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ENGLISH LANGUAGE COURSES AT USC IN THE CITY OF LOS ANGELES
Study English at the University of Southern California in 2025 or 2026. Contact a representative to get a quote, to receive more information, and a pdf brochure
AMONG THE 30 BEST UNIVERSITIES IN THE US TO LEARN ENGLISH
Become a Trojan and learn English in one of the most prestigious universities in the country, with courses according to your needs and wishes, besides advising and assessment through the whole process.
ONE OF THE MOST CULTURALLY DIVERSE UNIVERSITIES
Study on a secure campus, where you’ll also find countless opportunities to engage with people from other cultures, and create lasting memories.
LEARN AND PRACTICE YOUR ENGLISH IN THE EXCITING LOS ANGELES, CA
Students will live in a city full of creativity and innovation, which also features a wide variety of cultures, letting them learn and practice their English every day.
TOP 10 REASONS TO STUDY ENGLISH AT UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
This institution is one of the most popular destinations for international studentsA wide variety of English LEVELS to suit your needs
Improve your English expertise through different activities according to your English level.
Full access to CAMPUS facilities at USC
One of the benefits of becoming a USC student is that you will have complete access to all the campus facilities, but also to services and events.
USC is at the top 20 of the best universities in the U.S.
According to the Times Higher Education rank of universities in the USA, the University of Southern California is within the top 20.
BE PART OF A VERY DIVERSE COMMUNITY AT USC
At the University of Southern California there are more than 960 student organizations that go from art to entertainment and culture.
A SAFE LIFESTYLE INSIDE THE usc CAMPUS
One of the biggest safety departments in the US is on the USC campus. This will ensure your safety at all times.
a real us campus experience
You'll be able to study in the beautiful USC downtown campus and live a real college atmosphere by interacting with other international and national students.
PARTICIPATE IN EXCITING ACTIVITIES
At the University of Southern California you can participate in weekly activities at no or at a reduced cost, which is perfect for practicing English.
EXCELLENT FACULTY READY TO TEACH YOU
The teachers of the Intensive English program will guide you and give you all the attention and feedback needed to improve at the fastest rate possible.
SMALL AND INTERACTIVE CLASSES
Classes of the Intensive English program at USC are small, with only a few students, which allows for a more interactive and engaging learning experience.
A GREAT LOCATION IN DOWNTOWN LA
You’ll live in a great city such as Los Angeles, at USC's prime location in the middle of Downtown LA.
ENGLISH PROGRAMS AT UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
INTERNATIONAL ACADEMYUSC INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY offers several English program options for international students
Choose the program that fits you bestIntensive English Program
A seven-level English program to study in your free time, expanding your knowledge about the language and culture by enhancing your English skills. Eligible for F-1 student visa.
Other English Programs
USC offers other English programs such as Pre-Masters and Master's Preparation. Both allow you to prepare for graduate level programs taught in English.
INTENSIVE ENGLISH PROGRAM
The Intensive English Program is perfect for those who want to improve their English skills for specific needs. You will receive instruction in reading, writing, listening, and speaking from USC teachers. Additionally, there are opportunities for conversation groups and social activities on campus. Due to its 7 different English levels, after you take an initial placement test, you'll be placed with students at your same level and with similar needs, which makes the learning process much smoother and fun.
Main Features
- Full-Time Program
- Classes are on campus
- 20 hours per week (Monday-Friday)
- 7 levels from beginner to advanced
- You can take several sessions until you achieve your English language goals
- Sessions of 7, 14, and 21 weeks. Every 14 weeks is one level
- One focus elective class on top of regular classes
- Few students per class
- Access to University facilities as libraries, gym, etc
- Extra-curricular activities
- Eligible for F-1 student visa
- Off-campus nearby accommodation available
Requirements
- Students need to be at least 17 years old on the first day of classes. There is no maximum age.
- International students and US residents are welcome to apply
More information about the program
Program description
The courses in the Intensive English Program of the University of Southern California are meticulously designed to cater to the specific needs and objectives of every student, regardless of their level of language proficiency, be it beginner or advanced.
In order to provide personalized attention and promote collaboration among students, USC maintains small class sizes and encourages interactive instruction. This approach ensures that you have ample opportunities to receive individualized guidance, work together with your peers, and enhance your learning experience. You will attend classes for 20 hours every week, and can further enhance your studies by participating in conversation groups and utilizing the language labs. Additionally, USC offers university admission workshops to provide you with extra support in your academic journey.
The courses offered at USC focus on enhancing your reading, writing, listening, speaking, and pronunciation skills. These courses are taught by USC teachers who are committed to providing high-quality education. In addition to these core courses, you also have the opportunity to choose focus classes that align with your academic program. To further improve your language skills, you can participate in conversation groups with American USC students on a weekly basis.
Students at the undergraduate level who achieve Level 5 (which is equivalent to a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 70, IELTS score of 6, or PTE Academic score of 50) have the option to enroll in USC's specialized SAT Preparation course. This course has been specifically tailored to address the requirements of international students and comes at an extra cost. In addition, USC provides comprehensive assistance to students who are planning to transition into a college or university in the United States. This support includes expert guidance on admissions, test preparation, and intensive English courses.
Focus classes options
- TOEFL iBT Preparation
- Pronunciation
- IELTS Preparation
- Vocabulary
- Business Communication
- English through Film
- Journalism
- Life in Los Angeles
OTHER ENGLISH PROGRAMS
The International Academy of the University of Southern California (USC) offers other English Language Programs for International students.
The University of Southern California offers a Pre-Master program that in one or two semesters will help you meet the requirements for graduate studies while improving your English language and academic skills. It includes GRE/GMAT preparation courses.
Program Features
- 14-15 weeks duration (one semester)
- 20 hours of classes per week
- For high-achieving students looking to enter a Master's degree program at USC
- Prepare for a university graduate program by improving your academic skills.
- Takes place in the fall, spring, and summer terms.
- Classes are on campus
- Two academic tracks - Business, social science and arts / Science, technology, and health.
- An F-1 student visa is required
Requirements
- A Bachelor's degree
- A GPA of at least 3.0 (may vary depending on Master's degree)
- High-intermediate English level (TOEFL iBT 61, IELTS 5.5, or PTE Academic 44)
In this program, you will have the chance to pursue the same academic pathways and enroll in the identical courses as those available in the Pre-Master’s Program. Additionally, USC provides TOEFL or IELTS test preparation and comprehensive academic guidance to support your progress.
Program Features
- 14-15 weeks duration (one semester)
- 20 hours of classes per week
- For high-achieving students looking to enter a Master's degree program at USC and don't have an English test score.
- Prepare for a university graduate program by improving your academic skills.
- Takes place in the fall, spring, and summer terms.
- Classes are on campus
- Two academic tracks - Business, social science and arts / Science, technology, and health.
- An F-1 student visa is required
Requirements
- A Bachelor's degree
- High-intermediate English level (test not required)
PRICES & DATES
Complete the contact form to get a quotePRICES AND DATES ENGLISH PROGRAMS 2025 - 2026
How much does it cost to study English in University of Southern California?Table with costs and dates of the Intensive English Program 2025 - 2026
| Session | Dates | Duration | Program Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intensive English Program Academic Semester | Aug. 29 - Dec. 6, 2024 | 14 weeks | $6,200 |
| Intensive English Program Extended Academic Semester | Oct. 17, 2024 - Apr. 15, 2025 | 21 weeks | $9,300 |
| Intensive English Program Academic Semester | Jan. 9 - Apr. 22, 2025 | 14 weeks | $6,500 |
| Intensive English Program Academic Semester | Feb. 27 - Jun. 19, 2025 | 14 weeks | $6,500 |
| Intensive English Program Academic Semester | May 1 - Aug. 15, 2025 | 14 weeks | $6,500 |
| Intensive English Program | May 1 - Jun. 19, 2025 | 7 weeks | $3,250 |
| Intensive English Program Summer | Jun. 30 - Aug. 15, 2025 | 7 weeks | $3,250 |
| Intensive English Program Academic Semester | Aug. 28 - Dec. 5, 2025 | 14 weeks | $6,500 |
For example, if you want to study for approximately 6 months, you can take two sessions of the Intensive English Program Academic Semester . You will not repeat the same course because each session will be on a different level.
What is included in the "Program Fee" of the English course, and other costs to consider / Other Costs to consider
The following fees are included in the "Program Fee"
- Tuition Fee
Other costs to consider
- Application fee: it is a USD$175 non-refundable fee paid upon your application.
- University Service Fee: the required university service fee covers the cost of textbooks and materials, health insurance, access to campus facilities (medical center, gym, computer labs, & more), and issuance of immigration documents. It varies depending on the length of your program.
University Service Fee per program:- $475 per 7 weeks program
- $950 per 14 weeks program
- $1,535 per 21 weeks program
- Visa costs: international students who enroll in a full-time program in the USA need the F-1 student visa. Costs related to the F-1 visa include the SEVIS Fee (US$350 approx.) to register on the Student Exchange Visitor Information System and a Visa fee (US$185 approx.). These are costs set by the U.S. government.
- Accommodation in Los Angeles: since you will be living and studying abroad, you should consider housing costs. Down below, you can read some of the options USC recommends for international students.
- Flight Tickets from your country to Los Angeles, USA
- Food: as part of your budget, you must consider food costs, since you'll spend either on groceries to cook at home, or you'll eat at a restaurant.
Click for Your Customized Quote!
Click to find out how much money you need.HOW TO APPLY FOR AN INTENSIVE ENGLISH PROGRAM AT UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
All the application process is online. Follow the instructions belowSteps to apply for a program
1. Application Process
2. Acceptance Process
3. Visa Processing
4. Payment
5. Classes start!
1. Application Process
Documents must be sent to uscvivecampus.com
Documents needed to apply
1. Application Form
Download and complete the application form. Do not forget to sign the form.
Download Form and Instructions2. Passport Copy
Clear Copy of the identification page of your passport. The passport must be valid for 6 months after the first day of classes.
3. Financial Verification
Bank letter or bank statement showing that you or your sponsor have at least the "Estimated Total Expense" of the program (amounts can be in US dollars or your local currency).
The estimated total expense is an estimate made by the university that includes tuition fees and an estimate of what you might spend in medical insurance, housing, meals, books, and supplies. Flight tickets are not included in this estimation.
Bank document must show at least the following amount per program:
- 2-month programs: USD$7,671
- 4-month programs USD$15,342
- 6-month programs: USD$23,013
- 8-month programs: USD$30,684
- 12-month programs: USD$46,030
4. Application Fee
There is a non-refundable application fee of $175 dollars paid to the USC International Academy. After receiving confirmation from one of our representatives, you must pay the application fee online, following the representative's instructions.
Send your application documents
A representative needs to review all your documents are correct.
Your application documents must be sent to uscvivecampus.com
*If you are a US resident or a transfer student from another US school. Please contact us for more details. The application process is different
2. Acceptance Process
After we have received all your application documents and you have paid the application fee, you will be contacted by the admission office within 2 weeks.
If you are applying for a full-time program, you will need an F-1 student visa. After you have been accepted into the program, the admission office will send you the acceptance documents plus the form I-20, required to apply for the F-1 student visa.
3. Visa Processing
Please check with us what type of visa you need, depending on the program you are interested in at USC.
- If the program you are applying for is a full-time program (18hrs/week or more), you will need the F-1 student visa. With an F-1 visa, you can extend your stay in the United States as long as you continue studying.
- If your program is 15hrs/week or less, you will have to travel to the U.S. as a tourist with a B1/B2 tourist visa or visa waiver ESTA. As a tourist, you can only stay in the U.S. the time your tourist visa allows since your primary purpose in the U.S. should be tourism.
Please check the website of the U.S. embassy of your country to see the steps you need to apply for a visa.
Generally, for an F-1 student visa, students must do the following:
- Complete the DS-160 form
- Schedule an appointment at the U.S. embassy
- Pay for the F-1 student visa (approx. US$185)
- Pay for the I-901 SEVIS Fee (approx. US$350): https://www.fmjfee.com/i901fee/index.html
- Go to the embassy on the scheduled day
You must confirm these steps on the website of the U.S. embassy in your country. You can look for your nearest U.S. embassy here: http://www.usembassy.gov/
4. Payment
Next, you need to make full payment of all remaining fees, which is due at registration and can be done by credit card, travelers check, money order, or certified check. You will receive more information regarding dates once you begin the application process.
5. Arrival to School
It would be best to arrive a week before the program start date to attend the orientation at the end of registration week. In your admission letter, you can find more information about the orientation and the initial placement test. On the first day at school, you should bring your passport, F-1 student visa, I-20, and a bank statement.
Important: We suggest you apply at least 2 months in advance.
ACTIVITIES FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
You will be able to participate in several activities during the programSOCIAL, CULTURAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES IN LOS ANGELES AND ACTIVITIES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Most of the activities are free!ONE OF THE BEST WAYS TO KEEP IMPROVING YOUR ENGLISH OUTSIDE OF THE CLASSROOM IS BY PARTICIPATING IN SOCIAL, CULTURAL, SPORT, AND OTHER ACTIVITIES OFFERED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA.
International students can participate in activities such as:
- Theatre performances and movie screenings
- Student Parties and concerts
- Watch Los Angeles local sport teams
- Visiting the Natural History Museum & Science Museum
- Visiting Universal Studios
- Outdoor activities such as hiking on famous L.A spots
Besides taking the English programs at the University of Southern California, there are plenty of other cool activities you can get involved in. It’s a great way to get to know the university and the city better, meet new people from different cultures, hang out with other international students, play sports, and more. Additionally, it’s a fun way to continue practicing your English skills.
Information about the city of Los Angeles, California
Three miles south Downtown L.A. is University Park, the central campus of the University of Southern California. In this amazing neighborhood you will be surrounded by incredible places like The Broad Museum, one of the most popular museums in the city because of its potential for Instagram posts and stories. Considering L.A. as the city with the most museums, more than any other city in the country, you will never be out of places to go. Downtown you can also travel to other places, by visiting places such as Chinatown, which is just a few blocks up from Olvera Street, a place where you can find food, shops, and an impressive architecture that will make you feel right in Asia.
If L.A. is mentioned, most people only picture Hollywood films being made or movie stars working in the city. But there is plenty to see there, since it’s a multicultural city, home not only to the movie-making industry, but many others, such as live theaters, where you can spot famous actors. The fashion industry is of course thriving in L.A. too, with hundreds of brands for every budget. Also in the music industry, Los Angeles is one of the most diverse cities, as you can find almost every music style, from jaz z, blues, to rap and rock music. You can visit the Grammy Museum right across the Staple Center, to know all about past Grammy winners, play as many instruments as you want, and sing songs too.
There is no doubt that the city of Los Angeles is the perfect choice for studying English since all the above mentioned can help you improve your English skills while having lots of fun and meeting different people.
Some tourist attractions you cannot miss in Los Angeles are:
- Universal Studios Hollywood
- Santa Monica
- L.A library
- Art’s District
- The Natural History Museum
- La Brea Tar Pits
- Walt Disney Concert Hall
- Disneyland Resort
- Venice and Long Beach
Information about University of Southern California
The University of Southern California was founded in 1880 by Robert M. Widney and it’s the oldest private research University in California. It is ranked among the top 20 universities in the United States. It has programs across 22 professional schools and its Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, and it welcomes more than 49,000 students from around 150 countries.
USC is also well known for its Health Science Campus, which is located three miles from downtown L.A. Former alumni from this campus have become recipients of awards , such as the Nobel Prize, National Medal of Arts, National Humanities Medal, National Medal of Science, National Medal of Technology, among several others. Faculty members work on groundbreaking research that faces critical issues of our society.
Professors with outstanding interdisciplinary interests are part of the University of Southern California and have the determination of guiding students to discover different perspectives, go beyond their comfort zone to improve their academic skills, and always reach for excellence. At USC students will experience new cultures and will interact with professionals who are part of projects making meaningful impact in different fields.
Some facts about USC are:
- Ranked among the top 20 universities in the U.S.
- Vibrant campus life: 1200+ student organizations; innovative arts & humanities initiative
- Co-founder of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities
- More than 450,000 alumni around the world
Photos of the English Programs at University of Southern California
Videos of the English Programs at University of Southern California
HOUSING IN LOS ANGELES
Most common housing options for international students in Los AngelesSTUDENTS FROM THE INTENSIVE ENGLISH PROGRAM AT INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY HAVE 2 MAIN HOUSING OPTIONS:
Check housing options for international students at USC in Los Angeles- Dormitories
- Apartments
Dormitories
Living close to the campus of the University of Southern California (USC) is the perfect choice for those looking to connect with other students, both from the United States and around the globe. By choosing to live inside the university dormitories, you can fully immerse yourself in the vibrant university atmosphere that USC has to offer. Please contact us for more information regarding near campus housing offered by USC.
Apartments
Students can also find their own accommodation, such as shared apartments, hostels, or co-ops.
FINDING A PLACE TO LIVE DEPENDS EXCLUSIVELY ON THE STUDENT.
There are many options available near the campus of the University. If the housing option is off-campus, students must contact the housing provider directly.
FAQS
Do you have any question about studying English at USC?FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT STUDYING ENGLISH IN UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
If you do not find the answer, please contact a representative filling the form belowWhy should I study English at USC?
The University of Southern California is one of the world’s leading research universities which is recognized for its distinguished programs across 22 professional schools and a diverse campus life located in the dynamic city of Los Angeles, California. The Intensive ESL program at USC will allow you to improve your skills, and meet other people from all around the world with different languages and cultures.
As a USC student you will have access to all school facilities, such as the libraries, the sports courts, pools, among others.
Why should I choose to learn English in Los Angeles, California?
The city of Los Angeles is very well known for its multicultural communities and its many attractions, especially for tourists. In this city you will find other students from all the US and the world, which is great for networking and learning about other cultures.
What is the USC International Academy?
The University of Southern California is a large institution that welcomes thousands of talented and diverse students from all the U.S and the world. The USC International Academy focuses on giving you the skills and tools to express your ideas with conviction, leave your comfort zone to navigate life in the United States, and cross knowledge boundaries. Its wide range of teachers will help you reach your goals through an excellence program that teaches you how to develop a graduate-level of speaking, reading, and writing.
Can I stay on campus while I am a student of the Intensive English program at the University of Southern California?
Yes, USC offers an on-campus housing program where you can stay while taking any English program while living with other students in shared apartments. Check the housing section for more information.
Which are the different steps of the application process for the F-1 student visa to study English at USC?
Please check with us what type of visa you need to take the program you are interested in.
- All full-time programs in the U.S. require a F-1 student Visa. With an F-1 visa, you can extend your stay in the United States as long as you continue studying.
- Part-time programs (15hrs/week or less) can be taken with a tourist visa or visa waiver ESTA. With a tourist visa, you can only stay in the U.S. the duration your tourist visa allows, since your main purpose in the U.S. should be tourism.
If you need an F-1 student visa, please apply as soon as you receive your acceptance documents (I-20 form) from the International Academy at University of Southern California. In some countries it can take several weeks to obtain a visa interview at the U.S. embassy.
You must confirm these steps on the website of the U.S. embassy in your country. You can look for your nearest U.S. embassy here: http://www.usembassy.gov/
Do the English programs at USC offer certificates once you finish?
Yes, at the end of the program of your choosing you will receive a certificate of completion from the University of Southern California.
What are the payment methods for the programs at USC? When should I pay?
The University of Southern California does not accept cash as a method of payment. It is preferred to use Flywire (a secure way to pay online from any country) or Bank Wire Transfer. Also, you can pay by checks of the following types: Cashier’s check drawn on U.S. dollars from a U.S. bank, Personal check drawn on U.S. dollars from a U.S. bank and Travelers checks in U.S. dollars.
You must pay the whole value of the program at least one month before the starting date. This does not include the deposit and the university fees which must be paid upon application.
What’s the average amount of students per class in the Intensive English programs at USC?
Classes are small for a more personalized experience and faster learning. There are usually 15 to 18 students per class.
What is the minimum age requirement to enter the Intensive English program of the University of Southern California?
At USC you must be at least 17 years old to enter the Intensive English Program.
Are the classes taught on the USC campus?
Yes, all classes of the ESL programs take place Downtown on the University Park Campus, and you can easily go to your classes within a walking distance from your USC apartment housing.
How many levels does the English program at USC have?
This program offers 7 levels of English and students are placed in a level from beginner to advanced for their classes. Most students need to spend 14 weeks at the same level if they want to pass to the next level.
Can I work while I study at USC?
You're allowed to work up to 20 hours per week on campus, but it's difficult to find a job, as most positions are filled in by undergraduate and graduate students.
Do I need health insurance to study English at USC?
Yes, you’ll need health insurance. However, that cost is covered by the university service fee you pay once you apply for the program.
Does the University of Southern California offer scholarships?
The University of Southern California does not offer scholarships or financial aid for English Programs. Students need to make the payment in full.
Do I need to take TOEFL or IELTS exams to enter the Pre-Masters or Master’s Preparation program?
For the Pre-Masters program students need to submit the results of an official English test, such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE. For the Master's preparation program, this is optional.
Are the textbooks included with the English programs?
Yes, textbooks are included within the University Service Fees you pay upon application.
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