
No. USC is currently test-optional, and students who do not submit SAT or ACT scores are not disadvantaged in merit scholarship selection.
Is IELTS compulsory for USC?
IELTS specifically is not compulsory, but international applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency through a USC-approved examination. Accepted options include TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge C1 Advanced, PTE, and Duolingo under USC’s current rules.