UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, LOS ANGELES · UNITED STATES
Computer Science PhD
PhD · Taught in en
At a glance
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Duration
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IELTS
€31k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
PhD
Level
- #1Public University in the US (US News)
- #11Computer Science Program (US News 2022)
- #1Ranked in Cryptography (CS Rankings.org)
- #3Ranked in Artificial Intelligence (CS Rankings.org)
- Birthplace of the InternetHistorical Significance
- 75+ AwardsFaculty Excellence (2018-2022)
The UCLA Computer Science PhD program is designed for students passionate about advancing knowledge through independent research and teaching. It prepares graduates for careers in academia and research, enabling them to become experts in their chosen field and contribute to the creation of new knowledge and engineering innovations. Admission to the PhD program is highly selective. Applicants are encouraged to review the department's FAQ page for comprehensive information regarding admissions and program details, as personalized responses to email inquiries are limited. UCLA's Computer Science department has a strong legacy, being the birthplace of the internet. The program benefits from world-class faculty with a record of significant awards and research contributions across various specializations, including Artificial Intelligence, Cryptography, and Machine Learning. Collaboration opportunities exist with the top-ranked UCLA medical school, particularly in computational medicine. The department also hosts initiatives like the Break Through Tech AI hub and the Amazon Science Hub for Humanity and Artificial Intelligence, fostering diverse AI education and industry-academia research.
Careers
The PhD program prepares students for careers in research and academia, enabling them to become experts in their field. UCLA CS PhD graduates have been hired as faculty at numerous prestigious institutions worldwide.
- Researcher
- Academic Faculty
- Expert in specialized computer science topics
Frequently asked questions
- What are the tuition fees for international students in the Computer Science PhD program?
- Tuition for non-California residents is approximately $36,297 annually. Fee remissions are available and paid by the hiring department for eligible graduate students.
- What is the application deadline for the Computer Science PhD program?
- The application deadline for Fall admission is December 15th. The financial aid application deadline is also December 15th for entering graduate students.
- Can I apply to both the MS and PhD in Computer Science programs?
- No, you may only apply to either the CS PhD or the CS MS program; you cannot apply for both. Admission to the PhD program is highly selective.
- Are GRE scores required for the Computer Science PhD application?
- For the Fall 2025-2026 admissions cycle, GRE scores are optional but can be voluntarily submitted for holistic review. Applications without GRE scores will not be disadvantaged.
- What are the career prospects for Computer Science PhD graduates from UCLA?
- The PhD program prepares students for careers in research and academia, including roles as Researchers and Academic Faculty. Graduates have been hired at prestigious institutions worldwide.
- What financial support is available for international PhD students?
- Merit-based financial support, including fellowships, teaching assistantships, and graduate student researcher positions, is available. Applications for financial aid are due by December 15th.
Entry requirements
Bachelor's DegreeApplicants with only a bachelor’s degree may apply. The majority of admitted PhD applicants in recent years have held a bachelor's degree.
Applicants may only apply to either the CS PhD or the CS MS program, not both. Admission to the PhD program is more selective than the MS program. The admissions committee generally does not consider PhD applicants for the MS program, or vice versa.
Fees
Tuition (international)Approximately $36,297 annually for non-California residents.
Tuition (home)Approximately $21,115 annually for California residents.
Living—
Tuition and fees can vary for professional and self-supporting degrees. Refer to the UCLA Registrar's Annual Fees for UCLA Graduate Programs for specific program breakdowns. Fee remissions are available and paid by the hiring department for eligible graduate students.
How to apply
1. Submit ApplicationComplete and submit the UCLA application for graduate admission. You may only apply to either the CS PhD or the CS MS program; you cannot apply for both.
2. Provide Required DocumentsEnsure all necessary documents, such as official transcripts, are submitted as per the application instructions. Check the FAQ page for specific document requirements.
3. Optional GRE SubmissionFor the Fall 2025-2026 admissions cycle, GRE scores are optional but can be voluntarily submitted for holistic review. Applications without GRE scores will not be disadvantaged.
4. Financial Support ApplicationIf seeking financial support, ensure applications for fellowships, teaching assistantships, or other merit-based aid are submitted by the December 15th deadline.
Scholarships
Merit-Based Financial Support—
Division of Graduate Education Funding—
Extramural Fellowships—
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for international students in the Computer Science PhD program?
+
Tuition for non-California residents is approximately $36,297 annually. Fee remissions are available and paid by the hiring department for eligible graduate students.
What is the application deadline for the Computer Science PhD program?
+
The application deadline for Fall admission is December 15th. The financial aid application deadline is also December 15th for entering graduate students.
Can I apply to both the MS and PhD in Computer Science programs?
+
No, you may only apply to either the CS PhD or the CS MS program; you cannot apply for both. Admission to the PhD program is highly selective.
Are GRE scores required for the Computer Science PhD application?
+
For the Fall 2025-2026 admissions cycle, GRE scores are optional but can be voluntarily submitted for holistic review. Applications without GRE scores will not be disadvantaged.
What are the career prospects for Computer Science PhD graduates from UCLA?
+
The PhD program prepares students for careers in research and academia, including roles as Researchers and Academic Faculty. Graduates have been hired at prestigious institutions worldwide.
What financial support is available for international PhD students?
+
Merit-based financial support, including fellowships, teaching assistantships, and graduate student researcher positions, is available. Applications for financial aid are due by December 15th.