Enrolling in Classes — USC OIS
![[Photo] Students study at long wooden tables in a library reading room with tall windows, hanging lantern-style lights and bookshelves lining the walls. Many work on laptops while others read or write in the quiet space.](https://ois.usc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/doheny-library-usc-studying-students-1920x1080.jpg)
Enrolling in Classes
Enrolling in Classes as an Undergraduate Student
Undergraduate students must first meet with an advisor from their academic department to register for courses. For most students, this will occur during Welcome Trojans Orientation after they arrive at USC.
Students who attend the Hong Kong International Student Orientation will receive their first academic advising and register for courses before they arrive at USC.
Students who arrive late and are unable to attend orientation should contact their academic department to find out how to receive academic advising.
When selecting classes and considering their course load, students should review guidelines for maintaining visa status as international students.
![[Photo] An instructor smiles while helping students work together on laptops around a classroom table. Whiteboards, bookshelves and classroom materials are visible in the collaborative learning space.](https://ois.usc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/usc-students-laptops-excited-1280x720.jpg)
Enrolling in Classes as a Graduate Student
To enroll in classes at USC as a graduate student, you must:
- Submit Immigration Status Verification (ISV) documents through Trojan International to remove the OIS50 hold.
- Contact your academic department to receive academic advising.
- Receive D-Clearance from your department and register for courses.
- Attend the Welcome Trojans Orientation for graduate students.
- Review guidelines for maintaining visa status.
![[Photo] Students and faculty sit in a classroom watching a presentation at the front of the room. Tiered seating and tables are filled with attendees taking notes and listening.](https://ois.usc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/usc-classroom-students-1280x720.jpg)
How to Remove Registration Holds
Newly admitted international students may encounter several types of registration holds on their student accounts that prevent them from registering for courses. Here are common holds and how to remove them.
| Hold | Description | How to Remove Hold |
|---|---|---|
| OIS50 | Restricts registration and USCard application for graduate students. | Complete Immigration Status Verification (ISV) with OIS upon arrival in the United States. |
| OIS60 | Restricts the USCard application for undergraduate students. | Complete Immigration Status Verification (ISV) with OIS upon arrival in the United States. |
| OIS55 | Restricts course registration. PDP students or students who are under-enrolled will have an OIS55 hold on their account. This hold is lifted once the PDP I-20 is processed, the student has enrolled fulltime, or the student has been approved for a Reduced Course Load (RCL). | Contact OIS for more information. |
| ALI01 | Conditional admission based on English proficiency. | Take the International Student English (ISE) exam before registering for classes. |
| ADM40 | Degree verification. | Verify the previous degree with the USC Office of Academic Records and Registrar. |
| ADM20 | Conditional admission. | Contact the department advisor to learn about the admission requirements and meet them. |
OIS will not place holds on the USC accounts of J-1 non-degree students and J-1 scholars.
Paying for Tuition and Fees
Tuition and fees are due at the beginning of each semester. Review USC’s registration calendar for important dates for each semester, including due dates for tuition and fee payments.
Students are required to register and settle fees by the Friday before the first day of classes for each semester. Failure to do so will result in late fees being charged to the student’s account.
USC’s Student Financial Services office provides information on paying tuition and payment methods, including the USC Payment Plan and wire transfer payments.
![[Photo] Students sit around a table in a collaborative workspace while one student smiles during a discussion. Laptops, notebooks and classroom displays fill the modern learning environment.](https://ois.usc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/usc-annenberg-workspace-students.jpg)
Financial Aid for International Students
Although financial aid is limited for international students, resources are available for both undergraduate and graduate international students.
![[Photo] Two students wearing lab coats and gloves adjust research equipment together in a laboratory. Instruments, cables and scientific devices surround the workstation as they focus on the experiment.](https://ois.usc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/usc-engineering-students-lab-1280x720.jpeg)