University of California, San Diego (UCSD) Admission

Overview

International students interested in applying to the University of California San Diego can do so as first-year students after completing high school. To be considered for admission, students need to fulfill specific course requirements and provide proof of English proficiency. For those applying to majors in Arts such as Music, Theatre & Dance, and Visual Arts, there is an option to submit a portfolio or audition. Notably, UC San Diego does not require SAT or ACT scores for undergraduate admissions, making it a test-free institution. However, if applicants choose to, they may include their test scores with their application.

The University of California San Diego has an acceptance rate of approximately 24.76%, indicating a competitive admission process for international students. To enhance their chances, applicants should maintain a strong academic record and meet all admission criteria. UC San Diego offers a wide range of over 230 undergraduate and graduate courses. These courses are available in various fields, including Business Economics, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science & Engineering, Creative & Professional Writing, Film & TV, Finance, and Networking, Hardware & Security. With such diverse options, students can pursue specialized interests and career goals at this prestigious university.

University of California San Diego MS Admission 2025

International students can apply to the University of California San Diego as first-year students to get a high school degree. They need to meet course requirements and show proof of English skills to gain admission. Students applying for majors in the Arts (like Music, Theatre & Dance, and Visual Arts) can choose to submit a portfolio or audition. UC San Diego does not require SAT or ACT scores for undergraduate admissions, making it test-free. However, students can include their test scores with their application if they wish.

The acceptance rate at the University of California San Diego is about 24.76%, making it very competitive for international students. Applicants need to have a strong academic record and meet all admission requirements to qualify for admission. The university offers more than 230 courses at both undergraduate and graduate levels. These courses cover various fields such as Business Economics, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science & Engineering, Creative & Professional Writing, Film & TV, Finance, Networking, Hardware & Security, and more.

Check out the Study Guide to the USA for International Students

University of California San Diego Admissions 2025 Highlights

Students can apply for admission to the University of California San Diego online through the official website for undergraduate and graduate courses. The university has different applications for undergraduate and graduate admissions. Students must provide necessary documents, test scores, and a non-refundable application fee to complete their application. They also need to meet the University of California San Diego IELTS requirements and other English language standards to be considered for admission. The table below shows the key points of admission at the university:

(USD 1 = INR 84.07)

University of California San Diego Courses & Fees 2025

UC San Diego offers courses at nine great campuses with more than 230 programs for both undergraduate and graduate students. Top experts teach the UCSD programs to students from around the world. The table below shows the UCSD graduate courses along with the requirements for admission:

Students can view the available undergraduate programs and their admission requirements at the University of California San Diego.

Find out the Cost of Living in the USA for International Students

Fees for International Students at the University of California San Diego in 2025

The fees at the University of California San Diego range from INR 25 L to INR 66 L for the first year. The table below shows some popular courses at the university along with their first-year fees:

Learn more about the Expenses of Studying in the USA for International Students

University of California San Diego Application Deadlines 2025

The application deadline for undergraduate admission to the University of California San Diego for the Fall semester is December 2, 2025. The deadlines for graduate admission differ by program for international students. See below for the University of California San Diego admission deadlines for graduate programs:

The table below shows the deadlines for UC San Diego MBA admissions:

University of California San Diego Enrollment Statistics 2025

More than 130,000 students from around the globe applied for admission to the University of California San Diego for the Fall 2023-24 semester. Out of all the applicants, only 7,007 students were accepted and enrolled at UCSD. Below is a table showing the enrollment statistics for undergraduate admissions at the University of California San Diego for Fall 2023-24:

UCSD Location