Are you an international student dreaming of a career in U.S. tech? The University of South Carolina (USC), in partnership with Shorelight, has announced a game-changing Graduate Fellowship for the College of Engineering and Computing (CEC). This fellowship can reduce your Master’s degree tuition by more than 50%, making a top-tier U.S. education more affordable than ever. Whether you specialize in Computer Science, Aerospace, or Biomedical Engineering, this fellowship is your gateway to the American workforce.
The Financial Breakdown: A 54% Tuition Cut
The most striking feature of this fellowship is its transparency and immediate impact. Unlike traditional scholarships that may require lengthy separate applications, this fellowship is automatically applied to eligible candidates.
| Program Track | Main Goal | Approx. Tuition (After Fellowship) |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate Direct | Immediate entry into STEM-designated MS/ME programs for qualified students. | $13,734 USD |
| Direct Masters Accelerator | Advanced degree entry with additional academic and professional support. | $13,734 USD |
Pro Tip: This reduction brings the cost of a prestigious U.S. engineering degree closer to the rates typically reserved for domestic students, making it one of the most competitive financial packages for international graduate students in the 2026 academic year.
Eligible STEM-Designated Programs
The fellowship applies to programs that carry the STEM Designation. For international students, this is a critical detail: STEM-designated degrees allow you to apply for a 24-month OPT extension, giving you a total of three years to work in the United States after graduation to gain professional experience.
The fellowship covers both Master of Engineering (ME) and Master of Science (MS) tracks and is applies to the following programs:
Direct Master's Accelerator Programs
- Aerospace Engineering, ME/MS (STEM Designated)
- Biomedical Engineering, ME/MS (STEM Designated)
- Chemical Engineering, ME/MS (STEM Designated)
- Civil Engineering, ME/MS (STEM Designated)
- Computer Science, MS (STEM Designated)
- Electrical Engineering, ME/MS (STEM Designated)
- Mechanical Engineering, ME/MS (STEM Designated)
- Information Technology, MS (STEM Designated)
- Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurial Engineering, MS
Advanced Master's Accelerator Programs
- Aerospace Engineering, ME
- Biomedical Engineering, ME
- Chemical Engineering, ME
- Civil Engineering, ME
- Electrical Engineering, ME
- Mechanical Engineering, ME
- Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurial Engineering, MS
Are You Eligible?
The fellowship is built for accessibility, but it has specific "route of entry" requirements.
- Nationality: Open to students from all countries.
- Enrollment Window: You must enroll for the Fall 2026 term.
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Pathway Type: The fellowship is exclusive to two specific Shorelight entry tracks:
- Direct Master's Accelerator: For students who meet all academic and English requirements for immediate entry.
- Advanced Masters Accelerator: For high-achieving students who want additional professional development and cultural support alongside their degree.
- Stay on Track: You must maintain continuous enrollment to keep the fellowship value for the duration of your program.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Since this fellowship is automatically applied to eligible students, your focus should be on submitting a high-quality application as soon as possible.
- No Separate Form: Your eligibility is assessed the moment you apply for the program.
- Streamlined Process: Use the ApplyBoard platform to upload your transcripts, English proficiency scores, and documents in one place.
- Expert Guidance: Our ApplyBoard team can ensure you are selecting the correct "Graduate Direct" or "Direct Masters Accelerator" track to qualify for the $16,526 reduction.
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