Loading…

UNITED STATES · LOS ANGELES

University of California, Los Angeles

public · Founded 1919 · Languages: en

In short

The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is a top-ranked public research university in Los Angeles offering a dynamic academic culture and a diverse community. It provides extensive research opportunities and a vibrant student life, with estimated annual costs for international undergraduates ranging from $65,000 to $75,000.

Key facts

Type: Public
Founded: 1919
Students: 46,678
International students: 7,600
Acceptance rate: 9%
Tuition (intl): €18–31k/yr
Languages: EN
Location: Los Angeles, United States

The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is a prestigious public research university located in the vibrant Westwood neighborhood. As a leader in both academics and athletics, UCLA is committed to the creation, dissemination, preservation, and application of knowledge for the advancement of global society. The university offers a comprehensive environment that supports academic and personal growth, combining the close-knit atmosphere of a spirited public institution with the expansive opportunities found in a world-class city. UCLA has a rich history of contributions and innovations, celebrating a century of achievements in 2019. It continuously pushes boundaries through groundbreaking research and transformative practices, aiming to make a significant impact on the world. The university's mission emphasizes public service and global impact, fostering a diverse and inclusive community where different perspectives thrive and drive innovation. Prospective students will find a dynamic academic culture that values engagement, critical thinking, and the pursuit of solutions to complex global challenges. UCLA's location provides access to a rich cultural landscape and a range of professional and recreational activities, enhancing the overall educational experience.

Why study here

Gain a world-class education at a top-ranked public university, known for academic and athletic excellence.
Engage in groundbreaking research that contributes to global society, with significant funding and a focus on real-world impact.
Benefit from a diverse and inclusive community that welcomes students from all backgrounds and fosters varied perspectives.
Experience personal and academic growth in the vibrant city of Los Angeles, offering extensive cultural and professional opportunities.
Join a university with a strong commitment to public service and community engagement, making a meaningful difference locally and internationally.

Student life

UCLA offers a vibrant student life on its beautiful campus in Westwood. The university provides numerous resources and activities designed to enhance the student experience, from extensive dining options and housing services to a wide range of athletic and cultural events. Students can engage with various clubs and organizations, participate in community service, and attend public lectures and performances. The campus environment fosters creativity, interdisciplinary exchange, and a strong sense of community, ensuring a dynamic and enriching experience for all students.

Fees

InternationalFor most doctoral and master's programs, annual tuition and fees for non-California residents are approximately $36,297. Tuition and fees may vary for professional and self-supporting degrees. Undergraduate non-resident supplemental tuition adds approximately $31,000 on top of base tuition.

HomeFor most doctoral and master's programs, annual tuition and fees for California residents are approximately $21,115. Tuition and fees may vary for professional and self-supporting degrees.

LivingOn-campus housing costs approximately $18,000–22,000 per year including meals. Off-campus housing in Westwood and surrounding areas costs $1,500–2,500/month. Total cost of attendance for international undergraduates is estimated at $65,000–75,000 per year.

Official tuition and fees are maintained on the UCLA Registrar's site. Fee remissions are available for eligible graduate students working at UCLA, covering partial tuition and fees.

Admissions

Bachelor's DegreeFrom a regionally accredited institution, comparable to a UC bachelor's degree.

GPAOverall scholastic average of B (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) or better, or its equivalent, in undergraduate study. Some programs, like MASDS, require a cumulative GPA of at least 3.2 in upper division courses.

Application Fee (US Citizens/Permanent Residents)$135

Application Fee (All Other Applicants, including international)$155

TranscriptsUnofficial transcripts uploaded with the online application. Official transcripts required upon admission.

Statement of Purpose and Personal StatementRequired for many graduate programs to demonstrate academic training, research interests, work experience, and qualifications.

Letters of RecommendationUploaded with the online application.

Standardized Test Scores (e.g., GRE)Varies by program. The GRE is highly suggested but not required for MASDS, with high scores increasing admission chances.

TOEFL iBT87 minimum (graduate programs)

IELTS7.0 minimum (graduate programs)

Rankings

QS World University Rankings 202544

U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges 2026#2 Public University

U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges 2026#17 National Universities

Niche.com#1 Best College Campus

Niche.com#1 for Food

Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU)Top 1000 globally

Times Higher Education (THE) World Reputation RankingsGlobally Recognized

University scholarships

Graduate Financial Support (Merit-Based)Fellowships, Teaching Assistantships, Graduate Student Researcher positions

Extramural FellowshipsFunding from federal agencies and private organizations

UCLA Graduate Division FellowshipVaries by program; awarded to top incoming graduate applicants

Fulbright ProgramFull funding for international graduate students from 160+ countries

Accreditation

UCLA Health is ranked #1 in California and Los Angeles (2025). The university is regionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). Individual professional schools hold discipline-specific accreditations: AACSB (Anderson School of Management), LCME (David Geffen School of Medicine), ABA (School of Law), and ABET (Samueli School of Engineering).

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

UCLA offers multiple graduate degree pathways in Community Health Sciences, designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills to address public health challenges within communities. These programs integrate foundational public health principles with practical application, focusing on areas such as health equity, health education, and program planning and evaluation. Students gain hands-on experience through field placements and research opportunities, preparing them for careers in public health practice, research, and leadership.

Master's

Level

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 annual costs for international students at UCLA?

For most doctoral and master's programs, non-California residents can expect annual tuition and fees of approximately $36,297. Undergraduate non-resident supplemental tuition adds about $31,000 to base tuition. The total estimated cost of attendance for international undergraduates, including living expenses, is between $65,000 and $75,000 per year.

What are the minimum English proficiency requirements for international graduate students?

International graduate students must demonstrate English proficiency with a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 87 or an IELTS score of 7.0.

What academic qualifications are generally required for graduate admission?

Applicants typically need a bachelor's degree comparable to a University of California bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (B average) or its equivalent. International students should have an above-average academic record from their previous university-level institution.

Does UCLA offer financial support for international students?

UCLA offers various forms of financial support, including Graduate Financial Support (merit-based), Extramural Fellowships from external agencies, and the UCLA Graduate Division Fellowship for top incoming graduate applicants.

Where is UCLA located and what is the surrounding environment like?

UCLA is located in the Westwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. This vibrant city offers a rich cultural landscape and numerous professional and recreational activities, providing an ideal backdrop for students.

Last updated 3 July 2026