WELCOME!

Welcome to the University of South Carolina! We look forward to meeting you and helping you have a rewarding exchange student experience here in the U.S.

The University of South Carolina features a historic campus dating back to 1805. The University enrolls more than 27,000 students in over 350 degree programs. Known for high-quality academics, the University of South Carolina has nationally ranked programs including the number one ranked undergraduate International Business program according to U.S. News and World Report. In addition, the University excels in research and was recently awarded a $1.3 million dollar grant from the National Science Foundation to study nanotechnology. For a general overview of the University and programs of study, you can refer to our program brief.

As an exchange student, not only will you have the opportunity to partake in nationally ranked programs, but you will also enjoy the temperate weather of the South and the well-known “Southern hospitality” of the people of South Carolina. Columbia is centrally located within South Carolina and is a short drive both to the beaches on the eastern coast of the U.S. and to the Smokey Mountains on the western side of the state. In addition to convenient access to the beaches and the mountains, Columbia itself offers students a wide variety of activities from blues and jazz music to cultural and sporting events. If you cheer on one of the 18 athletic teams at the University of South Carolina, you will surely see Cocky, the university mascot. Cocky was voted National Mascot of the Year in 2003.

In the following pages, you will find information on how to apply to the University of South Carolina as an exchange student. In addition, you will find links to required forms and immigration-related information to help you apply for a student visa once you have been accepted and have received your SEVIS I-20 document. To help you prepare for your time in Columbia, we’ve provided helpful pre-arrival information on things like health insurance, financial matters and packing tips. Not only that, but you’ll also find information on the U.S. academic system, how to adjust culturally to living in the U.S. and a section containing Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

For more detailed information, you can also access the USC International Student Handbook and the USC Factsheet. We look forward to meeting you and having you as an exchange student at the University of South Carolina.