Quick Information
| Last Verified Date | November 10, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Application Link | Apply via the official page |
| Official Source | https://admissions.ucsd.edu/international/ |
Why University of California, San Diego stands out
The University of California, San Diego, known as UC San Diego, is a public research university in La Jolla, California, on the coast near San Diego. It is well known for engineering, computer science, biology and health sciences, as well as oceanography and the social sciences. The campus is organised into undergraduate colleges, each with its own character, and students study in a large research environment with many laboratories, institutes and graduate programmes. The university welcomes international students from many countries and supports them through its International Services and Engagement Office.
What you can study
Undergraduate study covers engineering, computer science and data science, biology and other natural sciences, mathematics, health-related fields, economics and other social sciences, and arts and humanities. Graduate study includes masters and doctoral degrees across engineering, computing, data science, the sciences, medicine-related fields, business and international affairs. Some majors are in high demand, so applicants should check whether their chosen major has extra requirements.
International admissions
International applicants must meet the same first-year or transfer requirements as other applicants, plus extra international requirements. These include proof of English proficiency, with published minimums for TOEFL and IELTS, and country-specific school documents. UC San Diego does not consider SAT or ACT scores in undergraduate admission decisions. Admitted international students must obtain an I-20 or DS-2019 form through the International Services and Engagement Office before applying for a student visa. Full guidance is on the official international students page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do international students apply to UC San Diego?
Apply through the University of California application as a first-year or transfer student, meeting the same academic requirements as other applicants plus the international English proficiency and document requirements. Check the official international page for the current list.
Which English tests are accepted?
UC San Diego requires international students to meet its English proficiency requirement, accepting TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic and the Duolingo English Test. Check the official page for the current minimum scores and exemptions.
How much is tuition?
International students pay non-resident supplemental tuition on top of base tuition and fees, and the total varies by entry cohort under the university’s cohort tuition plan. No single verified figure was confirmed in this session, so check the official UC San Diego registration fees page for the current figure for your cohort.
Can international students get financial aid?
UC San Diego states that international students are not eligible for federal or state financial aid. Some merit awards for non-resident students exist, but most international students should plan to fund their studies themselves. Check the official financial aid pages for the current position.