About

Public

University Type

10

QS Global Rank

$81,644

Average Living Expenses

The University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) is a public research university situated in Berkeley, California. Founded in 1868, Berkeley is the oldest of the 10 research universities affiliated with the University of California. UC Berkeley is one of the most prestigious universities in the world, consistently ranked among the top universities in the United States and globally. 

UC Berkeley is known for its academic excellence, groundbreaking research, and social and political activism. The university has produced 11 Nobel laureates, 32 Pulitzer Prize winners, and 13 Fields Medalists. UC Berkeley's faculty members have won 107 Nobel Prizes, 25 Turing Awards, 14 Fields Medals, 30 Wolf Prizes, 34 Pulitzer Prizes, 190 MacArthur "Genius Grants", and 68 National Medals of Science.

What is the acceptance rate of the University of California, Berkeley?

UC Berkeley acceptance rate is just 14%, it has a diverse student body of 30,000+ students, and a student-to-faculty ratio of 20:1. The student body is made up of people from all over the world, with over 100 countries represented. University of California, Berkeley's ranking in the 2022-2023 edition of Best Colleges is #20 in National Universities.

UC Berkeley offers over 150 undergraduate majors and 200 graduate programs. The university is also home to several world-renowned research institutes, including the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and the Berkeley Center for Cosmological Physics. UC Berkeley is a vibrant and exciting place to study and live, and it is known for its liberal politics, diverse culture, and beautiful scenery.

Top Reasons to Study in the University of California, Berkeley

The University of California, Berkeley is a world-renowned public research university located in Berkeley, California. Here are some of the top reasons to study at UC Berkeley:

  • Academic excellence

UC Berkeley is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world, including #2 in the United States by U.S. News & World Report. It offers over 100 undergraduate majors and 100 graduate programs, and its faculty includes Nobel laureates, MacArthur Fellows, and Guggenheim Fellows.

  • Research opportunities

UC Berkeley is a top research university, where many students go on to pursue successful careers in academia, industry, and government.

  • Diverse student body

UC Berkeley is home to a diverse student body, creating a vibrant and stimulating academic environment, and students have the opportunity to learn from and collaborate with people from different cultures and backgrounds.

  • Location

UC Berkeley is located in the San Francisco Bay Area, one of the most dynamic and innovative regions in the world. This gives students access to many opportunities, from internships and jobs to cultural and recreational activities.

These reasons are just a glimpse of what you will get to learn and explore at the University of California, Berkeley. To know more, click here.


Cost of Studying at University of California, Berkeley

Average tuition fee

Moderate

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5000+ Students

Availed education loan

3000+ Cr

Loan amount sanctioned

100% Free

Assistance for loan process


Living expenses

Average living expenses (Bachelors)

$75,898

Average living expenses (Masters)

$81,644

Average on-campus living expenses

$16,584

Average off-campus living expenses

$17,152

Admissions at The University of California, Berkeley

Avg acceptance rate (Bachelors)

14%

Application Fee

$80 - $275


How to Apply at University of California, Berkeley

UC Berkeley offers 100+ undergraduate and graduate degree programs, with a strict selection process to be followed by all students. Here are the steps on how to apply to the University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) as an international student:

Be mindful of the deadlines: Missing application deadlines can severely affect your chances of getting into UC Berkeley. 

Term/Semester

Deadline

Fall Quarter/Semester

November 1-30

Winter Quarter/Spring Semester

July 1-31

Spring Quarter

July 1 onwards

Check UC Berkeley admission requirements: The UC Berkeley admissions requirements for international applicants are as follows:

  • Completed UC application form.
  • Official transcripts from all high school and college-level coursework.
  • Evaluation from a recognized international evaluator.
  • SAT or ACT scores.
  • GRE or GMAT scores.
  • Letters of recommendation.
  • Academic resume.
  • Personal statement.
  • English proficiency scores.
  • Submit your application materials: Once you have completed your application, you will need to submit it online. You will also need to pay the application fee of $80 - $155 (INR 6,533 - 12,665).
  • Attend an interview: Interviews are not required, but they can help you make a good impression on the admissions committee.
  • Wait for the decision: UC Berkeley will notify you of their decision in March or April.

Documents Required to Apply to University of California, Berkeley

If you are hoping to figure out UC Berkeley admission requirements, know that as an international student, you will have to submit many documents.

UNDERGRADUATE

DOCUMENT

DESCRIPTION

High School Transcripts

Official transcripts, translated into English.

GPA 

3.4 (89 - 90%)

Letters of Recommendation

From academic counsellors or others.

Standardised Scores

SAT, ACT, IELTS, TOEFL, DUOLINGO, PTE Scores.

Interview

Not mandatory, but highly recommended.

Personal Statement

Talk about your extracurriculars and how you are competent to study at UC Berkeley.

Academic Resume

Detailed resume or curriculum vitae highlighting relevant academic and work experience. 

Application Fee

Non-refundable application fee of 80 USD (6,533 INR)

POSTGRADUATE

DOCUMENT

DESCRIPTION

Bachelor’s Degree

Official transcripts, translated into English.

GPA 

3.0 (83 - 86%)

Letter of Recommendation (3)

From academic counsellors or others.

Personal Statement

Talk about your extracurriculars and how you are competent to study at UC Berkeley.

Standardised Scores

GRE, GMAT, IELTS, TOEFL Scores.

Application Fee

Non-refundable application fee of 155 USD (12,665 INR) 


Exams Accepted By University of California, Berkeley

The University of California, Berkeley accepts the following standardised English proficiency test scores from international students:

Undergraduates:

  • TOEFL iBT: 80
  • Duolingo: 115
  • SAT: 1450 - 1530
  • ACT: composite score of 30 - 35

Graduates:

  • TOEFL iBT: 90
  • IELTS: 7.0
  • GMAT: 700 - 760

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Rankings for The University of California, Berkeley

US News Ranking

#15

US World and News Report

The World University Rankings

#9

The World University Rankings

QS World University Rankings

#10

QS World University Rankings


More rankings for this university

Founded in 1868, the University of California, Berkeley is a public research university in Berkeley, California. UC Berkeley is known for its academic excellence, groundbreaking research, and social activism. It offers 150+ undergraduate majors and 200 graduate programs.UC Berkeley is one of the most prestigious universities in the world, consistently ranked among the top universities in the United States and globally. 

According to US News & World Report 2023, the University of California, Berkeley is ranked #4, continuing the unchanged pattern since 2021. UC Berkeley is ranked #8 globally in the 2023 Times Higher Education University Ranking. The institution is placed #10 globally according to the QS World University Ranking 2024. 

Enlisted below are the global rankings for the University of California, Berkeley from 2022-24:-

Ranked By

2022

2023

2024

US News & World Report - Global Universities

4

4

NA

THE (Times Higher Education) - University Ranking

8

8

NA

QS - World University Ranking

32

27

10

The University of California, Berkeley Course Rankings 2022-24

International students are drawn to the University of California, Berkeley because of its abundant distinctive courses in varied academic fields. Numerous reputable sources claim that the University of California - Berkeley Campus excels in an array of subjects. UC Berkeley is ranked #9 in the QS 2023 for MIM Accounting & Finance programs, #5 for MS Engineering and Technology, and #9 for LLM. It is advised to pursue an MS at the University of California, Berkeley since it is ranked #6 in the QS - Mathematics Rankings 2023.

University of California, Berkeley Course Rankings by QS 2022-24

Course

2022

2023

2024

Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering

6

6

NA

Mathematics

5

6

NA

Engineering and Technology  

9

5

NA

Biological Sciences

7

7

NA

Accounting and Finance

9

9

NA

LLM

9

9

NA

Global MBA

11

11

NA

Architecture and Built Environment

8

9

NA

Communication and Media Studies

11

12

NA

Sociology

5

5

NA

Physics and Astronomy

6

7

NA

Politics and International Studies

9

9

NA

Performing Arts

48

51-100

NA

University of California, Berkeley Course Ranking by U.S. News and World Report 2022-24

Course

2022

2023

2024

Electrical Engineering PG

1

1

NA

Civil Engineering PG

1

1

NA

Computer Engineering PG

2

2

NA

Mechanical Engineering PG

3

3

NA

UG Business

3

2

NA

UG Computer Engineering

3

3

NA

UG Mechanical Engineering

4

5

NA

Entrepreneurship MBA

4

5

NA

Finance MBA

7

8

NA

Graduate Business School

7

8

NA

Business Analytics MBA

8

6

NA

Best UG Biomedical Engineering Schools

6

7

NA

Best Graduate Law School

9

9

NA

University of California, Berkeley Course Rankings by Times Higher Education 2022-24

Course

2022

2023

2024

Engineering

3

3

NA

PG Business and Economics

6

7

NA

PG Computer Science

8

8

NA

Psychology

5

6

NA

Life Sciences

9

9

NA

Arts and Humanities

9

8

NA

Clinical and Health

14

19

NA

Law

14

13

NA

The University of California, Berkeley is a dream choice for many students, and its impeccable programs in engineering, humanities, sciences, and finance are just one of the various reasons for its popularity. Avail the multitude of Yocket Premium services, and streamline your admission to UC Berkeley now!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is the University of California, Berkeley ranked globally?

Ans. Many credible ranking services have placed the University of California, Berkeley among the best institutions globally. THE (Times Higher Education) University Ranking 2023 places UC Berkeley #8 universally. The institution is ranked #10 worldwide in QS World University Ranking 2024, a tremendous increase from #27 in 2023. The US News & World Report has placed UC Berkeley #4, internationally.

2. How has the University of California, Berkeley’s MS performed in the past years?

Ans. An array of MS courses and specializations offered by the University of California, Berkeley are among the best in the world. UC Berkeley MS is placed #5 in the QS - Mathematics Rankings category and #6 in the Engineering and Technology category. Furthermore, the MS QS - Biological Sciences Rankings was positioned #7.

3. What are the national rankings of the University of California - Berkeley Campus?

Ans. University of California - Berkeley Campus is among the finest institutions of higher education in the USA. The university is ranked #20 by US News & World Report - National University Rankings 2023, after constantly being ranked #22 since 2019. 

Students University of California, Berkeley

1,066

Yocketers applied

100

Yocketers admitted

10,187

Yocketers interested


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International Students

% of international students in the university

17.5

Total International Students in the university

7956


Alumni at University of California, Berkeley

If you are wondering who is famous that graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, enlisted below are some of the notable alumni:

  • Steven Chu, Nobel laureate in physics and former U.S. Secretary of Energy.
  • Ruth Bader Ginsburg, second female Supreme Court Justice.
  • Condoleezza Rice, former U.S. Secretary of State.
  • Kamala Harris, Vice President of the United States.
  • Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple Computer.
  • Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the United States House of Representatives.
  • Ronald Reagan, 40th President of the United States.

Just like these exceptional people, you can too become part of UC Berkeley’s alumni association, by fulfilling your dream of studying there through Yocket's assistance!

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Campus life

Number of campuses the university has
1

Campus locations
California

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Transportation in the city

Berkeley has an excellent public transportation system, with several options to choose from:

  • AC Transit is a bus system that serves the entire San Francisco Bay Area. It has over 100 bus lines that stop in Berkeley, and many of them run 24 hours a day.
  • BART is a rapid transit system that runs through the East Bay and San Francisco. It has three stations in Berkeley: Downtown Berkeley, Ashby, and North Berkeley.
  • Bear Transit is a free shuttle service for UC Berkeley students, staff, and faculty. It has 10 routes that connect the campus with different parts of the city.
  • Commuter shuttles are private shuttles that provide transportation between Berkeley and other Bay Area cities. They are a good option for people who need to commute to work or school.
  • Bikeshare is a bike rental system that has stations all over Berkeley. It is a great way to get around the city without worrying about parking.

Services offered by the university

The University of California, Berkeley offers various services to its students, faculty, and staff, including:

  • Academic advising

UC Berkeley has a team of academic advisors who can help students choose courses, plan their degree, and navigate the university's academic system.

  • Financial aid

UC Berkeley offers financial aid options to help students afford their education. This includes grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs.

  • Student health

UC Berkeley has a student health centre that provides comprehensive medical, mental health, and dental care to students.

  • Technology services

UC Berkeley's Information Technology Services (ITS) provides students with access to computers, software, and other technology resources.

  • Transportation

UC Berkeley offers several transportation options for students, including buses, shuttles, and bicycles.

All these are some basic services provided by the University of California, Berkeley. But there are also some special services offered for international students, the disabled, and individuals belonging to the LGBTQ+ community.


Student life at University of California, Berkeley

With an array of activities, clubs, health and safety services, and cultural events offered by UC Berkeley, you are sure to feel involved. Let us look at the factors that contribute to the vibrancy of the student life at the University of California, Berkeley:

  • Extracurricular activities

There are over 1,000 student clubs and organisations at UC Berkeley, so students can find something to get involved in. There are clubs for sports, arts, hobbies, social justice, and more.

  • Dining

UC Berkeley has several dining options, including restaurants, cafes, and food trucks. There is also a student-run dining hall called the Daily Cal Cafe.

  • Theatre

UC Berkeley has a world-renowned theatre department, and students can participate in plays, musicals, and other productions.

  • Sports

UC Berkeley is a member of the Pac-12 Conference, and its sports teams are known as the Golden Bears. The Bears compete in 28 varsity sports, including football, basketball, baseball, and volleyball.

These are just a few factors that make UC Berkeley’s student life so happening. If you go there, you will feel involved and get various opportunities to shine as an individual. To know more, click here.


On campus accomodation at University of California, Berkeley

The University of California, Berkeley offers a variety of on-campus housing options for undergraduate and graduate students.

  • Residence Halls: Residence halls are the most popular option for first-year students. They offer a variety of room types, including singles, doubles, triples, and quads. Residence halls also have common areas, such as lounges, kitchens, and laundry facilities.
  • Apartments: Apartments are available for upper-division undergraduate students and graduate students. They offer more privacy and space than residence halls. Apartments also have kitchens, laundry facilities, and parking.
  • Theme Housing: UC Berkeley offers a variety of theme housing options, such as:
    • Arts and Culture Housing
    • Environmental Housing
    • First-Generation Housing
    • International Housing
    • LGBTQIA+ Housing
    • Sustainability Housing
    • Wellness Housing

Theme housing is a great way to meet other students with similar interests.

Rates for on-campus housing vary depending on the room type and the length of the contract. For the 2022-2023 academic year, the cost of a single room in a residence hall ranged from $13,600 to $17,000 per semester. The cost of an apartment ranged from $15,000 to $20,000 per semester.

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