University of South Carolina Columbia: what international applicants need

What are University of South Carolina Columbia's application deadlines for 2026–27?

University of South Carolina Columbia has 2 application deadlines for 2026–27: Early Action on October 15, 2026 and Regular Decision on December 1, 2026.

• Deadlines are usually 11:59 pm in your own time zone, unless the university says otherwise on its site.

What is University of South Carolina Columbia's acceptance rate?

60.2% for students who started in fall 2024: University of South Carolina Columbia admitted 31,701 of its 52,703 first-year applicants.

• The rate covers all first-year applicants, US and international: the federal data doesn't give a separate rate for international applicants.
• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 admissions (provisional release). Source

Does University of South Carolina Columbia require the SAT or ACT for international applicants?

It depends. University of South Carolina Columbia requires SAT or ACT scores from some applicants or programs only for 2026–27, and its testing page says which.

• This is the policy listed for all first-year applicants. Some universities treat international students differently, so confirm it on the testing page.
• For the Early Action deadline (October 15, 2026), the last international SAT whose scores come out in time is September 12, 2026: scores on September 25, 2026, registration by August 28, 2026 (late registration September 1, 2026).
• For the Regular Decision deadline (December 1, 2026), the last international SAT whose scores come out in time is November 7, 2026: scores on November 20, 2026, registration by October 23, 2026 (late registration October 27, 2026).
• Official score reports can take a few more days to reach universities.

What SAT score do you need for University of South Carolina Columbia?

The middle half of first-year students who enrolled in fall 2024 and sent SAT scores had 580–680 in Math and 600–680 in Reading and Writing (29% of them sent SAT scores).

• On the ACT, the middle half had a composite of 26–32.
• If your score is above the middle of these ranges, it helps your application. At a test-optional university, a score below the lower number usually isn't worth sending.
• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 admissions (provisional release): 25th to 75th percentile of enrolled first-year students who submitted scores. Source

How much is University of South Carolina Columbia's application fee for international students?

University of South Carolina Columbia's application fee is $100 for international applicants: $30 more than the $70 US applicants pay.

Does University of South Carolina Columbia accept the Common App fee waiver from international students?

No. University of South Carolina Columbia accepts the Common App fee waiver from US students only.

• If the fee is a real obstacle, write to the admissions office: some universities grant waivers on request.

Which English tests does University of South Carolina Columbia accept?

University of South Carolina Columbia doesn't list its English tests on the Common App: they're detailed on its international applicants page.

• Minimum scores and exemptions (for example if you studied in English) are set by the university: check its international page.

How many recommendation letters does University of South Carolina Columbia require?

University of South Carolina Columbia doesn't require recommendation letters on the Common App for 2026–27.

• Letters that aren't required can still be accepted: the university's site says whether it reads them.
• Whatever the letters, your school sends the School Report and, after graduation, the Final Report: the Common App says every university requires them.

Does University of South Carolina Columbia require the Common App personal essay?

Yes. University of South Carolina Columbia requires the Common App personal essay (250 to 650 words) for 2026–27.

How many international students does University of South Carolina Columbia have?

536 of University of South Carolina Columbia's 30,187 undergraduates were international students (US nonresidents) in fall 2024: 1.8%.

• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 enrollment (provisional release). Source

How much does University of South Carolina Columbia cost for international students?

University of South Carolina Columbia is a public university: international students pay at least the out-of-state rate, $35,972 in published tuition and fees for 2024–25 (in-state students paid $12,688). Some public universities add an international fee. On-campus food and housing was $13,534. With books and other expenses, a year cost about $55,474 before any financial aid.

• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Published charges for 2024–25. Costs usually rise each year: check the university's site for 2027–28. Source

Does University of South Carolina Columbia give financial aid to international students?

Yes. In 2024-25, University of South Carolina Columbia gave institutional scholarships or grants to 125 international undergraduates.

• Number of international students aided: the university's Common Data Set 2024-25 Source