Ultimate Guide to Study at The University Of South Florida USF

Ultimate Guide to Study at The University Of South Florida USF

Are you considering the United States as a study abroad destination? Are you still looking for the best US state to settle down, based on your academic and financial goals? You have come to the right place! Because Florida state is the best choice to study in the US for international students. As It ranks #1 best state for higher education (for 3 consecutive years), and #6 with the most international students In the US. Through this article, you can find everything you need about studying in one of the best universities in Florida for international students, the University of South Florida (USF). 

About the University of South Florida

The University of South Florida was established in 1956. It is located in the vibrant and diverse Tampa Bay region with its main campus and other campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota-Manatee.

USF is the fastest-rising university in America, according to U.S. News and World Report’s (U.S. News) 2021 Best Colleges rankings. 

In addition, it is considered among the top 50 public universities in the USA for the second time in 2021, according to the U.S. News.

USF is a Tier 1 Urban Research University. It has 13 colleges, offering more than 200 majors, minors, and concentrations, from business and engineering to the arts and USF Health. 

Key facts

  • USF hosts more than 51,646 students (total enrollment), and 5,000 (8,6%) of them are international students from over 145 countries around the world. 
  • The University of South Florida acceptance rate is 48%. 
  • USF Freshman Retention Rate is 90%.
  • USF 4-year Graduation Rate is 59%, and 6-year graduation Rate is 74%.
  • The American university offers more than 97 bachelor’s programs and +179 master’s and PhD programs. 
  • Over the last five years, 6,208 USF graduates from 154 countries completed OPT in 48 US states.

Why the University of South Florida is the perfect destination for international students?

Why the University of South Florida is the perfect destination for international students

There are many reasons why the University of South Florida is the perfect destination for international students:

1. Amazing location 

A beautiful subtropical location on Florida’s west coast that features 35 miles of beaches and a wealth of arts, entertainment, sports, and outdoor recreation opportunities.

Tampa Bay only is one of the top 100 best places to live in and the #13 best cities in the US to start a career in. 

Moreover, Tampa is #3 among the best cities for jobs in Florida, and #4 as the best large college towns and cities. Not to mention, the other campus located in St. Pete Beach considers the #1 as the best beach in the US. 

2. High-quality education

USF is one of America’s top public research universities, and the fastest-rising university in America. It is the top 50 public university in the world and the #4 golden age universities in the US.

It empowers students to forge their path to success, as it is the top 5 in the nation for students success among Public Research Universities, In addition, it ranks the #15 universities in the world and #8 in the US for patents awarded. 

There are more than 16,000 instructional faculty who hold the highest degree in their field of expertise. USF also has more than 1,500 adjunct professors, 300 post-doctoral scholars, over 2,000 graduate assistants, and 3,000 student assistants.

3. A wide range of programs 

There are more than 200 undergraduate majors and concentrations from business and engineering to the arts and USF Health, in which you may choose and develop your precise academic passion.

4. High acceptance rate

The University of South Florida welcomes students from all countries around the world with high graduation rates. As It has more than 5000 international students from different countries and they accept transfer students with 12-59 transferable credits as a lower-level transfer.

Moreover, USF also offers students with Graduate Pathway programs and International One Year programs for students who are not ready academically and linguistically for college. 

5. Unparalleled research opportunities 

USF is one of America’s top public research universities (Tier 1 Urban Research University) with $405M in research expenditures in the fiscal year 2018/2019.

Also, USF is one of the three schools in the state of Florida to hold Preeminent State Research University. And as an international student, you will have the chance to develop your own preferable research fields.

6. Outstanding financial aid

Being the second-best affordable college for international students, USF also offers generous scholarships and plenty of student employment opportunities. 

University of South Florida offered programs

University of South Florida offered programs

As mentioned above, there are more than 79 undergraduate majors and more than 170 master’s and PhD majors at the University of South Florida. In the Tampa campus alone, there are more than 200-degree programs.

In addition, the St. Petersburg campus has more than 79 programs, and Sarasota-Manatee with more than 35 programs.

USF majors vary from business and engineering to the arts and health programs. There are 14 colleges of USF distributed in 3 different campuses: 

  • College of Arts and Sciences.
  • College of Behavioral and Community Sciences.
  • Muma College of Business.
  • College of Education.
  • College of Engineering.
  • Patel College of Global Sustainability.
  • College of Graduate Studies.
  • Judy Genshaft Honors College.
  • College of Marine Science.
  • Morsani College of Medicine.
  • College of Nursing.
  • Taneja College of Pharmacy.
  • College of Public Health.
  • College of The Arts.

Top 5 ranked graduates programs in USF for international students

  • Industrial and Organizational Psychology.
  • Audiology.
  • Public Health.
  • Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering.
  • Health care Management.

Top 5 undergraduate programs in USF for international students

  • Computer Science.
  • Mechanical Engineering.
  • Biomedical Sciences.
  • Finance.
  • Electrical Engineering/Industrial Engineering.

University of South Florida Entry Requirements for international students

The University of South Florida designed its programs to suit every students’ needs. That is why the acceptance and graduation rate is very high in this university.

Where you begin in UFS depends on your grades and English level. However, there are designed programs for those who do not fit into those direct entry requirements (look at the tables below). 

Check:

Undergraduate Entry Requirements at USF

Undergraduate Entry Requirements at USF

There are three ways to begin your undergraduate studies at USF with flexible study plans and multiple start dates throughout the year. You can easily find the path that is right for you. 

Program Direct entry INTERNATIONAL YEAR ONE
Program requirements
  • High school diploma/certificate.
  • GPA of 2.5 to 3.0.
  • SAT and ACT min scores (see below).

For Transfer Students:

  • Lower-level transfer (12-59 credits).
  • Upper-level transfer (60+ credits).
High school diploma.
Minimum GPA Equivalent1
  • ​​3.0 Freshman admission .
  • 2.5 Transfer admission.
2.5 
English Language Requirement
  • TOEFL iBT (79+).
  • IELTS (6.5+).
  • Duolingo (105).
  • PTEA (53+).
  • Academic English (Level 6).
  • TOEFL iBT 60.
  • IELTS Academic 5.5.
  • DuoLingo 90.
  • PTE-A 44+.
  • AE (level 4).

As for the ACT, SAT test requirements at University Of South Florida, the required score depends on the student’s academic average GPA. The higher the student’s GPA, the lower the required score in ACT, SAT, as shown in the following table:

GPA SAT score ACT score
3.0 1260  27 
3.3 1230 26 
3.5 1160  24 
3.7 1130  23 

Graduate Entry Requirements at USF

You have several paths to begin earning your graduate degree at USF. How you start your program depends on your academic profile and your English level. In addition, once you finish your graduate studies, you will get a master’s or PhD degree from USF university.

Program Direct Graduate Pathway
Program requirements
  • 4-year bachelor’s degree.
  • GRE and GMAT scores are not required for most programs.
  • Personal Statement.
  • References/Recommendation letters.
  • Writing sample/work experience.
4-year bachelor’s degree.
Minimum GPA Equivalent1 ​​3.0  2.5-2.75
English Language Requirement
  • TOEFL iBT (79+).
  • IELTS (6.5+).
  • Duolingo (105).
  • PTEA (53+).
  • Academic English (Level 5).
  • TOEFL iBT 60.
  • IELTS Academic 5.5.
  • DuoLingo 90.
  • PTE-A 44+.
  • AE (level 4).

If international students do not meet either direct entry or International Year One/Graduate Pathway requirements, they can enter the USF Academic English program to improve their academic and language skills.

Once the student achieves the required English language level, he/she can progress to the International Year One/Graduate Pathway or directly enter the degree program. 

Related: What is a good SAT score? 

Academic English Program for International Students at USF

Academic English Program for International Students at USF

The Academic English program for international students at University Of South Florida prepares you for university study in the US. It is designed for students who do not meet English proficiency requirements to start studying at the university.

This innovative program offers a content-based curriculum and provides students with intensive listening, speaking, reading and writing practice.

What You Will Learn 

  • Experience and learn US academic culture.
  • Present spoken and written ideas accurately and effectively in English.
  • Write research papers with proper use of citations and references.
  • Read, understand and critically evaluate academic texts.
  • Understand and use vocabulary common to academic disciplines.
  • Take useful and accurate notes in academic lectures and presentations.

Estimated Academic English (AE) Level 

All students take a placement test during Orientation to determine their AE level.

Duolingo test IELTS test TOEFL iBT test AE levels
54 <3.0 <30 Level 1
55 3.0-3.5 30-40 Level 2
65 4.0-4.5 41-51 Level 3
75 5.0-5.5 52-59 Level 4
85 5.5-6.0 60-80 Level 5
95 >6.0 >80 Level 6

University of South Florida cost for international students

Estimated full tuition fees in the University of South Florida for international students for direct entry is $69,296 for four years undergraduate study ($17,324 yearly). Below is a more detailed estimated cost for all cases including living expenses:

Program at USF Tuition & Fees Living Expenses Total Cost
Undergraduate Direct Entry 2 Semester $17,324 $21,126 $38,450
International Year One 2 Semester $25,970 $22,887 $48,857
International Year One 1 Semester $14,950 $11,444 $26,394
Graduate Direct Entry 2 Semester $15,864 $21,498 $37,362
Graduate Pathway 2 Semester $31,470 $20,521 $51,991
Graduate Pathway 1 Semester $18,100 $10,261 $28,361

Scholarships and financial aid at the University of South Florida

USF offers financial aid for international students and transfer students as well. The financial aid depends on the student’s academic performance including his GPA and SAT/ACT scores. 

Direct Entry Scholarships for international students at University of South Florida:

  • USF Green and Gold Presidential Award: $48,000 (up to $12,000 per year), GPA 3.9+, ​​SAT/ACT 1340+/29+.
  • USF Green and Gold Directors Award: $36,000 (up to $9,000 per year), GPA 3.7+, ​​SAT/ACT 1280+/27+.
  • Green and Gold USF Scholars Award: $24,000 (up to $6,000 per year), GPA 3.5+, ​​SAT/ACT 1210+/25+.
  • ​​USF International Student Scholarship: $4,000 (up to $1,000 per year), GPA 3.3+, ​​SAT/ACT 1180+/24+.

Transfert international students and pathways financial aid

  • USF International Transfer Award: $2,000 ($500 per semester).
  • International Year One – 2nd semester: $2,000 – $8,000.
  • International Year One – 1st semester: $1,000 – $5,000.

How to apply to study at the University of South Florida in USA

The University of South Florida is one of the first choices for international students in Florida. Not to mention that, it is the perfect university for those who are looking for high and prestigious academic quality education, but at the same time great chances for acceptance and potential financial aid.

If you want to join USF and be part of a top public university in Florida and the US, We at Golden Gate Study Abroad can help you enroll and guarantee your admission!

Check: FAQ about studying in the USA for international students

Send us your request now and let us help you plan and prepare for your dream university. We will help you through the whole process including preparation for your visa and choosing housing options, to an airport pick up.

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