Applications for Spring and Calendar Year 2026 will open May 23, 2025.
Applications for Spring 2026 programs will be due in early September 2025. Pembroke Cambridge Summer Programme applications will open October 9, 2025 and will be due mid-December.
You will need a passport that is valid for at least six months AFTER the end of your study abroad program. Overseas Studies recommends that students opt for expedited processing and shipping for all applications. Click below to read more about applying for a new or renewed U.S. passport.
Eligibility and Admission
Students must meet the eligibility requirements set by the USC Dornsife Office of Overseas Studies and the host institution, and they must apply to and receive admission from both institutions. Please refer to general eligibility rules and the Eligibility section on the Overview tab on each program page. The exceptions are USC Paris and USC Madrid, where Overseas Studies solely determines admission. Note that Overseas Studies will check student conduct records with SJACS, USC Housing and the Title IX office in determining eligibility to study abroad.
Application Requirements
Students must allow ample time to complete the Overseas Studies application. All applications require:
- Course Pre-Approval Form (see “Academics” tab on program page)
- On this form, students will list the courses they wish to take abroad. The form must be signed by the student’s academic advisor(s).
- Letter(s) of recommendation
- Personal Statement
- Official USC transcript
- Scanned image of valid passport
- Students may also submit a receipt or confirmation showing payment for a new or renewed passport at the time that the Overseas Studies application is submitted.
Additional requirements vary by program. Students should review the “How to Apply” tab on their specific program page.
Application Deadlines
The USC Overseas Studies application must be submitted by the USC Overseas Studies deadline. Applications submitted after that deadline will not be accepted, regardless of the host institution’s deadline.
Apply to One Program
Students may apply to only one Dornsife study abroad program unless the program is listed below as “more selective.”
A program may be listed as “more selective” for different reasons (e.g., space or enrollment limitations, higher GPA requirement, history of host institution using unlisted criteria, etc.)
Students applying to one of the following “more selective” programs may apply to a backup program.
- India – Bodh Gaya (fall only)
- Italy – ICCS Rome
- Japan – Nanzan University
- Japan – Waseda University (full year only)
- Spain – USC Madrid
- South Korea – Yonsei University
- UK – London School of Economics (full year only)
- UK – British American Drama Academy (BADA)
- UK – University College London
- UK – King’s College London
NOTE: If an applicant is admitted to the selective program, the backup application must be withdrawn.