The University of Southern California (USC) stands out as one of the leading USA universities, experiencing an impressive 11.6% growth in need-based funding for the 2021-2022 academic year. With its research-focused learning programmes and a variety of clubs and student organisations, USC provides opportunities for skill development, portfolio enhancement, networking, and future leadership roles. While the average annual fees across courses at USC total around $81,659, the University of Southern California Scholarship serve as vital financial assistance for deserving students pursuing education at this institution. This blog focuses on the types of scholarships available for incoming international students at the University of Southern California.
Key Takeaways:
- University of Southern California Scholarships are merit-based and evaluate academic excellence, leadership, and talent for funding.
- The Presidential Scholarship is the biggest scholarship among all undergraduate scholarships offering 200 awards every year with a maximum amount of $126,936.
- Norman Topping Scholarship is extended to first-year, transfer, and graduate students and the amount depends upon the needs of the students.
- There are two USC postgraduate scholarships for international students namely- The Rockwell Dennis Hunt Scholastic Award and The Dr. Rodolfo Montes Scholarship. These are given to the students who have completed their undergraduate degree from USC.
Top Scholarships At University Of Southern California For International Students
USC offers more than a dozen scholarships for international students, ranging from a few thousand dollars to full tuition. These scholarships are based on academic excellence, leadership service, and talent. You can utilise this information to keep yourself prepared for the upcoming application intake. The table below highlights the award offered and the educational degree one should have to receive the scholarships:
| Name of Scholarship Programme | Award | Level |
| International Freshman Academic Scholarship | Award varies every year | Undergraduate students |
| Trustee Scholarship | 20,830,150 INR. | Undergraduate Students |
| Presidential Scholarship | 200 awards per year, with a maximum amount of $126,940. | Undergraduate Students |
| Dean’s Scholarship | $15,111 (One quarter’s tuition) | Undergraduate Students |
| USC Associates Scholarship | $18000 | Undergraduate |
| Transfer Merit Scholarship | $15,111 (One quarter’s tuition) | Transfer Students |
| Norman Topping Student Aid Fund | The amount depends on the needs of the students. | First year, transfer, and graduate students |
| Leadership Scholarship | $10,000 | First-year students |
| Asia Pacific Alumni Association Scholarship | The amount varies | Enrolled undergraduate, graduate, transfer, and professional students |
| Hong Kong Schools Alumni Federation Scholarship | $60,446 (Full tuition) | Undergraduate students |
Note: Many other universities offer presidential scholarships like – The University of Winnipeg President’s Scholarship, Concordia University Presidential Scholarship, The University of Waterloo President Scholarship, The University of Toronto President Scholarship, Justin Trudeau Foundation Scholarship.
International Freshman Scholarship is offered to students seeking majors in Architecture, Art and Design, Cinematic Art, Dance, Dramatic Arts and Music.
Eligibility Criteria For University Of Southern California Scholarship
Just as every scholarship has varying awards and are applicable to the students of different educational programmes, the eligibility criteria for each scholarship also differs. Go through them thoroughly:
| Scholarships | Eligibility Criteria |
| International Freshman Academic Scholarship | To be eligible for this scholarship, you need to be an international student. You need to have an excellent academic record.Additionally, selectors would also check your talent, perseverance, innovation, involvement and leadership capabilities. |
| Trustee Scholarship | It would be best if you were a top achiever consistently.You will get extra points if you pursue a demanding curriculum. Selectors check your academic excellence, community service and leadership capabilities. |
| Presidential Scholarship | You need to have a good academic record. Selection depends on academic grades, the student’s talent, perseverance, innovation and leadership capabilities.A record of community service would be an added advantage. |
| Deans Scholarship | Firstly, selectors consider your consistent good performance in academics.Additionally, your talent, innovation and leadership capabilities will play an important role in your selection.Plus, you’ll get extra points if your application has a proven community service record. |
| USC Associates Scholarships | Selectors place a strong emphasis on your academic brilliance.Additionally, they’ll check your community service and leadership record in school. Finally, your application for this scholarship will be minutely assessed, as selection criteria are need-based. |
| Transfer Merit Scholarship | Selectors undertake an extensive analysis of your application for this scholarship. Your GPA in rigorous coursework is taken into consideration.You must have an average GPA above 3.7 and more than 30 transferable units. |
| Norman Topping Student Aid Fund | If you’re a first-generation college student, you’ll be given primary consideration by the selectors. But, in no way is the scholarship limited to first-generation learners only. You need a demonstrated record of community awareness. An important prerequisite is a good academic record. |
| Leadership Scholarship | You would need a proven record of academic brilliance.Selectors place a strong emphasis on leadership in school and community service. As an applicant, you need to achieve consistency in a rigorous curriculum. |
| Asia Pacific Alumni Association Scholarship | You need to be a student enrolled on a full-time program at USC. In addition, you need to have a minimum 3.0 GPA on a scale of 4.0. You’ll be assessed on your involvement with the Asian-Pacific American Community.Once you get the scholarship, you need to complete 15 community service hours with the Asian Pacific Alumni Association. |
| Hong Kong Schools Alumni Federation Scholarship | You need to attend a school in Hong Kong.The selection would be merit and need-based. |
Application And Documentation Requirements For University Of Southern California Scholarship
The application process for each of the scholarships mentioned above varies. Hence, the table below mentions the application process for each University of Southern California Scholarship in detail.
| Scholarship | Application Requirements |
| International Freshman Academic Scholarship | Filled Application form with USC SupplementSupporting Academic DocumentsFinancial Statements |
| Trustee Scholarship | Common Application form with USC SupplementAcademic TranscriptsPersonal StatementFinancial StatementLetter of recommendation |
| Presidential Scholarship | Filled Application form with USC Supplement Academic RecordLetter of RecommendationPersonal StatementFinancial Evidence |
| Deans Scholarship | Filled up the Application form with USC SupplementLetter of RecommendationPersonal EssayAcademic TranscriptsFinancial Statement |
| USC Associates Scholarship | Letter of RecommendationAcademic TranscriptsSchool ReportFinancial Statement |
| Transfer Merit Scholarship | Academic Transcripts.IELTS and TOEFL ScoresFilled up Application Form with USC SupplementFinancial Statement |
| Norman Topping Student Aid Fund | Online Application1 Letter of RecommendationAn autobiographical essay detailing personal background, community awareness, and current financial status with respect to admission at USCAcademic Transcripts |
| Leadership Scholarship | Filled up the Application form with USC SupplementAcademic TranscriptsPersonal Statement detailing your leadership experience, community serviceFinancial Statement |
| Asian Pacific Alumni Association Scholarship | Academic TranscriptsLetter of RecommendationPersonal Statement (500 words)List of academic honoursProof of community serviceFinancial Statement |
| Hong Kong Schools Alumni Federation Scholarship | Filled up the common application form with USC SupplementHong Kong Schools Alumni Federation Application is available on their websiteAcademic TranscriptsProof of community service and leadershipFinancial Statement |
University Of Southern California Scholarships For International Postgraduate Students
Scholarship for masters in the USA for Indian/International Students is managed by their school or programme. The Graduate School and the Office of Academic Honours and Fellowships also offer various opportunities for master’s and professional doctorate students. Additionally, the USC Graduate School provides two specific opportunities for students pursuing master’s and professional doctorate degrees.
1) The Rockwell Dennis Hunt Scholastic Award recognises USC graduate students with a USC undergraduate degree. Applications are open every November, and applicants must meet these criteria:
- Earned a USC bachelor’s degree within the past five years.
- Completed at least three years of undergraduate studies at USC.
- Currently pursuing a master’s or doctorate at the University of Southern California.
2) The Dr. Rodolfo Montes Scholarship supports USC master’s students enrolled in specific schools like Cinematic Arts, Dentistry, Law, Medicine, or Public Policy. This scholarship provides tuition assistance to applicants with financial need, exceptional academic records, and a history of community involvement. Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Hispanic community, aligning with the donor’s wishes.
Applications are accepted every spring semester, and interested students should contact their school staff for details on the nomination process.
California is renowned as one of the best cities to study in the USA, fostering a diverse atmosphere. The state boasts numerous top-ranked universities, offering enriched curricular in fields such as business, economics, science, architecture, and more. These institutions actively offer scholarships to Indian students, although the competition is fierce, with a mere 2% acceptance rate for early applications.
Given the intense competition for scholarships, it is prudent not to rely solely on them for financial support. A viable alternative is to consider education loans without collateral to study in USA, providing a secure and guaranteed means of funding tailored to individual needs. For those looking for study abroad financing, UniCreds stands out as the go-to destination for education loans check out now!
FAQs
Q1. Does USC give full scholarships?
Ans: Scholarships at USC range from a few thousand dollars up to full tuition for those who qualify. Awards are given based on academic excellence, leadership, service, and talent.
Q2. Does the University of Southern California offer scholarships for international students?
Ans: Yes, USC offers various undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships for international students like the International Freshman Academic Scholarship, Trustee Scholarship, Presidential Scholarship, Rockwell Denis Scholarship etc.
Q3. Does USC meet 100% of the need?
Ans: For students who meet all deadlines, eligibility, and requirements, USC provides 100% need-based funding to them.
Q4. How competitive are USC scholarships?
Ans: Typically, 2% of early applicants are selected to be considered for a USC merit scholarship. However, your academic excellence and suitability to the eligibility criteria is also taken into consideration.
Q5. What are the typical scholarship amounts at USC?
Ans: If you receive a USC university scholarship or internal scholarship you may receive up to a $2000 scholarship award. However, if it’s an external organisation-based organisation scholarship like a Presidential scholarship or trustee scholarship, then you will receive a discount or waiver on your tuition fees, travel expenses, or living costs.
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