Scholarship Overview

• Merit scholarships are reserved for students with special qualifications, such as academic, athletic or artistic talent.
• Administered through the Office of Admission and ranging in value of one-quarter tuition, USC Merit Scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence, leadership, service and talent.

Applicable course, university and country

This scholarship is applicable for Bachelors Degree

This scholarship is applicable for the following courses in University of Southern California in USA

• BA inClassics (BA)
  BA in History
• BS in Computer Engineering and Computer Science
  B.A in Economics
• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
  BS in Aerospace Engineering
• BA in Global Studies
  BS in Global Geodesign
• BA in American Popular Culture
  BA in International Relations
• Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering
  BA in Italian
• BA in Philosophy and Physics
  Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
• BA in Communication
  BA in Art
• BA in Spanish
  BA in Art History
• BA in English
  BA in Earth Sciences
• BS in Applied Mechanics
  BFA in Design
• BA in Journalism
  BA in Animation and Digital Arts
• BA in Data Science
  BS in GeoDesign
• BFA in Fine Arts
  BA in French
• BS in Biochemistry
  Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering
• BS in Astronautical Engineering

• Applicable for all Incoming first year students (Bachelor programs)

Scholarship amount details

Max scholarship per student: USD 23,301 => Rs 19,87,109

Conversion rate used: 1 USD = Rs. 88.73 (last updated 23rd September 2025)

Scholarship amount will be given: One Time

Scholarship amount can be used for

Type of Expense	Indicates if scholarship can be used for this type of expense
Tuition & Fees	✔Scholarship amount can be used for this
Living Expense	×Not covered in scholarship
Accommodation	×Not covered in scholarship
Air Fare/Travel Expenses	×Not covered in scholarship
Spouse/Child Care	×Not covered in scholarship
Health Cover	×Not covered in scholarship
Application	×Not covered in scholarship
Others	×Not covered in scholarship

• This Scholarship covers One-Quarter of Tuition Fee
• Tuition (12-18 units for two semesters): $69,904

Student Awards

Number of students to be awarded: Varies

•  Awards are also available for students who are interested in particular fields of study, are actively involved in their cultural communities, or live in certain areas of the country.

Scholarship Eligibility

Special Restrictions

• No Special Restriction applicable

Exams Details

Exam name	Indicates if exam is required and cutoff (if any)
TOEFL	Required (minimum score 100)
IELTS	Required (minimum score 7)
PTE	Required (minimum score 68)
SAT	Required
12	Required

Eligibility

• Applicants must have passed High School
• Incoming first-year students demonstrate superior academic performance — and the potential to do more. 
• Specifically, University recommend students take: 
  • Math: 3 to 4 years
  • Foreign Language: 2 to 4 years
  • Laboratory/Natural/Physical Science: 2 to 4 years
  • English and Literature: 4 years 
  • History and Social Science: 2 to 4 years
  • Academic Electives: 3 years
• Outside of mathematics, no specific curriculum is prescribed or required, though students offered admission typically pursue the most rigorous program available to them in English, science, social studies, foreign language and the arts.
  • Students are expected to have earned a grade of C or better in at least three years of high school mathematics, including Advanced Algebra (Algebra II). 
  • At least one year of Calculus is important preparation for all engineering majors.

• English Langauge Proficiency:
  • TOEFL: with a minimum score of 100 and no less than a score of 20 in each section
  • IELTS (or IELTS Indicator) score of 7
  • PTE score of 68
  • SAT Optional: 650 on the SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section
  • May choose to submit Duolingo

Application Process for this scholarship

Application Documents

Type of documents	Indicates if this type of document is required to be submitted
LOR	Required
Financial/Tax Documents	Required
Official transcripts	Required

• LOR: One letter is required from either your school counselor or a teacher from your school. Some programs may require additional letters of recommendation. 
• Course to course varie: Provide a portfolio, a résumé and/or additional writing samples, if required by applicant's  intended major. Performance majors may also require auditions.
• Provide official copies of academic records from all secondary or senior secondary schools, pre-university programs, and colleges and universities you have attended.
• These records must be sent directly from the schools or testing agencies. They must also be submitted in the native language, accompanied by a certified English translation, if the native language is not English.
• Proof of English language proficiency
• Use the “Mid-Year Report” form included in the Common Application.
• Affirmations will be available in the portal after we receive your application. Your digital signature may be submitted after the application deadline.
• Financial Statement of Personal or Family Support

Scholarship Application

Students will be auto-considered for this scholarship when they apply for the courses on which this scholarship is applicable. No separate application is needed.

Important Dates

	Date	Additional Details
Application final end date	Not Available	USC Merit Scholarships require students to apply for admission to the university by the November 1 or December 1, depending on their intended major. Most majors require students to apply Early Action and submit a complete application by November 1. Early Action is not available for students applying to the Iovine and Young Academy or to majors in Architecture, Art and Design, Cinematic Arts, Dance, Dramatic Arts, Music or the World Bachelor in Business. Applicants to these majors should apply by December 1 to be considered for both admission and scholarships.

Please note that these dates could be in local country times and may not be IST (Indian standard time).