UNITED STATES · RIVERSIDE
University of California, Riverside
public · Founded 1954 · Languages: en
In short
The University of California, Riverside (UCR) is a public research university offering a diverse range of programs within the UC system. It is known for its commitment to social mobility, research excellence, and providing significant financial aid opportunities.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1954
- Students
- 26,000
- International students
- 2,300
- Acceptance rate
- 68%
- Tuition (intl)
- €12–38k/yr
- Languages
- EN
- Location
- Riverside, United States
The University of California, Riverside (UCR) is a public research university and a proud member of the prestigious University of California system. Located on a nearly 1,200-acre campus in Inland Southern California, UCR is dedicated to fostering innovation and making a global impact. With over 26,000 students and 1,100 faculty, including Nobel Prize winners and National Academies members, UCR emphasizes a diverse and inclusive learning environment. UCR offers a wide array of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs across three colleges and four professional schools. The university is recognized for its strong commitment to social mobility and research excellence, aiming to provide a transformative educational experience that empowers students to develop bold solutions for a multicultural and interconnected world. Beyond academics, UCR offers a vibrant campus life with numerous student organizations, ethnic and gender centers, and athletic programs. The university is strategically located, providing access to diverse geography, cultural activities, and recreational opportunities within an hour's drive of Los Angeles and Palm Springs.
Why study here
- Access to a world-class education from a member of the prestigious University of California system.
- Benefit from a strong commitment to social mobility and student success, evidenced by high rankings in these areas.
- Engage in leading-edge research, with opportunities available for students as early as their first year, across 51 research centers and labs.
- Join a vibrant and diverse community that prioritizes belonging, connection, and inclusivity, with numerous student organizations and support centers.
- Experience a rigorous academic environment taught by extraordinary faculty, including Nobel Prize winners, who empower students to create impactful solutions.
- Benefit from substantial financial aid opportunities, consistently ranked among the best public universities for aid.
Student life
Campus life at UC Riverside is vibrant and inclusive, fostering a strong sense of community and belonging among Highlanders. Students have complimentary access to a state-of-the-art Student Recreation Center and can enjoy a wide array of music, dance, theater, and other arts activities. UCR also boasts 17 Division I athletic teams competing in the Big West Conference, providing ample opportunities to cheer on the Highlanders. With over 500 student organizations, eight ethnic and gender centers, and year-round events, there are numerous ways to get involved and find support. The university also provides various housing options and dining services to cater to student needs, ensuring a comprehensive and engaging campus experience.
Fees
InternationalUndergraduate tuition and fees for non-residents of California are approximately $44,400 per year. Graduate tuition and fees for non-residents are approximately $32,600 per year. For specific program costs, refer to the university's official fee schedules.
HomeUndergraduate tuition and fees for California residents are approximately $14,400 per year. Graduate tuition and fees for California residents are approximately $14,400 per year. For specific program costs, refer to the university's official fee schedules.
LivingEstimated annual living costs (housing, food, transport and personal expenses) range from roughly $18,000 to $24,000 depending on housing choices in the Riverside area.
UC Riverside is recognized for its financial aid, ranking #2 nationally for financial aid by Business Insider and #9 among public universities for financial aid by Princeton Review. The university is also noted as the most affordable option among Southern California AAU members based on cost of living and federal grants.
Admissions
General Graduate AdmissionsApplicants should verify they are applying to the correct program and term and meet all program-specific requirements. The online application requires academic history, test scores, recommender contact information, a Statement of Purpose, and a Personal History Statement.
Ph.D. in FinanceRequires coursework, passing a comprehensive exam, and producing an original dissertation. Strong emphasis on microeconomics, econometrics, and quantitative methods. Next application cycle for Fall 2028, with applications opening in late 2027 and due January 2028.
TOEFL iBTMinimum 80 typically required for international applicants (program minimums may be higher)
IELTSMinimum 7.0 typically required for international applicants
Rankings
U.S. News & World Report#1 for social mobility
Center for World University RankingsTop 1.3% worldwide
Princeton Review Best Schools for Making a Public Impact#6 Public University
Business Insider#2 for financial aid
Princeton Review#9 Best Public Schools for Financial Aid
The Chronicle of Higher Education#1 for retention of Pell Grant first year students
National Science Foundation#3 in Hispanic STEM graduates
U.S. News & World Report#7 most diverse medical graduate school nationally
U.S. News & World Report#8 in Asian STEM graduates
U.S. News Best Global Universities Subject RankingsTop 4% in Plant and Animal Science
Princeton Review#9 among public universities for sustainability
U.S. News & World Report#22 most innovative schools
CS Rankings 2024#6 in High Performance Computing (Computer Engineering)
CS Rankings 2024#6 in Design Automation (Computer Engineering)
CS Rankings 2024#10 in Computer Architecture (Computer Engineering)
CS Rankings 2024#9 in Computer Systems (Computer Engineering)
CS Rankings 2024#2 in Embedded and Real-Time Systems (Computer Engineering)
CS Rankings 2024#14 in Computer Security (Computer Engineering)
Center for World University Rankings#2 in the world for research in entomology
U.S. News Global Rankings#31 in the world in plant and animal sciences
Princeton Review#20 public university for making a public impact
U.S. News & World Report's 2023-24 Best Grad School rankings#5 for diversity (School of Medicine)
U.S. News Social Mobility Rankings#1 Overall
Washington Monthly#4 Pell Grant Performance
Princeton Review#23 Best Value Public University
University scholarships
Dissertation Research GrantUp to $2,000
Master’s Thesis Research GrantVaries
Earle C. Anthony Graduate Student Travel AwardsVaries
Emeriti Association Graduate Student Travel AwardVaries
UCR Research Seed Funding and Grant ProgramVaries (total $1,150,000 for competition)
Theatre, Film, and Digital Production Scholarships, Grants, and StipendsVaries
MFA in Creative Writing and Writing for the Performing Arts Fellowships/Teaching AssistantshipsVaries
Accreditation
The University of California, Riverside, as part of the University of California system, is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
For international students
United StatesStudent 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 selectionUniversity of California, Riverside · United States
Bachelor of Arts in Dance
The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Dance at the University of California, Riverside (UCR) offers a comprehensive program for students passionate about dance as both a creative practice and an academic discipline. Taught by nationally and internationally recognized faculty, the program draws on diverse backgrounds including choreography, performance studies, African diasporic ritual cultures, Hip Hop, Indian diasporic dance, Indigenous studies, and digital technologies. Students engage in rigorous creative research alongside critical cultural and historical perspectives through studio and seminar courses. The curriculum examines aesthetics, the body, gender, race, class, and sexuality within the broader field of dance studies. Students are expected to maintain a consistent movement practice, with opportunities to explore various dance forms such as Hip Hop, Modern, Ballet, Jazz, West African, House, Capoeira, Somatics, Yoga, and Latin American Social Dance. Students pursuing the B.A. in Dance will complete core courses in both Choreography/Dance Making and Dance Studies. The program allows students to choose a specialization for their capstone project, focusing either on performance-based work or a research paper, with the option to complete projects in both areas. Throughout their studies, students have numerous performance opportunities, including annual concerts like 'UCR is Dancing' and 'Spring Forward,' as well as potential involvement with the undergraduate ensemble for the Gluck Fellows Program of the Arts. The department frequently hosts workshops, master classes, and lectures by visiting professional dancers, choreographers, and scholars, enriching the student experience.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
University of California, Riverside · United States
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Graduate Program
The University of California, Riverside's Biochemistry and Molecular Biology graduate program offers two distinct degree options for students seeking advanced study: a Master of Science (MS) and a Doctoral Degree (PhD). Both programs are designed to provide a strong foundation in the core principles of biochemistry and molecular biology, with a focus on research and critical thinking. Students will engage with advanced coursework, laboratory research, and close mentorship from faculty experts in the field.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
18 mo
Duration
University of California, Riverside · United States
Cities in the Central Political/Military Network
This program examines the historical evolution of cities and their role within political and military networks. It analyzes how city size hierarchies have changed over time, from 1200 CE to the present, to understand the causes and consequences of shifts in political and economic power. The study considers the concept of 'world cities' and the importance of comparative frameworks that span broad spatial and temporal scales. It explores how interactions between cities, regions, and different types of settlement systems have shaped the development of human societies and world-systems. The research focuses on the Central Political/Military Network (PMN) as a key unit of analysis for understanding these dynamics, contrasting it with other approaches to defining world-systems. The program delves into the historical development of capitalism, exploring its origins and its relationship with tributary states and empires. It discusses how market mechanisms, commodification, and capitalist city-states emerged and interacted with larger imperial structures. The research highlights the uneven development of capitalism and its eventual rise to become a predominant logic of accumulation, transforming global political economies. This perspective aims to provide a deeper understanding of contemporary global urban patterns and their historical roots.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
University of California, Riverside · United States
Cosmetic Chemistry Certificate
This program offers a science-first approach to cosmetic chemistry, providing a foundation in the scientific principles, laboratory skills, and formulation expertise necessary for developing innovative and safe cosmetic and personal care products. It combines academic rigor with practical application, preparing you for a career in the rapidly growing cosmetics industry. Developed in partnership with the UCR chemistry department, the curriculum includes hands-on lab work covering industry infrastructure, regulations, ingredient science, and product development.
Certificate
Level
€5k
Tuition
12 mo
Duration
University of California, Riverside · United States
Doctoral Degree in Physics
The University of California, Riverside (UCR) offers a Doctoral Degree (Ph.D.) in Physics for students seeking advanced research opportunities. The program aims to prepare students for impactful careers in academia and industry by providing a rigorous curriculum and extensive research experience. Students are expected to engage with faculty research by their first year and familiarize themselves with ongoing research activities through a dedicated seminar class.
PhD
Level
—
Tuition
60 mo
Duration
University of California, Riverside · United States
Educational Psychology PhD
The Educational Psychology PhD program at the University of California, Riverside (UCR) is an in-person, research-intensive program designed to prepare students for careers as educational researchers and university faculty. With a program length of approximately 5 years and requiring a minimum of 60 units, this program focuses on an integrative research and training approach. Strengths lie in cognitive development, quantitative methods, and qualitative methods. Many faculty members conduct research directly in classrooms to improve educational practices and engage in interdisciplinary work with other departments, including engineering, to enhance specific educational areas like computer science education. The program leverages its location in Southern California to offer students opportunities to conduct research with diverse K-12 populations, contributing to projects aimed at enhancing learning experiences nationwide. This program is not intended for individuals seeking to become school counselors or school psychologists. For those interested in school psychology, UCR offers a separate Ph.D. program. The Educational Psychology PhD is structured with two tracks: Cognition, Instruction, and Student Learning, or Quantitative Methods, chosen in consultation with a faculty advisor. The program emphasizes full-time study, often supported by multi-year fellowships that cover tuition and health insurance and provide a stipend. Fellowship recipients are expected to contribute as Teaching Assistants (TAs) or Graduate Student Researchers (GSRs), requiring availability for 15-20 hours per week.
PhD
Level
—
Tuition
60 mo
Duration
Scholarships
for United States
full fundingDuke 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.
full
Funding
€320k
Max
Jan 2, 2027
Deadline
full fundingUniversity 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.
full
Funding
€260k
Max
Nov 1, 2026
Deadline
full fundingQuestBridge
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.
full
Funding
€185k
Max
Sep 26, 2026
Deadline
full fundingArgonne 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).
full
Funding
€130k
Max
Oct 1, 2026
Deadline
partial fundingBoustany 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.
partial
Funding
€100k
Max
May 31, 2027
Deadline
full fundingStanford University
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.
full
Funding
€90k
Max
Oct 8, 2026
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What are the estimated tuition and fees for international students at UC Riverside?
+
Undergraduate tuition and fees for non-residents are approximately $44,400 per year. Graduate tuition and fees for non-residents are approximately $32,600 per year. Specific program costs may vary, so refer to the university's official fee schedules for detailed information.
What are the estimated annual living costs for students at UC Riverside?
+
Estimated annual living costs, including housing, food, transportation, and personal expenses, range from roughly $18,000 to $24,000. This estimate can vary depending on individual spending habits and housing choices in the Riverside area.
Does UC Riverside offer financial aid or scholarships to international students?
+
UC Riverside is recognized for its financial aid, ranking highly nationally for its support. While specific international student scholarship availability should be confirmed with the university, they offer various grants and awards for doctoral and master's candidates, such as the Dissertation Research Grant and Master’s Thesis Research Grant.
What are the English proficiency requirements for international applicants?
+
International applicants typically need a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 80 or an IELTS score of 7.0. Some programs may have higher minimum score requirements, so it's advisable to check the specific program's admission page.
Where is UC Riverside located and what is the surrounding area like?
+
UC Riverside is located in Riverside, California, in Inland Southern California. The area offers access to deserts, coastlines, and cultural attractions, being about an hour from Los Angeles and Palm Springs. The campus is also a short drive from Ontario Airport.
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