Timeline
Please note: Timelines may vary depending on the partner university. These dates may vary so please plan ahead when submitting your application.
| Fall Semester Exchange | Spring Semester Exchange | |
| USC application available | December 1 | August 1 |
| USC application due | February 28 | September 8 |
| Decisions from USC | Mid- March | Early to mid-September |
| Applications to partner schools due | Mid- to late March | Mid- to late September |
| Decisions from partner schools | NUS: Mid-June HKUST: Mid-April |
NUS: Mid-November HKUST: Mid-October |
Benefits of Exchange Programs
- Study at top universities around the world
- A full semester living & studying abroad
- Pursue academic work that compliments your major
- Gain a deeper understanding of a new culture
- Become fully-integrated into the culture and lifestyle of the host institution
Partner Schools
Outgoing Students
Eligibility Requirements
To participate in this undergraduate program, you must:
Have a
2.8
GPA
Be a Viterbi Student in Good Academic Standing
Completed at least
2
Semesters at USC
No Academic Integrity Violations
The program is based on an even exchange of students between USC and the partner school, therefore openings to all sites are contingent upon the partner school sending students to USC. Some sites may not be available during certain semesters.
Application
Supporting Materials
A copy of your current resume. (PDFs are preferred.)
Name and email address of your recommender, preferrably a Viterbi faculty or staff member.
Answers to application questions
Recommendations
Recommenders are asked provide a letter detailing how they feel you will represent USC while abroad and how they believe you will benefit from this program.
Recommendation letter are due no later than one day after the application deadline.
Your recommender will receive an email with directions on submitting a recommendation electronically. Be certain to confirm that s/hewill serve as your recommender before submitting her/his contact information.
Application Questions
You will need to submit answers the following questions in the application. Answers should be no more than 250 words in length.
- Why are you interested in the International Exchange Program? How have you prepared for this experience, and how will it contribute to your personal and professional goals?
- Explain why you chose the exchange university that you did. How did you arrive at your decision?
- What are your expectations for your experience as an exchange student? What opportunities are you looking forward to, and what challenges are you anticipating? How will you take full advantage of those opportunities? How will you address the challenges you face?
- Why do you feel that you are an ideal candidate for this program?
Tips on Answering Application Questions
Keep in mind that we are looking for students with a clearly demonstrated interest in studying abroad.
Keep your answers concise.
Write your answers in advance and then copy/paste them into the application
Incoming Students
Welcome international exchange students! Please follow the links below for important information regarding your studies at the USC Viterbi School of Engineering.
About USC
USC is one of the leading private research universities in the U.S. and the world. An anchor institution in Los Angeles, a global center for arts, technology and international trade, USC enrolls more international students than any other U.S. university and offers extensive opportunities for internships and study abroad. With a strong tradition of integrating liberal and professional education, USC fosters a vibrant culture of public service and encourages students to cross academic as well as geographic boundaries in their pursuit of knowledge. Our alumni are the leaders of industry and commerce, pioneers in engineering and medicine, and producers of fine art, great music, and many of the most popular films ever produced.
About the Viterbi School of Engineering
The USC Viterbi School of Engineering is comprised of eight academic departments and several programs serving approximately 2700 undergraduate and 4200 graduate students. Viterbi students enjoy state-of-the-art laboratories, classrooms, and live Internet broadcast systems. Of its 185 tenured and tenure-track faculty, 37 are members of the National Academy of Engineering and many have won National Science Foundation CAREER Grants.
The school’s unique undergraduate and graduate programs lead to the bachelor of science, master of science and doctor of philosophy degrees in engineering; extend the frontiers of engineering knowledge; stimulate and encourage in students qualities of scholarship, leadership, and character; serve the city, the state, the nation and the world by providing for the continuing education of engineers; and offer professional engineering leadership training toward the solution of community, regional, national and global problems.
