What programs does the University of South Carolina offer?

From Art History to Aerospace Engineering, the University of South Carolina offers over 100 undergraduate programs for our students.

What are the rankings at the University of South Carolina?

The University of South Carolina boasts many prominent nationally ranked programs, including our Hospitality, Retail, and Sport Management Program, International Business Program and Engineering Program. 

What is the campus like?

The University of South Carolina is located in downtown Columbia on 1,942,491.1 square meters of land. Our campus was founded in 1801 with just a few students and professors. Since then, our student body has grown to 26,733 undergraduate and 8,062 graduate and professional students. 

Because our campus is located in the heart of downtown Columbia, it is easy to bike and to walk throughout the campus and the city. There are also many green spaces on campus, including Green Quad and our historical Horseshoe, which are perfect for studying, relaxing and being active. 

You are welcome to come see our beautiful campus for yourself by coming and scheduling a tour. 

If you can’t make it to campus, check out our virtual tour of campus.

What is the community like for international students?

Once you arrive on campus, our International Student Services office will be an essential resource to you. From getting your I-20 to off-campus international student trips in the region, this office will assist you in your experience at South Carolina as an international student.

What activities happen on campus?

From over 500 student organizations to a busy Student Union, there are so many activities happening on campus that you will always have options on how to become involved and truly enjoy life on campus.

Go to our Student Life web page to find out more information about the possibilities awaiting you on campus.

What is the size is the city of Columbia?

The estimated population of the city of Columbia is currently 134,309 people.  We are the second largest city in the state of South Carolina.

What can I do in the city of Columbia?

The city of Columbia offers fantastic cultural opportunities. Because Columbia is the capital of the state of South Carolina, there are opportunities to learn about our state government, as well as the culture that surrounds it.

We have museums, theatres, dining options, music venues, and 3 rivers that give you plenty to do outside of the classroom.

Find out more at our city’s website.

What internship opportunities exist in Columbia?

Many of our students propel their futures forward by taking advantage of the great career opportunities offered in Columbia. Please ensure you visit our International Student Services office before you search for an internship.  The University of South Carolina hosts multiple internship fairs each year, as well as provide assistance to students interested in participating in internships.  You can learn more by visiting our Career Center website.

How can I get around the city?

Because the University of South Carolina is in the heart of downtown Columbia, biking or walking is a popular option for students.  Many students also bring cars to the university or mopeds. The city also offers public transportation and taxis/Lyft/Uber exist here as well.

The university also provides shuttles to various parts of campus and complimentary transportation services after dark.

What cities are close by?

Columbia is close to many great cities in the United States:

Charleston- 114 miles (approx. 1 hr 30 mins)

Charlotte- 93 miles (approx. 1 hr 30 mins)

Myrtle Beach- 152 miles (approx. 2 hrs 30 mins)

Raleigh- 227 miles (approx. 3 hr 20 mins)

Hilton Head- 164 miles (approx. 2 hr 30 mins)

Atlanta- 215 miles (approx. 3 hrs)

Savannah- 162 miles (approx. 2 hours 20 minutes)

Nashville- 442 miles (approx. 6 hrs 20 mins)

Washington, D.C.- 479 miles (approx. 6 hrs 45 mins)

Tampa- 490 miles (approx. 7 hrs)

Orlando- 435 miles (approx. 6 hrs)

Should I apply as an international student?

You should apply as an international student if you are not a US Citizen or a Legal Permanent Resident of the United States.

What are the deadlines for my application?

The deadline for your application will depend on which type of application you are submitting. For more information about deadline, visit our Deadlines page.

What makes a document official?

A document is considered official if it comes from an original source and is not opened prior to arriving at the University. Stamped and sealed envelopes that we receive from your school, a credential evaluation company, or a test center are considered official.

We do not consider documents sent directly from the student as official or via email from the student as official documents.

All official documents can be sent to: 

University of South Carolina Office of Undergraduate Admissions

902 Sumter Street/Lieber College

Columbia, SC

29208

I have lived in the U.S.- what kind of documents do I need to provide?

If you have attended high school in the United States for 2 or more years...

Please submit official copies of your transcripts (including foreign transcripts, if applicable). We will not require other forms of English proficiency.

If you have foreign work and it is not integrated onto your US transcript, please also submit a professional credential evaluation report with grade point average listed on the report of your transcript for all school work completed outside of the United States. This can be ordered from any of the NACES members. The University of South Carolina frequently receives professional credential evaluations from World Education Services, SpanTran and Josef Silny & Associates, Inc. 

If you have attended high school in the United States for less than 2 years...

Please submit official copies of your transcripts as well as submit a professional credential evaluation report with grade point average listed on the report of your transcript for all school work completed outside of the United States.  This can be ordered from any of the NACES members. The University of South Carolina frequently receives professional credential evaluations from World Education Services, SpanTran and Josef Silny & Associates, Inc.

Please also provide proof of English proficiency through TOEFL/IELTS/Pearson Test of English. Our TOEFL code is 5818.

How do I get a credential evaluation?

A credential evaluation can be ordered from any of the NACES members. There are 19 different companies that the University of South Carolina accepts through NACES.

The University of South Carolina frequently receives professional credential evaluations from World Education Services, SpanTran and Josef Silny & Associates, Inc.

Please ensure you request a credential evaluation with the GPA listed.

What are the costs to attend the University of South Carolina?

For the most recent updates on tuition and fees, visit our Tuition and Scholarships page.

What kind of scholarships am I eligible for?

We understand that it is costly to obtain an education in the United States. However, there are many opportunities for financial aid. We provide many different scholarships for each department of the university. We have also created a list of organizations, not affiliated with the University of South Carolina, that may offer scholarships to international students.

If you have excellent credentials including grades and extra-curricular experiences, you should consider joining the South Carolina Honors College. The Honors College provides the merit-based scholarships for students and can range from full tuition and living expenses covered to a reduction in tuition and scholarship. 

Can I work on campus?

Yes, you can work up to 20 hours on campus with an F-1 visa.