USC Scholarship 2022: Overview, Eligibility & Process For Indian Students

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Ranked among the top universities in the United States, the University of Southern California (USC) has been a preferred destination for students across the world. However, with high competition and a low acceptance rate, getting admitted to this reputed institution has remained a dream for many eligible students, especially if they’re not from a financially affluent background. But, there’s no need to worry any longer. If you have the required GPA, don’t hesitate to apply. USC has a range of scholarships to help students pay for their education. If you’re looking for detailed information on USC Scholarships, you’ve come to the right place. 

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List of USC Scholarships

ScholarshipsApplicabilityAnnual Amount
International Freshman Academic ScholarshipFirst-year studentsThe amount varies.
Trustee ScholarshipFirst-year students$ 60,446 (Full tuition)
Presidential ScholarshipFirst-year students$ 30,223 (Half tuition)
Deans ScholarshipFirst-year students$ 15,111 (One quarter’s tuition)
USC Associates ScholarshipFirst-year students$ 18,000
Transfer Merit ScholarshipTransfer students$ 15,111 (One quarter’s tuition)
Norman Topping Student Aid FundFirst-year, Transfer and Graduate studentsThe amount depends on the need of the students.
Leadership ScholarshipFirst-year students$ 10,000
Asian Pacific Alumni Association ScholarshipEnrolled undergraduate, graduate, transfer and professional studentsThe amount varies. 
Hong Kong Schools Alumni Federation Scholarship First-year students$ 60,446 (Full tuition)

Eligibility Criteria for USC Scholarships

The eligibility criteria for the USC scholarships differ from one another. The table below sheds light on the eligibility criteria for these scholarships.

ScholarshipsEligibility 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. 
Asian 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. 

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Necessary Documents for USC Scholarship Applications

If you have decided to apply for a USC Scholarship, you need to keep the following documents ready. 

Academic CertificatesAll the certificates of your previous educational experiences are required.
Academic TranscriptsA detailed record of the subjects you’ve studied with the scores/marks is required.
Language CertificatesIELTS (min. 6 and above on each band) and TOEFL Scores (min. 84) are required.
Standardized Test ScoresSome universities ask for GRE, ACT, SAT and other test scores.
Statement of PurposeYou need to explain about personal goals and why you’re eligible for the scholarship.
Curriculum VitaeInclude all your work/educational experiences, the various languages you know, and leadership and community experiences.
Letters of RecommendationIt’s safe to keep 2 LoRs – usually, they should come from your Academic Supervisors. 
Financial EvidenceYour bank statements, the financial history of the family and your parents’ financial statements are required. 

Detailed Application Requirements for USC Scholarships

The table below outlines the scholarship-specific application requirements.

ScholarshipApplication Requirements
International Freshman Academic Scholarship
  • Filled Application form with USC Supplement
  • Supporting Academic Documents
  • Financial Statements
Trustee Scholarship
  • Common Application form with USC Supplement
  • Academic Transcripts
  • Personal Statement
  • Financial Statement
  • Letter of recommendation
Presidential Scholarship
  • Filled Application form with USC Supplement 
  • Academic Record
  • Letter of Recommendation
  • Personal Statement
  • Financial Evidence
Deans Scholarship
  • Filled up the Application form with USC Supplement
  • Letter of Recommendation
  • Personal Essay
  • Academic Transcripts
  • Financial Statement
USC Associates Scholarship
  • Letter of Recommendation
  • Academic Transcripts
  • School Report
  • Financial Statement
Transfer Merit Scholarship
  • Academic Transcripts.
  • IELTS and TOEFL Scores
  • Filled up Application Form with USC Supplement
  • Financial Statement
Norman Topping Student Aid Fund
  • Online Application
  • 1 Letter of Recommendation
  • An autobiographical essay detailing personal background, community awareness, and current financial status with respect to admission at USC
  • Academic Transcripts
Leadership Scholarship
  • Filled up the Application form with USC Supplement
  • Academic Transcripts
  • Personal Statement detailing your leadership experience, community service
  • Financial Statement
Asian Pacific Alumni Association Scholarship
  • Academic Transcripts
  • Letter of Recommendation
  • Personal Statement (500 words)
  • List of academic honours
  • Proof of community service
  • Financial Statement
Hong Kong Schools Alumni Federation Scholarship
  • Filled up the common application form with USC Supplement
  • Hong Kong Schools Alumni Federation Application is available on their website
  • Academic Transcripts
  • Proof of community service and leadership
  • Financial Statement

Some Important Things About USC Scholarships

Before sending your USC Scholarship application form, keep in mind the following factors.

  • Document Requirements might vary from person to person. So, submit the required documents only. 
  • Don’t miss the deadline. Submit your application within the stipulated time.
  • Don’t exceed the word limit for your SoP.
  • Check your application for grammatical and spelling errors.
  • Finally, it’s a good idea to make a copy of your application before you send it. 

Unlike loans, scholarships don’t have to be repaid. But generally, scholarships are awarded to students who have proved their academic, athletic or artistic brilliance. This blog has provided all the important details related to USC Scholarships. So, if you have been thinking of pursuing your education at the University of Southern California, it’s time to make your dream come true. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Does USC have any Scholarships for international students?

Yes, the University of Southern California has many Scholarships for international students. Some of them are International Freshman Academic Scholarship, USC Associates Scholarship, Transfer Merit Scholarship and Asian Pacific Alumni Association Scholarship.

Can I apply for USC Scholarships?

Yes, you can apply for USC Scholarships if you wish to pursue your education at USC and fulfil all the eligibility criteria. Some of the documents you would need are educational transcripts, financial evidence, SoP and letters of recommendation. 

Does USC give full scholarships?

There are USC merit scholarships that students are awarded, they are as follows – the Trustee scholarship: this scholarship covers the full tuition fees throughout the course period; the Presidential scholarship: this scholarship covers half of the tuition fees of students; and the Dean’s Scholarship; this scholarship covers a quarter of the total tuition fees of the course period.

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Saket Kohli

An International Higher Ed professional with 7+ years of experience studying, working, and living across three geographies, currently on a mission to share his journey as an International Student.

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