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University of California San Diego

About University of California San Diego

The University of California, San Diego, was founded in 1903 and is an open research university affiliated with the AAU. In 1956, the University of California Regents approved the university's Science and Technology degree programmes. UCSD is one of nine semi-autonomous public universities that make up the statewide University of California system. In addition, the University of California, San Diego is one of the public Ivy universities in the United States, whose goal is to provide a quality education to students who would not otherwise be able to attend Ivy League private colleges. The university offers a variety of popular degrees, including Economics, Computer Science, and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

Three graduate colleges, two medical institutions, and six undergraduate schools make up UCSD. The Scripps Institution of Oceanography, the world's biggest geological and marine research institute, is also part of the complex. The Scripps Institution is the seventh oldest of the ten University of California campuses, having been founded in 1960.

The main campus is in La Jolla, California, on approximately 1,200 acres of coastal woods near the Pacific Ocean. Six undergraduate colleges, five academic divisions, and five graduate and professional schools make up the diverse academic portfolio. San Diego is also renowned as a fantastic city with a vibrant nightlife. Living in the city can be a fantastic decision. On campus, you'll also find the famous Geisel Library. Thousands of books and research documents are housed there. A 5,000-seat arena and a world-class athletic training centre are among the campus's nine sporting facilities.

University of California San Diego  Rankings

  • #18 Universities Rankings - ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) 2020
  • #54 World University Ranking - QS 2021
  • #33 University Ranking - THE (Times Higher Education) 2021
  • #35 National University Ranking - US News & World Report 2021
  • #21 Global Universities - US News & World Report 2021

Why University of California, San Diego?

  • Top Universities Abroad ranked us 26th.
  • It is one of the world's top 15 research universities.
  • 16 Nobel laureates have taught at UC San Diego during the last five decades, as well as Emeriti faculty.
  • In terms of the number of U.S. patents issued in 2015, UC San Diego is second in the University of California system. According to a survey by the National Academy of Inventors and Intellectual Property Owners Association, the University of California is placed #1 in the Top 100 Worldwide Universities Granted US Utility Patents Ranking for 2015.
  • UC San Diego was voted the 10th best public university in the country and the 44th best university in the United States out of over 300 public, private, and for-profit universities ( U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges guidebook, 2017).
  • 70% of UC San Diego undergraduates get need-based financial assistance.

University of California, San Diego Tuition Fees

Courses Duration Tuition Fees
MBA (1 Courses) 2 year USD 31741
Engineering (6 Courses) 2 Year - 4 Year USD 32121 - USD 43191
Science (4 Courses) 1 Year - 4 Year USD 32121 - USD 42064
Arts (3 Courses) 4 year USD 42064
Banking & Finance (1 Courses) 1 year USD 59904
Management (1 Courses) 1 year USD 52900

University of California, San Diego Entry Requirements

Courses Exam
Arts IELTS , TOEFL , SAT
Engineering SAT , IELTS , TOEFL , GRE , PTE
Management GMAT , GRE , IELTS , TOEFL , PTE
MBA GMAT , GRE , IELTS , TOEFL , PTE
Science IELTS , TOEFL , SAT , PTE

Admission Standards - Elite

SAT 1250/1490
ACT 26/34
GPA 3.82

Applications Accepted - 31.5% 

Applications Due Nov 30, 2020
Applicant Competition High
Application Fee $70

University of California San Diego International Student Admission

The University of California - San Diego accepts international applicants from all over the world. In addition to particular international requirements, overseas applicants must complete standard requirements for first-year and transfer students. Applicants who acquired their high school or college education outside of the United States must send all required documents, including certificates, transcripts, international baccalaureate certification, and other records, to the University of California San Diego.

Admission Portal: Online 
Admission Fee: 140 USD
Basic Admission Requirements:

  • Official Transcripts.
  • English Language Proficiency scores.
  • Submission of ACT/SAT scores (If required).
  • Submission of GRE/ GMAT scores for graduate program applications.
  • Provide proof of sufficient financial support. 

English Proficiency Test Scores for University of California San Diego

Test Undergraduate Requirements Graduate Requirements
TOEFL iBT  83 85
IELTS 7 7 or higher
PTE - 65 or higher

University of California San Diego Scholarships/Financial Aid

International applicants should be aware that the university does not offer grants or scholarships for study in the United States. International undergraduate and graduate students may be eligible for limited funding from some graduate departments.

Candidates can, however, apply for several non-university-administered external scholarships. The following are some examples of such prizes.

  • 2020 Rizio Lipinsky Lawyer Scholarship worth 10,000 USD
  • Contevo Digital Marketing Scholarship worth 5,000 USD
  • Blankstyle Scholarship worth 1,000 USD

University of California San Diego Highlights

College Type Public
Campus Setting Urban
Annual Endowment 1.612 billion USD
Student Retention Rate 95%
Work-study program Yes
Mode of Program Full time; Part time; online
Campus Housing Capacity 39%
English language proficiency score TOEFL or equivalent
Admission Helpdesk Admissionsreply@ucsd.edu | 858-534-4831

University of California Cost of Attendance

An expected budget for overseas students wishing to study in the United States is as follows for potential university aspirants enrolling in the forthcoming sessional term:

Cost of Attendance On-Campus (USD) Off-Campus (USD)
Tuition 14,480 14,480
Housing and Meals 14,680 13,942
Books and Supplies 1,124 1,124
Transportation 1,363 1,537
Personal Expenses 723 1,287
Non-California Resident Supplemental Tuition 29,754 29,754
Total 62,124 62,124

The cost of attendance for graduate programs varies by program. However, the estimated cost is presented below:

Fees Amount (USD)
Student Services Fee 1,128.00
Tuition 11,442.00
University Center Fee 304.38
Recreation Facility Fee 351.00
GSA Fee 36.00
Student Transportation Fee 193.74
Health Insurance 3,900.00
Nonresident Supplemental Tuition 15,102.00
Total 32,457.12

Know more about Studying in USA

Tuition Fees in USA (1st Year Average) BE/Btech: USD 28300 | MS: USD 22693 | BBA: USD 26616 | MBA: USD 29558 | BSc: USD 29418 | MA: USD 20452 | MIS: USD 22133 | MFin: USD 37683 | MEng: USD 29558 | MIM: USD 35301 | MEM: USD 23254 | MArch: USD 34741 | MFA: USD 28857 | BHM: USD 27176
Average Accomodation & Food Costs in USA USD 700 to 1000 Per Month
Entrance Exams in USA TOEFL: 86 | IELTS: 6.5 | PTE: 60 | GRE: 309 | GMAT: 560 | SAT: 1177
Work and Study in USA Permitted for 20 hours/week with a valid study permit. Know More
Post Study Work Permit in USA One to Two Years after graduation depending on the course.
Cost of Student Visa in USA USD 160
Student Visa in USA F1 Visa for USA allows you study permit in USA in full time academic courses. Any accredited school, college, university, academic institute, seminary, or conservatory in USA must accept you beforehand to apply for F1 visa in USA. Know More
Intakes in USA There are Three Intakes in USA: Fall (August-September), Spring (January) Know More
Top Job Sectors in USA Health Care, Education, Construction, Hospitality & Tourism, Business Services, Finance.
Economy in USA GDP Growth of 2.1% (Q4 2019), The Larges Economy of the World by Nominal

University of California San Diego Average Tuition Fee Per Year

Undergraduate

$ 56,030

Postgraduate

$ 56,030

Costs per year

Overall cost of living

$ 17,466

Campus accommodation

$ 9,804

Please note that fees will vary. Always check the exact cost of the program and bear in mind likely additional expenses.