Scholarships
Undergraduate international students typically pay the out-of-state tuition rate each term. However, some departments offer competitive scholarships. A list of scholarships offered by academic departments on campus can be accessed through the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships website. You may also contact the academic department directly about scholarship opportunities. It is legal for international students to work on-campus; however, salaries from these jobs will only support minor expenses.
Graduate Assistantships and Fellowships
Graduate international students typically pay the out-of-state tuition rate each term. However, many graduate international students fund their studies through graduate assistantships, which may provide a salary, tuition supplements, and resident (in-state) tuition. Graduate assistantships are part-time, paid work experiences (10 - 20 hours per week) within the department; benefits for these positions vary. Assistantships are competitive; however, many graduate students are able to fund all or a portion of their education through an assistantship. After beginning studies, students often can locate additional research funding, fellowships and grants through their academic advisor and department.
Some departments also may offer competitive fellowships. A list of awards offered by academic departments on campus can be accessed through the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships website, or contact the academic department directly about opportunities.
Sister-State Agreements
The University of South Carolina, Columbia campus, is pleased to offer resident (in-state) tuition to citizens of the following countries and states:
- State of Rhineland-Palatinate/Rhineland-Pfalz - Germany
- State of Thuringen - Germany
- State of Brandenburg - Germany
- State of Queensland - Australia
- Province of Taiwan, Republic of China
Students from these areas who are admitted students to all Bachelor, Master, PhD and non-degree programs qualify for resident tuition. This benefit lowers tuition significantly, resulting in savings of approximately $18,816 for undergraduate students and approximately $10,611 for graduate students. The benefit was established through the sister-state agreement between the State of South Carolina and the countries/states listed above. The agreement is extended at will by the University of South Carolina. Applicants must be admitted to a program at the University of South Carolina and must demonstrate citizenship with a passport. The tuition benefit is applicable throughout all years of study in a program.
International Student Services does not evaluate sister-state tuition eligibility. To see if you qualify for sister state tuition, contact the Office of Legal Residency.