Application Process

The admission process for international students works as follows:

1. The respective program committee will review completed applications and make a recommendation of admission to the Graduate School.
2. The Graduate School is then notified of the recommendation and will formally admit you after reviewing your application and supporting documents.
3. International Student Services will be notified and will contact you for any missing forms that are required for your immigration documentation.

Students with degrees from an international college or university must have completed an academic program equivalent to an American bachelor’s degree. Students with three-year degrees will not be accepted into any program and will be required, at a minimum, to complete an additional year of study before entering their desired program.

International students who have not completed the required prerequisite courses or a degree equivalent to an American bachelor’s degree should consider completing these at the University of South Carolina or another accredited four-year institution in the United States before applying to a Moore School graduate program.

TOEFL/IELTS Exam Scores

International students must submit a valid TOEFL or IELTS exam score as part of their application unless they have earned an undergraduate degree at an institution within the United States while spending at least three years on campus in the United States. Exam scores must be no more than two years old.

Minimum TOEFL score requirements include an overall score of 100 on the IBT version, with the following minimum scores in EACH section:

• Reading — 22
• Listening — 22
• Speaking — 26
• Writing — 24

If the IELTS is taken in lieu of the TOEFL exam, a minimum score of 7.0 is required overall AND on each section of the exam.

At our discretion, we might require an interview (in person or via Skype) to ascertain the English-speaking skills of an international student. 

Application Deadlines

International students should allow adequate time for the processing of immigration and visa documents prior to the beginning of orientation. We recommend applying 30-45 days prior to the suggested deadlines shown on our Admissions Requirements page.

Job Placement for International Students

Job placement rates for international students vary based on the student’s background and academic profile. International students who have attended and graduated from a four-year institution in the United States in combination with a Moore School graduate degree historically have a better chance for domestic job placement.

 

Resources Available for International Students

UofSC's Office of International Student Services offers support and services for internationals, including frequently asked questions, required forms and the visa process.

International students should visit the International Students Services website for information concerning other funding opportunities.