International Student Admission

The University of South Carolina Aiken welcomes the applications of qualified undergraduate international students. As an international applicant it is important to apply as early as possible. You should apply at least six months before the semester you plan to begin your studies. You will need a great deal of time to obtain your official school records, to arrange for the required examinations, to have your bank send statements of your financial resources, to have your application reviewed, and to get your visa materials. Students applying for undergraduate study (to receive a bachelor's degree) must pay all expenses themselves, have sponsors or scholarships.

International Admissions:

Visit USCA's website for International Admissions by clicking here.

Requirements for International Undergraduate Admission:
International students must be proficient in the English language and good students in their own countries before they can study at this university. The following five requirements must be met before an application will be answered:

• 1. Application Form The international student application form must be completed and returned with a $35.00 application fee.

• 2. Financial Certification The student or his parents must send proof that the family or sponsor can pay approximately U.S. $21,220 each year while the student is studying at the University of South Carolina Aiken. Therefore, an Affidavit of Support Form and a Bank Statement are required before the I-20 is issued.

• 3. School Records. These are transcripts or certificates of satisfactory study such as "A' or "O'  levels, baccalaureate, bachillerato, Reifezeugnis, or other school certificates. This school record must be superior before the applicant will be considered for admission.

• 4. Students who have earned a post secondary degree or taken any post secondary courses in countries outside of the United States, must have an official transcript evaluated by a professional evaluation service. This evaluation must be forwarded to the Admissions Office directly from the evaluation service.

• 4. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) This test is required for all international students except those whose native language is English. The score on the TOEFL should be 550 or better. For more information about TOEFL contact:
  TOEFL/TSE Services
  P.O.Box 6151
  Princeton, New Jersey 08541-6151
  Telephone: (609) 771-7100
  Web site: http://www.toefl.org 

• 5. Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) The Scholastic Aptitude Test measures verbal and  mathematical ability and is required for all students. 5840 is the USCA Code Number for both TOEFL and SAT.
   For more information about SAT call  (609) 771-7600 or go to http://www.collegeboard.com
   

When the University receives these required credentials, a letter of acceptance or denial will be sent. If the student is accepted, the University may ask for more financial proof before the I-20 is sent to the student. Immigration laws of the United States require every institution to certify that each international student has adequate finances.

English as a Second Language (ESL)
An ESL class (English 111) is available to newly admitted and currently enrolled USCA students who would like to improve their language skills. Some students may be required to take this class as a condition of their acceptance.

For those students who must improve their  English proficiency prior to enrolling at USCA, an intensive English program is offered by the University of South Carolina English Programs for Internationals (EPI) on the USC Columbia campus.
 

Scholarships
USCA offers a very limited number of institutional scholarships to new international students, however students should not count on these scholarships when planning their studies at USCA.

General Expenses
A list of approximate expenses for one academic year (August-May) may assist prospective international students in estimating costs for education and living in the United States.

Tuition and Fees (For a full-time, two semester course load)                                    $13,363
Housing, on campus                                                            $3,400-$4,400
Housing, off-campus                                                            $2,000-$4,000
Food                                                                                 $1,300-$1,600
Books                                                                               $600-$700

In addition, living expenses for June, July and August are approximately (U.S.) $2,500. If you register for summer course work, you can also expect to pay about (U.S.) $1,000 per 3-credit course. Additional expenses for dependents: $2,000 for a spouse and $1,000 for each child.

On-Campus Housing and Food
Pacer Downs consists of 91 four-person, fully furnished apartments. Students enjoy community living, the privacy of apartment living, and close proximity to the facilities and activities at USCA. All residents of Pacer Downs are required to purchase a meal plan. However each apartment is equipped with a kitchen, so  students may purchase and prepare their own food in addition to a meal plan. Students are expected to supply their own bed linens, blankets, pillows and kitchen utensils (pots, pans, tableware, etc.). These supplies can be purchased in local stores. You should expect to spend approximately $150 for these items. For more information about housing go to http://www.usca.sc.edu/housing

Athletics
USCA has a number of athletic teams including soccer, basketball, golf, tennis and baseball. If you are interested in learning more about USCA athletics click here.

International Club
International students at USCA are welcome to join the International Club, which meets regularly to plan activities and events of interest to both members and the University community. Each year they participate in International Week and Festival, International Potluck Dinner, trips to nearby cities, and other exciting events.
 

International Student Advisor
Amela Malkic amelam@usca.edu, Director of International Programs Office,  is the advisor to international students. Newly admitted students should visit the International Programs Office before they register for classes. Ms. Terry will  be available to students for help throughout their attendance at USCA. Ms. Malkic will also advise students of  immigration guidelines so that they maintain legal student status while studying at USCA.

Apply for Admission Online
You can now submit your application for admission online. Click here to apply.

Have any Questions about life at USCA?

See what international students already at USCA have to say about life in South Carolina and at USCA.   Provided is a list of countries that are represented here at USCA and the email addresses of the students who are from those countries.  Email these students and ask them any questions you may have.  Click here.