Why Study at University of California?

As one of the premier public university systems in the U.S., the University Of California (UC) is known for strong academics, innovative research, and worldwide influence. Founded in 1868, the UC system includes ten campuses statewide, each providing high-quality programs.

• More than 280,000 students are enrolled across all campuses.
• The UC system has over 200,000 alumni globally, counting Nobel Prize winners, technology leaders, and political figures among them.
• UC campuses hold more than 60 Nobel Prizes.
• The annual research budget is $6.1 billion.
• It is ranked in the top 50 universities globally (QS and Times Higher Education rankings).

The UC system draws students from over 100 countries, with increasing numbers from the UK, because of its strong academic standing, many course choices, and attractive California environment.

 

University of California Campuses

The University of California system includes 10 campuses:

• UC Berkeley is known for political activism and strong science and tech programs.
• UCLA is known for film, arts, and medical research.
• UC San Diego, located on the coast, excels in science, tech, and marine sciences.
• UC Davis is known for its agricultural and veterinary programs.
• UC Santa Barbara is famous for its science programs.
• UC Irvine stands out with its business and healthcare programs.
• UC Riverside has a diverse student body and offers affordable tuition.
• UC Santa Cruz is a center for environmental research.
• UC Merced, the system's newest campus, focuses on sustainability.
• UC San Francisco is a medical graduate school.

University of California World QS Ranking

The University of California comprises ten campuses, each holding its own position in the QS World University Rankings.

Campus	QS World University Ranking 2025	Notable Strengths
UC Berkeley	#10	Engineering, Computer Science, Environmental Science
UCLA	#29	Film & Media, Medicine, Law
UC San Diego	#62	Biological Sciences, Oceanography
UC Davis	#118	Agriculture, Veterinary Science
UC Santa Barbara	#164	Physics, Materials Science
UC Irvine	#244	Business, Public Health
UC Riverside	#435	Education, Environmental Studies
UC Santa Cruz	#375	Astronomy, Marine Biology
UC Merced	Unranked in QS	Sustainability, Engineering
UC San Francisco	Not ranked (graduate only)	Medicine, Pharmacy

University of California Acceptance Rate

Getting into the University of California might be competitive, especially if you're an international applicant. Each campus has its own acceptance rate.

Campus	Overall Acceptance Rate	International Acceptance Rate
UC Berkeley	11%	8%
UCLA	9%	7%
UC San Diego	34%	27%
UC Davis	46%	35%
UC Santa Barbara	29%	23%
UC Irvine	21%	15%
UC Riverside	66%	55%
UC Santa Cruz	47%	40%
UC Merced	85%	70%

Courses Offered at University of California

The University of California system has a lot of academic options, with over 150 majors for undergrads and more than 500 programs for graduate students. UK students often choose these fields:

• STEM: Computer Science, Data Science, Bioengineering, Environmental Sciences
• Arts & Humanities: Film Studies, Literature, History, Design
• Social Sciences: Psychology, Economics, Political Science
• Health Sciences: Medicine, Public Health, Biomedical Sciences
• Business & Management: MBA programs, Entrepreneurship

University of California Fees and Scholarships

Get detailed insights into the tuition costs and available scholarships

Campus	Annual Tuition for International Undergraduates	Living Costs (Estimated)	Scholarship Options
UC Berkeley	$51,000	$19,000	Regents’ Scholarship, Berkeley International Student Award
UCLA	$48,000	$21,000	UCLA Merit Scholarships
UC San Diego	$47,000	$20,000	Jacobs School Scholarships
UC Davis	$47,000	$18,000	Global Aggie Award
UC Santa Barbara	$47,000	$18,500	UCSB International Student Scholarship
UC Irvine	$46,000	$20,500	UCI Distinguished Scholarships
UC Riverside	$46,000	$18,000	Chancellor’s International Award
UC Santa Cruz	$46,000	$18,500	Undergraduate Dean’s Award
UC Merced	$44,000	$17,000	UC Merced Merit Scholarship

University of California Accommodation Options for International Students

The University of California system provides various housing choices, both on and off campus.

• On-campus options include dorms, suites, and apartments that often include meal plans. The yearly cost for on-campus housing is about $10,000 to $17,000.
• Off-campus, students can find private or shared apartments. Rent usually runs from $700 to $1,200 each month, depending on where it is.
• Some campuses also have special themed housing, like communities for international students or those in STEM fields.

Many UC schools ensure that international students have housing in their first year.

University of California Application Process

Step 1: Research UC Campuses and choose up to 5 campuses to apply through the UC Application Portal

Step 2: Prepare academic documents (A-level results, IB scores, or the like).

Step 3: Write four personal insight questions (350 words each).

Step 4: Submit application between November 1 to 30 for the following academic year.

Step 5: Pay the application fee. It’s $80 for each campus if you're an international student.

Step 6: Send extra test scores if needed. SAT/ACT scores aren't required, but you must send English test scores (IELTS/TOEFL).

Step 7: Wait for the admission decision (March–April).

Step 8: If accepted, accept the offer and pay a deposit.

Step 9: Apply for an F-1 student visa.

Step 10: Arrange accommodation and prepare for orientation.

Why Choose Y-Axis to Apply for University of California?

• Professional Advice for UK Applicants: Tailored assistance for UK students submitting applications to universities in Europe.
• End-to-End Application Support: Everything under one roof, from choosing a university to applying for a visa.
• Scholarship Help: We assist you in locating and submitting applications for the top scholarships for which you qualify.
• Preparation and Review of Documents: Proper documentation is necessary to prevent application delays or rejections.
• Trusted by Thousands: More than 1 million customers have used Y-Axis to successfully complete their international education.