UNITED STATES · BERKELEY

University of California, Berkeley

public · Founded 1868 · Languages: en

In short

The University of California, Berkeley is a top-ranked public research university known for academic excellence and innovation. Located in California, it offers over 300 degree programs and provides vibrant campus life with extensive opportunities.

Key facts

Type: Public
Founded: 1868
Students: 45,882
International students: 7,500
Acceptance rate: 15%
Tuition (intl): €13–41k/yr
Languages: EN
Location: Berkeley, United States

For international students

United States

Student visa & funds

International students primarily enter on the F-1 visa, which requires enrolment at a SEVP-certified institution. Before the visa interview the school issues a Form I-20 — a certificate of eligibility — for which a Designated School Official must verify documented funds covering tuition, living expenses and travel for the first year, plus a reliable source for subsequent years. The financial evidence must be specific and from an identified source.

Working while you study

F-1 students may work on campus up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session and full-time during official breaks, with no separate authorization needed. Off-campus work is generally not permitted in the first academic year. After one academic year in good standing, students may use Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for paid work that is an integral part of the curriculum, authorized by the school; other off-campus work requires an approved Employment Authorization Document from USCIS.

After you graduate

After completing a degree, F-1 students may apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) — up to 12 months of work authorization in a related field — by filing Form I-765 and receiving an EAD before starting work. Graduates of a degree on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List may apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, for up to 36 months total. The extension requires an E-Verify employer and a qualifying STEM degree earned within the previous ten years.

English tests

IELTSUG 6.0–6.5; PG 6.5–7.0; top-tier programs 7.0–7.5
TOEFL iBTUG 80–100; PG 90–110; selective research universities 100+
PTE AcademicUG 50–60; PG 55–70; highly selective programs 65+

Main intakes

AugustJanuary

Typical living cost

€1,420/month

Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.

SourcesStudy in the States — Students and the Form I-20 · Study in the States — Financial ability · USCIS — Students and employment · USCIS — Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 students · USCIS — STEM OPT extension · LeapScholar — Minimum IELTS scores for USA universities · Mastersportal — Student living costs in the USA (2025–2026)

Programs

a selection

View top programs →

University of California, Berkeley · United States

COMPSCI 61B - Data Structures

COMPSCI 61B is an undergraduate course at the University of California, Berkeley, focusing on fundamental dynamic data structures and elementary software engineering principles. This course introduces students to essential concepts such as linear lists, queues, trees, and other linked structures, along with arrays, strings, and hash tables. It also covers storage management, abstract data types, and algorithms for sorting and searching. Students will gain an introduction to the Java programming language through practical application of these data structures. The course is offered by the Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences Department within the College of Engineering. It is designed to provide a foundational understanding necessary for further studies in computer science. Classes are delivered through a combination of lectures, discussions, and laboratory sessions, available both in-person and online. The course is typically offered in Fall and Spring terms over 15 weeks, with an intensive 8-week format available during Summer sessions.

University of California, Berkeley · United States

CS 10: The Beauty and Joy of Computing

CS 10, also offered as COMPSCI 10, is an introductory computer science course designed for students with little to no prior programming experience. It aims to prepare students for advanced computer science studies and equip them with programming skills to solve problems across various disciplines. The course provides a broad overview of computer science, including its history, fundamental principles, and impactful applications. You will explore core concepts such as abstraction, recursion, algorithmic complexity, higher-order functions, and concurrency. The curriculum also delves into the social implications of computing, covering topics like privacy, education, and algorithmic bias, as well as engaging research areas like data science, artificial intelligence (AI), and human-computer interaction (HCI). Practical application is a key component of CS 10. Students will gain hands-on programming experience using both Snap! (a graphical programming language) and Python. A significant part of the course involves designing and implementing two self-selected projects, allowing you to apply learned concepts to your own interests.

University of California, Berkeley · United States

EECS Bachelor of Science

The Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences (EECS) Bachelor of Science program at UC Berkeley is consistently ranked among the top undergraduate computer engineering programs globally. This interdisciplinary program emphasizes hands-on education, fostering creativity, imagination, and a strong commitment to using technology for societal benefit. Students will delve into the design of systems and components that capture, store, process, interpret, and transmit information, preparing them for a future in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. EECS professionals are behind many significant advancements, from electric power systems and telecommunications to computer networks and medical instrumentation. This program prepares you for a 21st-century career where intelligent, information-driven systems will be even more critical, driven by advances in communication, device miniaturization, and computational power.

University of California, Berkeley · United States

Human Rights

The Human Rights program at UC Berkeley Law is designed for students passionate about global justice, social equity, and protecting individual freedoms. Known for its strong commitment to advocacy, the curriculum provides a deep understanding of legal frameworks that uphold human dignity. Students gain practical experience through clinical programs, field placements, and hands-on advocacy opportunities, preparing them to become leaders dedicated to advancing justice globally.

University of California, Berkeley · United States

Master of Development Practice (MDP)

The Master of Development Practice (MDP) at UC Berkeley is a 21-month, STEM-designated program designed for students passionate about sustainable development. This program combines rigorous academic study with practical fieldwork and collaborative learning to equip future leaders with the skills needed to address critical global challenges. Located in the innovative Bay Area and connected to a global network of over 30 MDP programs via the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network, the Berkeley MDP provides an exceptional environment for students to develop and implement impactful solutions. This degree is more than just an academic qualification; it's a launchpad for individuals committed to building a more equitable, resilient, and sustainable world. Graduates are prepared to apply interdisciplinary thinking to complex development issues, working across traditional boundaries to create lasting change.

University of California, Berkeley · United States

Master of Social Welfare (MSW)

The Master of Social Welfare (MSW) program at UC Berkeley is a full-time, two-year, on-campus degree designed to prepare you as a multi-level practitioner. You will gain skills to integrate various knowledge sources, apply evidence-based practices, and champion social and economic justice through anti-oppressive and anti-racist approaches. The curriculum emphasizes both direct and indirect practice methods, fostering critical thinking across multiple levels of social welfare values, ethics, and justice. This CSWE-accredited program requires the completion of 60 units, including generalist practice coursework, advanced electives, social research methods culminating in a master's capstone, and extensive practicum education. You will complete two distinct practicum placements, applying classroom learning in supervised agency settings.

Scholarships

for United States

Browse all scholarships →

full funding

Duke University

Karsh International Scholarship Program

Open to international (non-U.S. citizen, non-permanent-resident) high school students applying for first-year undergraduate admission to Duke University. Candidates must demonstrate financial need through Duke's need-based aid process, show interdisciplinary academic curiosity, and have a record of community engagement. There is no separate scholarship form; international applicants who indicate they are applying for financial aid are automatically considered for the Karsh award.

University of Miami (with the Stamps Family Charitable Foundation)

University of Miami Stamps Scholarship

Open to high school seniors, both domestic (U.S.) and international, applying for first-year undergraduate admission to the University of Miami through Early Decision I or Early Action. Applicants are automatically considered with no separate scholarship form; they must submit all first-year admission requirements and demonstrate strong academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement. Semi-finalists complete a Zoom interview.

QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship

Open to high-achieving US high school seniors from low-income backgrounds who are US citizens, permanent residents, or students studying in the US regardless of citizenship. Competitive applicants typically earn mostly A's in challenging courses, rank in the top 5-10% of their class, and have strong standardised test results (SAT/PSAT above 1310 or ACT above 28), though each application is read in context. Applicants must demonstrate strong writing, intellectual curiosity and determination through essays and recommendations. Matched students must attend a partner college as a binding-early-decision commitment.

Argonne National Laboratory

Maria Goeppert Mayer Fellowship at Argonne National Laboratory

Open to early-career scientists and engineers of all nationalities who hold a PhD awarded within the last three years at the time of application, or who will complete the PhD before the fellowship start date. Research interests must align with Argonne's mission areas. U.S. citizenship is required for national-security-related projects (Detection of Imaging Signatures).

Boustany Foundation / Harvard Business School

Boustany MBA Harvard Scholarship

Open to candidates of any nationality (priority to those of Lebanese descent) who have received an offer of admission to the Harvard MBA programme and have a strong academic background.

Knight-Hennessy Scholars

Open to citizens of any country who earned their first/bachelor's degree within the last ~7 years (or will by the Stanford start) and who apply for and gain admission to a full-time Stanford graduate program. Selection seeks independence of thought, purposeful leadership, and a civic mindset.

Frequently asked questions

What are the estimated tuition and fees for international students at UC Berkeley?

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For undergraduate international students, nonresident tuition and fees are approximately $47,990 per year. For graduate international students, these costs are around $32,604 per year. Campus fees and health insurance are additional costs.

What are the estimated living expenses for students in Berkeley, California?

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Students should plan for approximately $20,000 to $24,000 per year for housing, food, transportation, and personal expenses in the Bay Area. These costs are separate from tuition and fees.

What academic fields is UC Berkeley particularly strong in?

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UC Berkeley is globally recognized for its strength in fields such as AI, finance, engineering, and data science. The university offers over 300 degree programs across 15 colleges and schools.

What are the minimum English proficiency requirements for international students?

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For graduate admission, a TOEFL iBT score of at least 80 is required, though 90+ is recommended. For IELTS, a minimum overall score of 6.5-7.0 is generally expected.

What kind of career opportunities are available to UC Berkeley students?

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UC Berkeley has strong ties to the high-tech sector in Silicon Valley, offering numerous internship and career opportunities. The university also has a high rate of venture-backed startups created by its community.

University of California, Berkeley

Why study here

Student life

For international students