UC San Diego
San Diego, 🇺🇸 United States Public
#29 National #66 QS World
#29 National #66 QS World #47 THE #20 ARWU
46,178 students Urban $43.8k - $72k/yr
About UC San Diego
The University of California San Diego (UC San Diego) is a public land-grant research university located in La Jolla, San Diego, California. Established in 1960, it is known for its strong emphasis on research and innovation, particularly in STEM fields. UC San Diego offers over 200 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, attracting a diverse student body.
UC San Diego is recognized for its rigorous academic environment and research-oriented approach. Key faculties include the Jacobs School of Engineering, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, and strong programs in biology, bioengineering, chemistry, and physics. The university encourages undergraduate involvement in research, especially in STEM fields. Popular majors also include social sciences, health sciences, computer science, and international studies.
UC San Diego provides extensive support services for international students through its International Services and Engagement Office (ISEO) and International Programs at the Division of Extended Studies. These services include immigration and visa advising, student health and welfare advising, housing assistance, and cultural integration activities. In Fall 2021, international students constituted approximately 11.8% of the undergraduate student population, with a significant number coming from China, India, and South Korea. Various student organizations, such as the International Student Society and Model United Nations, foster community and offer opportunities for cultural exchange.
Located in the La Jolla neighborhood, UC San Diego's campus spans 2,178 acres near the Pacific coast. San Diego offers a vibrant city life with beautiful beaches, a thriving economy, and diverse cultural influences. The campus features modern infrastructure, including the iconic Geisel Library, and is well-connected with public transportation. Students can enjoy a balanced lifestyle, with opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and surfing.
UC San Diego graduates demonstrate strong career outcomes, with 86.1% of 2022–23 respondents receiving a full-time job offer within three months of graduating. The university has strong connections with various industries, particularly in technology and biotechnology, given its location in Southern California. Notable employers recruiting from UC San Diego include Google, Apple, Pfizer, and Amazon. The university also fosters a robust startup culture, with resources like the Entrepreneurship Center providing mentorship, funding opportunities, and incubator space for student ventures.
Academics
UC San Diego is recognized for its rigorous academic environment and research-oriented approach. Key faculties include the Jacobs School of Engineering, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, and strong programs in biology, bioengineering, chemistry, and physics. The university encourages undergraduate involvement in research, especially in STEM fields. Popular majors also include social sciences, health sciences, computer science, and international studies.
International Students
UC San Diego provides extensive support services for international students through its International Services and Engagement Office (ISEO) and International Programs at the Division of Extended Studies. These services include immigration and visa advising, student health and welfare advising, housing assistance, and cultural integration activities. In Fall 2021, international students constituted approximately 11.8% of the undergraduate student population, with a significant number coming from China, India, and South Korea. Various student organizations, such as the International Student Society and Model United Nations, foster community and offer opportunities for cultural exchange.
Campus & Location
Located in the La Jolla neighborhood, UC San Diego's campus spans 2,178 acres near the Pacific coast. San Diego offers a vibrant city life with beautiful beaches, a thriving economy, and diverse cultural influences. The campus features modern infrastructure, including the iconic Geisel Library, and is well-connected with public transportation. Students can enjoy a balanced lifestyle, with opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and surfing.
Career Outcomes
UC San Diego graduates demonstrate strong career outcomes, with 86.1% of 2022–23 respondents receiving a full-time job offer within three months of graduating. The university has strong connections with various industries, particularly in technology and biotechnology, given its location in Southern California. Notable employers recruiting from UC San Diego include Google, Apple, Pfizer, and Amazon. The university also fosters a robust startup culture, with resources like the Entrepreneurship Center providing mentorship, funding opportunities, and incubator space for student ventures.
Highlights
- Top-tier research university
- STEM and health sciences powerhouse
- World-renowned Scripps Oceanography
- Vibrant La Jolla coastal campus
- Strong international student community
Student Life & Support
Visa Support Campus Housing Sports Facilities Disability Support Scholarships Available
Photos
Programs Offered at UC San Diego (30)
Offers programs in:
Arts & Design Business & Management Computer Science Engineering Medicine & Health Natural Sciences Physics & Chemistry Social Sciences
Bachelor Programs (7)
Cognitive Science
STEM
Cognitive Science
Cognitive Science
bachelorcognitivecognitive sciencescienceunited states
48 months English Full-time
$14,490/yr
Environmental Systems
STEM
Environmental Science
Environmental Science
bachelorenvironmentalenvironmental scienceenvironmental systemssan diego
48 months English Full-time
$14,490/yr
Global Health
Global Health
Global Health
bachelor in global healthglobal health bachelor degreebsc global healthstudy global health in united statesglobal health bachelor in united states
48 months English Full-time
$14,490/yr
Marine Biology
STEM
Marine Biology
Marine Biology
marine biologymarine biology in san diegouc san diegobachelor marine biologyba marine biology
48 months English Full-time
$14,490/yr
Mechanical Engineering
STEM
Mechanical Engineering
Engineering
applied sciencesb.a.b.s.babachelor
48 months English Full-time
$14,490/yr
Psychology
Psychology
Psychology
babachelorbsbscpsychology
48 months English Full-time
$14,490/yr
Visual Arts
Visual Arts
Visual Arts
artsbabachelorbengbsc
48 months English Full-time
$14,490/yr
Master Programs (12)
Master of Science in Bioengineering
STEM
Bioengineering
Bioengineering
bioengineeringmastermaster of science in bioengineeringscienceuc san diego
24 months English Full-time
$13,000/yr
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Business Administration
Business Administration
mastergraduatemscmams
21 months English Full-time
$58,000/yr
Business Analytics
STEM
Business Analytics
Business Analytics
analyticsbusinessbusiness analyticsgraduatem.a.
12 months English Full-time
$50,000/yr
Master of Science in Computer Science
STEM
Computer Science
Computer Science
masters in computer sciencemasters of computer sciencestudy computer science in united statescomputer science program in san diegocomputer science masters united states
24 months English Full-time
$13,000/yr
Data Science
STEM
Data Science
Data Science
datadata sciencegraduatemamaster
24 months English Full-time
$30,000/yr
Electrical and Computer Engineering
STEM
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Computer Engineering
andcomputerelectricalengineeringmaster
24 months English Full-time
$30,000/yr
Master of Finance
STEM
Finance
Finance
accountingeconomicsfinancegraduateinvestment
12 months English Full-time
$50,000/yr
Global Policy
International Affairs
International Affairs
international international affairs programmasters in international affairsinternational affairs program United StatesMSc International Affairsinternational relations degree
24 months English Full-time
$40,000/yr
Master of Advanced Studies in Marine Biodiversity and Conservation
STEM
Marine Science
Marine Science
masters in marine sciencemaster of marine sciencemaster of advanced studies in marine biodiversity and conservationmarine scienceMSc marine science
12 months English Full-time
$30,000/yr
Materials Science and Engineering
STEM
Materials Science and Engineering
Materials Science and Engineering
mastergraduatemaster's degreemsmsc
24 months English Full-time
$30,000/yr
Public Health
Public Health
Public Health
clinicalcommunity healthepidemiologygraduatehealth policy
24 months English Full-time
$28,000/yr
Structural Engineering
STEM
Structural Engineering
Structural Engineering
structural engineering in san diegostudy structural engineering in san diegostructural engineering program in united statesMS in structural engineeringstructural engineering career
24 months English Full-time
$30,000/yr
PhD Programs (11)
Bioengineering
STEM
Bioengineering
Bioengineering
phd in bioengineeringstudy bioengineering in United Statesenglish-taught bioengineering programengineering degree abroadbioengineering
60 months English Full-time
$14,490/yr
PhD in Biological Sciences
STEM
Biological Sciences
Biological Sciences
phd in biological sciencesphd biological sciencesdoctorate biological sciencesstudy biological sciences in united statesphd in biological sciences in united states
60 months English Full-time
$13,000/yr
PhD in Chemistry and Biochemistry
STEM
Chemistry and Biochemistry
Chemistry and Biochemistry
doctoral chemistry and biochemistryenglish-taught phd chemistry and biochemistryphd chemistry and biochemistry programphd in chemistry and biochemistryphds in chemistry and biochemistry
60 months English Full-time
$13,000/yr
Chemistry and Biochemistry
STEM
Chemistry and Biochemistry
Chemistry
analyticalbiochemistrychemistrydiegodoctor
60 months English Full-time
$14,490/yr
Communication
Communication
PhD in Communication
communicationdiegophdsanunited states
60 months English Full-time
$14,490/yr
Computer Science and Engineering
STEM
Computer Science
Computer Science
computer science degree abroadcomputer science phd programcomputer science program united statescomputer science usadoctoral program computer science
60 months English Full-time
$14,490/yr
Economics
Economics
Economics
phd economics researcheconomist careerdoctorate economicsphd in economicseconomics program in united states
60 months English Full-time
$14,490/yr
PhD in Economics
Economics
Economics
PhD in economicsdoctorate in economicseconomics at UC San Diegoeconomicseconomics in San Diego
60 months English Full-time
$13,000/yr
PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering
STEM
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Computer Science & IT
computerelectricalelectrical and computer engineeringengineeringphd
60 months English Full-time
$13,000/yr
Physics
STEM
Physics
Physics
phd in physicsphd physicsdoctorate in physicsstudy physics in united statesphd physics in united states
60 months English Full-time
$14,490/yr
PhD in Physics
STEM
Physics
Physics
study physics in united statesapplied physics degreephd physicsbest physics phd programsphd in physics in united states
60 months English Full-time
$13,000/yr
UC San Diego Admissions Requirements & Acceptance Rate
7+ IELTS
83+ TOEFL
115+ Duolingo
3+ GPA
Acceptance Rate Selective (20-40%)
Intakes September
Application Deadline November 30
Tuition (per year) $43.8k - $72k/yr
Teaching Language English
Student : Faculty 19:1
Accreditation
WSCUC
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Frequently Asked Questions About UC San Diego
Common questions from international students considering UC San Diego.
What is the acceptance rate at UC San Diego?
UC San Diego is classified as "Selective (20-40%)" by admissions selectivity. Acceptance rates vary by program — competitive programs and graduate degrees typically have lower acceptance rates than undergraduate programs.
How much does UC San Diego cost for international students?
Tuition at UC San Diego ranges from $43.8k - $72k/yr per year. Costs vary by degree level and program. International students may also need to budget for housing, books, and living expenses.
What is UC San Diego ranked globally?
UC San Diego holds the following rankings: QS World #66, Times Higher Education #47, ARWU #20, #29 in United States. Rankings vary by methodology and subject area — for the most accurate picture, check the specific subject rankings for your intended field of study.
What English language requirements does UC San Diego have?
UC San Diego typically requires IELTS 7+ or TOEFL 83+ for international students. Specific programs may set higher minimums — verify requirements for your target program directly. Some applicants may qualify for an English requirement waiver if their previous education was English-medium.
Are scholarships available at UC San Diego?
Yes, UC San Diego offers scholarships and financial aid opportunities for international students. Available aid varies by program, nationality, and academic merit. We recommend checking each program's funding page and applying early — many scholarships have separate deadlines from the main admission application.
When does UC San Diego start its semesters?
UC San Diego has intakes starting in September. Application deadlines typically fall 3-6 months before the semester start date. International students should apply earlier due to visa processing times — we recommend submitting applications 6-9 months ahead of the intended start date.
How many English-taught programs does UC San Diego offer?
UC San Diego offers 30+ programs taught in English, accessible to international students without local language proficiency. These span Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD levels across multiple disciplines.
Where is UC San Diego located?
UC San Diego is located in San Diego, United States 🇺🇸. The city offers an international student-friendly environment with access to academic facilities, accommodation, and cultural amenities.
What are the admission requirements for UC San Diego?
For specific details about UC San Diego, we recommend reviewing the program-specific information and contacting the admissions office. Each program may have unique requirements and considerations.
What programs does UC San Diego offer?
For specific details about UC San Diego, we recommend reviewing the program-specific information and contacting the admissions office. Each program may have unique requirements and considerations.
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