Home › Colleges › University of California, San Diego
USAQS #72#28 in USAFounded 1960Public
Top research university in sunny San Diego. Check your fit with the free College Predictor, see fees, IELTS/GRE requirements and the full admission process below.
▶ Predict my admission chances (free)Admission requirements & key facts
| IELTS | 7 |
| TOEFL iBT | 94 |
| PTE Academic | 65 |
| Duolingo | 120 |
| GRE | Optional |
| GMAT (MBA) | 680 |
| Min GPA | 3.0/4.0 |
| Work experience | Not required |
| Tuition (intl) | $30–35k/yr |
| Application fee | $50–100 |
| Acceptance rate | 24% |
| Intl students | 30% |
| Intakes | Fall (Sep) |
| Deadline | Dec–Jan |
| Scholarships | Assistantships |
Popular programs
- MS Computer Science
- MS Data Science
- MS ECE
- MS Bioinformatics
- MEng
Known for: CS, Bioengineering, Data Science.
After you graduate · USA
- Post-study work: OPT: 12 months (36 months for STEM degrees)
- Visa: F-1 student visa · Work while studying: 20 hrs/week on-campus during term; full-time in breaks
- Living cost: $12,000–20,000/yr
- Documents needed: Academic transcripts, Statement of Purpose, 2–3 Letters of Recommendation, Resume / CV, GRE/GMAT (if required), IELTS / TOEFL, Application fee, Passport copy, Financial proof (I-20)
Step-by-step admission process
- Shortlist programs & note GRE/GMAT policy
- Take IELTS/TOEFL + GRE/GMAT if required
- Prepare SOP, 2–3 LORs, CV & transcripts
- Apply online (Fall deadlines Dec–Jan)
- Pay application fee; submit
- Receive decision → I-20 → F-1 visa
All figures are indicative — confirm on the official site (ucsd.edu).
Frequently asked questions
- What IELTS score do I need for University of California, San Diego?
- University of California, San Diego typically requires IELTS 7 (TOEFL 94, PTE 65). GRE: Optional.
- How much does University of California, San Diego cost?
- International tuition is approximately $30–35k/yr, plus living costs of $12,000–20,000/yr. Application fee: $50–100.
- What is the acceptance rate at University of California, San Diego?
- University of California, San Diego has an indicative acceptance rate of about 24% (Selective intake).
- What are the intakes and deadlines at University of California, San Diego?
- Intakes: Fall (Sep). Typical deadline: Dec–Jan.