University of South Florida: what international applicants need

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

University of South Florida has 2 application deadlines for 2026–27: Early Action on November 2, 2026 and Regular Decision on December 16, 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 Florida's acceptance rate?

43.2% for students who started in fall 2024: University of South Florida admitted 29,621 of its 68,576 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 Florida require the SAT or ACT for international applicants?

Yes. University of South Florida requires SAT or ACT scores from first-year applicants for 2026–27.

• 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 (November 2, 2026), the last international SAT whose scores come out in time is October 3, 2026: scores on October 16, 2026, registration by September 18, 2026 (late registration September 22, 2026).
• For the Regular Decision deadline (December 16, 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 Florida?

The middle half of first-year students who enrolled in fall 2024 and sent SAT scores had 550–660 in Math and 580–660 in Reading and Writing (78% of them sent SAT scores).

• On the ACT, the middle half had a composite of 24–29.
• 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 Florida's application fee for international students?

University of South Florida's application fee is $30 for international applicants, the same as for US applicants.

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

No. University of South Florida 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 Florida accept?

University of South Florida 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 Florida require?

University of South Florida 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 Florida require the Common App personal essay?

No. University of South Florida doesn't require the Common App personal essay for 2026–27, though you can still send it: the Common App lets you submit it to any university.

How many international students does University of South Florida have?

3,032 of University of South Florida's 38,525 undergraduates were international students (US nonresidents) in fall 2024: 7.9%.

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

How much does University of South Florida cost for international students?

University of South Florida is a public university: international students pay at least the out-of-state rate, $17,324 in published tuition and fees for 2024–25 (in-state students paid $6,410). Some public universities add an international fee. On-campus food and housing was $14,440. With books and other expenses, a year cost about $37,430 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 Florida give financial aid to international students?

Yes. In 2024-25, University of South Florida gave institutional scholarships or grants to 1,062 international undergraduates.

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