The University of South Carolina is a public, research university in Columbia, South Carolina. USC Undergraduate and graduate International Business programs have ranked among the top three programs in the nation, for over a decade. The USC campus is home to twenty-five residence halls, students may participate in any of the 540 registered student organizations, including clubs, intramural and varsity sports. The athletic teams are named the Gamecocks and wear garnet and black colours. Columbia is located roughly halfway between the Atlantic Ocean and the Blue Ridge Mountains and sits at an elevation of around 292 feet. Columbia has a humid subtropical climate, with mild winters, early springs, warm autumns, and very hot and humid summers. One of Columbia's greatest assets is Riverbanks Zoo & Garden. Riverbanks Zoo is a sanctuary for more than 2,000 animals housed in natural habitat exhibits along the Saluda River. Just across the river, the 70-acre botanical garden is devoted to gardens, woodlands, plant collections, and historic ruins. Riverbanks has been named one of America's best zoos and the No. 1 travel attraction in the Southeast.
It will not be possible to complete a year abroad at this University if you have any assessments, such as supplementary or deferred exams, during the August assessment period at Swansea University.
Who can study here?
Students from the following subject areas may have the opportunity to study at this university on exchange: American Studies, Biomedical Sciences*, Biosciences*, Business*, Chemistry, Computer Science, Criminology, Early Childhood Studies, Economics, Education, Engineering*, English Language & Linguistics, English Literature, Geography*, History & Classics, Maths, Media*, Philosophy, Physics, Politics & International Relations, Psychology, Sociology and Sports Science.
*Biomedical Sciences: includes those studying Applied Medical Sciences, Biochemistry, Genetics, Medical Pharmacology, Medical Sciences & Population health, Microbiology & Immunology
*Biosciences: for students studying Biosciences degrees (Biological Sciences, Biology, Marine Biology, Zoology)
*Business: for all School of Management students
*Engineering: for all Engineering students
*Geography: includes Environmental Sciences
*Media: includes those studying Journalism, Film and Visual Culture
Spaces are not guaranteed, can be limited and all students on a year abroad programme are subject to a university-wide, competitive selection process.
This university is not open to Swansea University students for exchange in 2026/27.
Important information
ACADEMIC YEAR: Runs from August to late April.
COST: The cost of living in South Carolina will vary depending on the type of accommodation and meal plan you select. Further information on living costs can be found on South Carolina's estimated costs page.
VISA: You will need a J-1 Exchange Visitor visa to study at South Carolina. As part of the visa application, you will need to evidence financial support which meets the requirement of US$27,500 for the year. To apply for a visa, you will need to pay a SEVIS fee of approx $220 plus an application fee of approx $185. In addition, you should factor in the cost of attending a visa interview at the US Embassy (typically in London). More information is available on our webpage. You must allow enough time to complete the visa application and for your visa to be sent to you. There can be significant delays so please do not leave this until the last minute as you cannot travel to the USA without it. Your host university will provide you with more information about the application process.
More information is available via our visas and study permits webpage.
ACCOMMODATION: Students are required to live in on-campus accommodation. This usually includes a meal plan but is not required. Accommodation options can be viewed on South Carolina's webpage.
HEALTH INSURANCE: You will be required to purchase mandatory health insurance for your time at South Carolina. They will provide more information on acceptance. More information on the Student Health Insurance can be found here.
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