International Student Information: Join a Global Filmmaking Community at USC

The USC School of Cinematic Arts Summer Program is proud to welcome aspiring filmmakers from every corner of the globe. Each summer, international students bring their unique perspectives and creativity to our inclusive and diverse community, enriching the experience for everyone. Here, you'll not only learn the art and craft of cinematic storytelling but also immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of USC, sharing your journey with fellow filmmakers from around the world.

Whether you're honing your skills in film production, screenwriting, animation, game design, or any of our dynamic courses, you'll be part of a supportive and inspiring environment that celebrates global storytelling and collaboration.

Application Process

The first step toward your transformative summer at USC is to apply. When completing your application, be sure to indicate your status as an international student to ensure a smooth admission process. Take this opportunity to learn from the best and elevate your cinematic vision in the heart of Los Angeles, the world's entertainment capital.

Your story starts here-apply today to join a global community of future filmmakers!

Accepted English Proficiency Tests:

TEST NAME	MINIMUM SCORE
iBT TOEFL	Total Score: 100 Each Section Score: 20
IELTS	7
PTE	65
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Section	650
SAT Critical Reading Exam	600
ACT English Section	25
Duolingo English Test	120

Exemptions:

• Native English Speakers
  • Students who are citizens of a native English-speaking country (e.g. Australia, Jamaica, United Kingdom) are exempt from providing an English Language Proficiency exam score.
• Attends school in a native English-speaking country
  • Students who are currently attending a school in a native English-speaking country.
  • Students who have completed a year or more of full-time coursework at a school in a native English-speaking country within the last 5 years. Courses must be academic in nature and not E.S.L. (English as a Second Language) courses.
  • Students who meet the criteria above are exempt from providing an English Language Proficiency exam score.

VISA REQUIREMENTS

The USC SCA Summer Program is a SEVP accepted institution. This means that international students (non-U.S. citizens) without a valid visa (see below) must apply and enter the U.S. on an F1 visa.

Tourist/Visitor visas (B1/B2) and the ESTA visas are NOT VALID for a study within our program. The university will not refund tuition or fees for USC SCA Summer Program students who are denied a visa or unable to enter the country due to an improper visa.

Please identify your status below to see the requirements and process.

Status	Description	Requirements Documents	Process
I-20/F1 from USC	• Students who need to apply for an I-20/F1 visa from USC.	• *Demographic Information Form • 2x Passport copy • *Proof of Funding	• *Submit a passport copy into a private One Drive folder. • Fill-out the Demographic Information form. • Pay the USC I-20 Processing Fee. • Activate USC OIS account. • Submit all required documents into the student’s OIS account for the *I-20. • Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee. • Schedule an F1 visa appointment with the U.S. Embassy/Consulate with the I-20. • Enter the U.S. with the F-1 visa.
Valid Visas	• Other valid visas that are acceptable to study here at the USC SCA Summer Program. • Valid Visa Examples:     • E1/E2     • O1/O2     • J1	• *Demographic Informat ion Form • 2x Passport copy • Visa copy	• *Submit a passport copy into private One Drive folder. • Fill-out the Demographic Information form. • Gather all required documents.
Another School’s F1	• Identified as students who are currently sponsored under another school’s I-20/F1 visa	• Passport copy • *Demographic Information Form. • *Concurrent Enrollment Letter	• *Submit a passport copy into private One Drive folder. • Fill-out the Demographic Information form. • Gather all required documents.
Canadian Citizen	• Students that have Canadian Citizenship. • Canadian citizens must apply for an I-20, but does not need an F1 Visa.	• *Demographic Information Form • 2x Passport copy • *Proof of Funding	• *Submit a passport copy into private One Drive folder. • Fill-out the Demographic Information form. • Pay the USC I-20 Processing Fee. • Activate USC OIS account. • Submit all required documents into the student’s OIS account for the *I-20. • Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee. • Enter the U.S. with the I-20.
Green Card/Permanent Resident	• Students who have a Green Card or Permanent Resident Card from the U.S.	• Passport copy • *Demographic Information Form. • Copy of the Green Card or Permanent Resident Card	• *Submit a passport copy into private One Drive folder. • Fill-out the Demographic Information form. • Gather all required documents.
* Private One Drive folder:     • After acceptance into the program, an email invite will be sent to a private One Drive folder. * Demographic Information Form:     • The form will be sent to students upon acceptance into the program. * Proof of Funding:     • The U.S. government requires international students on a student visa to provide proof of the ability to pay for the tuition and fees.     • Documentation must show that the student has the funds to cover the cost of the program tuition and set living expenses cost ($3500).     • Example documentation includes a recent savings or checking account bank statement, or a signed bank letter verifying the ability to pay for the total cost. * I-20 Processing Time:     • Once all the required documents have been submitted and approved, it takes 10 business days to create an I-20. * Concurrent Enrollment Letter:     • This is a permission letter from the student’s sponsoring school that the student may attend our program under their F1.     • This must be on official school letterhead and cannot be an email.

MANDATORY VISA FEES

Beyond the tuition and fees for the SCA Summer Program, international students requiring an F-1 visa will have additional mandatory fees that are due.

	FEE AMOUNT	LINKS
Visa Application Fee*	$182	https://www.fmjfee.com/i901fee/index.html
SEVIS I-901 Fee	$350	https://www.fmjfee.com/i901fee/index.html
USC I-20 Processing Fee	$350	An email with a link will be sent by our office.

* Fees may vary from country to country. Please check here to see if your country has any additional issuance fees.