University of Southern California Presidential Scholarship

About the Scholarship

The Presidential Scholarship pays half of USC tuition for four years and goes to around 200 incoming first-year students, making it the most widely awarded of USC's large merit scholarships.

International applicants are eligible on the same terms as everyone else. USC reviews the whole application, weighing academic achievement alongside talent, perseverance, innovation, involvement and leadership, with no minimum grades or test scores set.

Applying by 1 November is the whole of the effort, because the Common Application doubles as the scholarship application. Half tuition still leaves housing, food and fees to cover, and USC requires international applicants to show bank-verified funds for a full year at the time of application.

Eligibility

All international applicants who apply by the appropriate deadline are eligible for USC Merit Scholarships, and there are no minimum eligibility requirements. Awards are mutually exclusive, so a student who qualifies for more than one receives the largest. Renewal runs for up to eight semesters and needs full-time enrolment, 30 units each academic year, good academic standing and clean conduct.

Eligible Countries

All countries

How to Apply

No separate application. Submit the Common Application by the 1 November Early Action or Early Decision deadline (performing arts applicants apply Regular Decision by 1 December) and you are considered automatically. Candidates who move forward in the scholarship process are contacted in mid-February about next steps, which include an interview, and awards are confirmed with the admission decision in the spring.

Application Routes and Dates

Early Action or Early Decision

Check provider

Recurring deadline: 1 نوفمبر (check provider for current cycle)

For majors eligible for early admission and merit consideration.

Timing source · Checked 2026-09-13

Performing arts Regular Decision