Spring 2027 Applications: Now Open

  • Students who submit their application earlier will receive an acceptance decision sooner (except for Spain programs).
  • All applications submitted by the deadline will receive equal consideration. Applying early does not increase chances for acceptance.
  • Students must also apply to the host institution by the host institution’s deadline (except USC Paris and USC Madrid). Note that some host institutions have rolling deadlines.

Spain Application Deadline:

August 3, 2026 (by 11:59 pm PDT)

All Other Application Deadline:

September 10, 2026 (by 11:59 pm PDT)

Applying to USC Overseas Studies

Students must meet the eligibility requirements set by both the USC Dornsife Office of Overseas Studies and the host institution, and they must apply to and receive admission from both institutions. The exceptions are USC Paris and USC Madrid, where Overseas Studies solely determines admission.

Please refer to the Overseas Studies general eligibility rules and the “Eligibility” section on the “Overview” tab on each program page.

Note: Overseas Studies will check student conduct records with the Office of Community Expectations (OCE), the Office of Academic Integrity (OAI), USC Housing and the Office of Civil Rights Compliance (OCRC) in determining eligibility to study abroad.

  • 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 and student’s academic advisor(s).
    • Recommendation: Letter(s) or Questionnaire
    • 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.

     

  • The USC Overseas Studies application must be submitted by the USC Overseas Studies deadline.

    Applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted, regardless of the host institution’s deadline.

    Term Application Opens Application Deadline
    Spring Mid-May Spain: Early-August

    All others: Early-September
    Fall / Academic Year Mid-December Mid-February
    Pembroke Cambridge Summer Program Early-October Mid-December
    Students must also apply to the host institution by the host institution’s deadline (except USC Paris and USC Madrid). Note that some host institutions have rolling deadlines.

  • Students may only apply to 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 – Waseda University (full year only)
    • Spain – USC Madrid (spring only)
    • South Korea – Yonsei University (single semester only)
    • 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.

  • Submitting your USC Overseas Studies Application is only the first step! Don’t forget to also submit your host institution application.

    Click here to learn what comes after submitting your application.

Tutorial: Application Process

This video provides a step-by-step guide for completing the USC Dornsife Overseas Studies application. Information covered includes:

00:00 Intro

00:06 How to Open an Application

02:07 Application Task Overview

7:56 After Submitting

U.S. Passport: Apply or Renew

You will need a passport that is valid for at least six months AFTER the end of your study abroad program.

Click here to read more about applying for a new or renewed U.S. passport.

Want to meet with an advisor? Follow these instructions to refer yourself for advising.