Welcome to the University of South Carolina

Choosing the International Direct process at the University of South Carolina will allow you to benefit from a wide range of services designed to help international students succeed inside and outside the classroom.

About the University of South Carolina

• Located in Columbia, South Carolina – the #3 Best College Town (Livability.com).
• Friendly small town feel with big culture and industry.
• Top 50 Public University (U.S. News & World Report).
• 33,772 students, including nearly 2,000 international students.
• National leader in undergraduate research programs.
• 100+ undergraduate degrees available.

Undergraduate Programs

Adjusting to college life in the United States can be challenging. The University of South Carolina offers world-class academics in a friendly, welcoming environment that sets you up for success and makes your transition as easy and productive as possible through the International Direct process at Global Carolina.

Depending on your academic qualifications, English language level and personal preferences, you will be placed on the best track to ensure your success at USC.

By applying through the International Direct process, students are given exclusive access to benefits like:

Flexibility

Studying at USC allows you to explore a wide range of majors to reach your personal and professional goals. One great benefit of studying in the U.S. is that you can change your major and even select a minor. Our dedicated team will help find the right path for you – through workshops, one-to-one consultations and other tools during your first year and beyond.

Dedicated Support

Make your transition to the United States easy with dedicated advisors, tutoring and support services. Our services start before you arrive, with visa interview preparation, packing lists and detailed checklists, and continue your entire freshman year, helping you move into your dorm, making American friends, and of course, supporting your academic journey.

The Right Classes for You

Our academic advisors assist you in choosing classes that will keep you on track for graduation and help you explore your interests and career goals.

American Cultural Experiences

Get to know your new city by going to fun events. Events offered to International Direct students include cheering on the Gamecocks at a football game, taking a boat ride around famous Charleston Harbor, attending an NBA game or hiking in the mountains.

The International Student in the University Course

Gain the knowledge you need for daily life at USC and the skills required for U.S. classrooms with this unique credit-bearing course designed with the international student in mind.

Professional Development

Fast track your future with the Career Accelerator. Designed exclusively for students who have come through the International Direct process, you will develop your professional skills and gain a strong understanding of how your knowledge and interests give you an advantage when it comes to launching your career. These services are available to you into your junior year.

Master's Degrees

Postgraduate Degrees That Accelerate Your Career

Want to speed up your career? Choose the Master’s Accelerator program at the University of South Carolina. Get your MBA from USC’s highly ranked business school, specialize in hospitality or sport and entertainment management or choose from multiple postgraduate degrees in the College of Engineering and Computing.

Why study at USC? 

Students from more than 100 countries study at the University of South Carolina. 
Here are some of the reasons why you’ll want to join them.

Academics: 
High rankings and innovation

Want the opportunity to focus on research? USC is a national leader in undergraduate research programs, and the city of Columbia is a research and development center too.

• 47 nationally ranked degree programs.
• 19:1 student to faculty ratio.
• #1 ranked undergraduate international business program.
• Ranked the #49 Top Public University.
• Focus on innovation, with USC in the top 1% of patent-producing universities in the world.
• Ranked #92 in the world for economics and business.

Student life:
 Friends, culture and fun

University of South Carolina students come from all 50 U.S. states and more than 100 countries.
 Study at USC and you’ll make friends from around the country and around the world.

• 25,000+ undergraduate students, with 270,000 alumni around the world.
• 400+ student organizations, including more than 15 for international students.
• Award-winning fitness center with indoor and outdoor pools, running track, volleyball court and 550-m2 gym.
• 80+ intramural sports and clubs, including soccer/football, judo and bhangra.
• On-campus theaters, museums, musical performances, art galleries and more.
• 2.5-hour drive to the beach or to the mountains.