What IELTS score do I need for University of Southern California?

University of Southern California typically requires around IELTS Band 6.5 overall (equivalent to TOEFL iBT ~90 or PTE ~65). Undergraduate courses are often 0.5 lower; some postgraduate programmes ask higher — confirm on your course page.

Does University of Southern California accept TOEFL or PTE too?

Yes — University of Southern California also accepts TOEFL iBT (~90) and PTE Academic (~65) alongside IELTS.

How can I reach Band 6.5 for free?

Take free IELTS mocks to find your weak section, learn the strategy in the PPT lessons, and check your Writing/Speaking band with the free AI band checker.

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USAQS #116IELTS 6.52026

IELTS Score for University of Southern California

To study at University of Southern California in Los Angeles, CA, you typically need around IELTS Band 6.5 overall — about TOEFL 90 or PTE 65. Undergraduate courses may accept a little lower; competitive postgraduate programmes can ask for more.

▶ Take a free IELTS mock test

University of Southern California — key facts

World rank (QS)	#116
Location	Los Angeles, CA, USA
Type	Private
Founded	1880
Acceptance rate	12%
International students	25%
Tuition	$48–52k/yr
Application fee	$90
Application deadline	Dec 15 (Fall)
Intakes	Fall (Sep), Spring (Jan)

Popular programmes at University of Southern California

MS Computer Science
MS Data Science
MS Electrical Eng
MS Business Analytics
MS Cybersecurity

What University of Southern California is known for

Engineering, Film, Business

Scholarships & funding

Merit scholarships (Viterbi) + assistantships

How to reach Band 6.5

Diagnose. Take a free IELTS mock to see your band in each skill.
Target the gap. See exactly what Band 6.5 needs in each section.
Learn the strategy. Use the free IELTS prep lessons for your weak sections.
Get feedback. Check your Writing & Speaking with the free AI band checker and redo weak answers.

Frequently asked questions

What IELTS score do I need for University of Southern California?: University of Southern California typically requires around IELTS Band 6.5 overall (equivalent to TOEFL iBT ~90 or PTE ~65). Undergraduate courses are often 0.5 lower; some postgraduate programmes ask higher — confirm on your course page.
Does University of Southern California accept TOEFL or PTE too?: Yes — University of Southern California also accepts TOEFL iBT (~90) and PTE Academic (~65) alongside IELTS.
How can I reach Band 6.5 for free?: Take free IELTS mocks to find your weak section, learn the strategy in the PPT lessons, and check your Writing/Speaking band with the free AI band checker.

Keep going — free practice

University of Southern California — full profile TOEFL score for University of Southern California How to get IELTS Band 6.5 Free AI band checker