The University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego) is situated in the sun-drenched coastline of La Jolla, Californiaand established in 1960. UC San Diego ranks among the nation’s premier public research universities, renowned for its groundbreaking discoveries, commitment to academic rigor, and vibrant campus community.
UC San Diego by the Numbers:
From these impressive statistics, it is evident that UC San Diego is a thriving hub of intellectual activity, attracting top talent from around the world and fostering an environment where innovation and discovery flourish.
Established |
1960 |
University Type |
Public Land-Grant Research University |
University Motto |
“Let there be light” |
Acceptance Rate |
26.8% |
Faculty to Student Ratio |
19:1 |
Endowment |
$1.36 billion (2023) |
Campus Size |
2,178 acres |
Graduation Rate |
89% |
Contact Details |
(858) 534-2230 |
Location |
University of California, San Diego is among the top 100 universities in the world. It is ranked at #72 in the world, according to QS rankings. Following are the University of California, San Diego rankings:
Ranking Agency |
Rank |
QS World University Rankings |
#72 |
US News National Rankings |
#29 |
Top Public School (US News) |
#6 |
Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs (US News) |
#20 |
Gaining admission to UC San Diego is a testament to both academic achievement and personal potential. UC San Diego employs a comprehensive review process, considering not only grades and test scores but also extracurricular activities, essays, and personal context.
With over 90 undergraduate majors and 60 graduate programs, UC San Diego provides students with the flexibility to explore diverse academic interests and specialize in their chosen fields. The university encourages students to connect ideas and approaches from different disciplines, fostering a holistic understanding of complex issues and challenges.
Following are the top programs at University of California, San Diego along with their tuition fees:
Program |
Annual Fees (USD) |
Annual Fees (INR) |
MBA |
96,321 |
80.86 Lakh |
Master of Engineering Bioengineering |
35,941 |
30.17 Lakh |
Master of Science Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering |
35,914 |
30.17 Lakh |
Master of Science Chemical Engineering |
35,914 |
30.17 Lakh |
Master of Science Business Analytics |
35,914 |
30.17 Lakh |
Master of Finance |
35,914 |
30.17 Lakh |
Master of Science Electrical and Computer Engineering |
35,914 |
30.17 Lakh |
The minimum admission requirement for masters at University of California, San Diego is to have a minimum GPA of 3.0 in a related subject with a TOEFL score of 85+. Following are the detailed admission requirements for masters at University of California, San Diego:
Category |
Admission Requirements |
Application Fees |
155 USD (12,942 INR) |
Academic Requirements |
3-4 year undergraduate degree |
GPA Required |
3.0 (85%) |
English Proficiency Requirements |
|
Standardized Test Scores |
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Documents Checklist |
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The minimum admission requirement for undergraduate programs at University of California, San Diego is to have a minimum GPA of 3.4 in a related subject with a TOEFL score of 85+. Following are the detailed admission requirements for bachelors at University of California, San Diego:
Category |
Admission Requirements |
Application Fees |
95 USD (7,932 INR) |
Academic Requirements |
Higher school secondary certificate (Std 12th in Indian CBSE or State Board) |
GPA Required |
3.4 on a scale of 4.0 |
English Proficiency Requirements |
|
Documents Checklist |
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Standardized Testing |
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UC San Diego’s student life is a dynamic and enriching experience, offering a plethora of opportunities for personal growth, social connection, and exploration.
Whether pursuing academic interests, engaging in recreational activities, or immersing oneself in the arts and culture scene, students can find a fulfilling and vibrant community at UC San Diego.
UC San Diego’s campus is a dynamic hub of activity, where academic pursuits blend seamlessly with vibrant student life. The 2,141-acre campus offers a mix of modern architecture, lush green spaces, and breathtaking ocean views, creating an inspiring environment for learning and growth.
Students can explore numerous on-campus facilities, including state-of-the-art libraries, recreation centers, performance venues, and dining options. The campus also hosts various events and activities throughout the year, ranging from cultural festivals to academic conferences, fostering a sense of community and engagement.
UC San Diego prioritizes the safety and well-being of its students, faculty, and staff. The university has implemented various measures to ensure a secure campus environment, including:
UC San Diego’s student life is a rich and diverse tapestry, where students can engage in a wide array of activities, explore their passions, and forge lifelong connections. The university fosters a vibrant and inclusive community that encourages students to step outside their comfort zones, embrace new challenges, and make the most of their college experience.
Key Highlights of UC San Diego Student Life:
UC San Diego provides a range of housing options to cater to the diverse needs of its students. On-campus housing is available for both undergraduate and graduate students, offering convenient access to academic facilities, social activities, and campus resources. The residence halls and apartments are designed to foster a sense of community and provide a comfortable living environment.
Off-Campus Housing: Students also have the option to live off-campus in the surrounding neighborhoods, with various apartments, houses, and shared accommodations available. The university provides resources and assistance to help students find suitable off-campus housing.
UC San Diego welcomes talented international students from around the world and is committed to providing financial support to help them achieve their academic aspirations. While funding opportunities for international students can be limited, the university offers various scholarships and financial aid programs specifically designed to assist them.
Scholarship Opportunities:
Scholarships |
Eligibility |
Awards |
Ellen and Roger Revelle Scholarship (merit-based) |
Incoming UG students | academic merit |
Up to 10,000 CAD (2,500 CAD per year) |
Clayton H. Brace Scholarship |
Incoming UG students with an interest in communications |
Up to 1,000 CAD |
Charmaine and Maurice Kaplan Scholarship |
UG students | academic merit, demonstrated financial need, extracurricular activities |
Up to $5,000 per year |
Ray and Betty Ramseyer Scholarship |
Incoming UG students with an interest in the social sciences |
Up to 20,000 CAD, paid at up to 5,000 CAD per year |
Ludwig and Ada Strauss Scholarship |
UG students | academic merit, demonstrated financial need |
5,000 CAD per year |
UC San Diego fosters partnerships with various industries, providing students with opportunities for internships, research collaborations, and mentorship programs. According to a recent survey, 89% of UC San Diego graduates are employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation.
Job Title |
Range |
Average |
Software Engineer |
$79k – $145k |
$110,307 |
Mechanical Engineer |
$71k – $120k |
$89,527 |
Data Scientist |
$70k – $129k |
$94,896 |
Project Manager |
$61k – $116k |
$85,938 |
Senior Software Engineer |
$112k – $186k |
$148,204 |
Data Analyst |
$57k – $95k |
$75,662 |
Research Associate, Biotechnology |
$56k – $80k |
$64,877 |
The UC San Diego Alumni Association provides a platform for alumni to connect with each other, stay informed about university news, and access various benefits and resources. UC San Diego boasts an impressive roster of alumni and faculty who have been awarded the Nobel Prize, including Roger Tsien (Chemistry, 2008) and Venkatraman Ramakrishnan (Chemistry, 2009), among others.
Here’s a table of some notable alumni of University of California, San Diego, along with their professions:
Name |
Profession |
Roger Tsien |
Chemist, Nobel Laureate |
Venkatraman Ramakrishnan |
Chemist, Nobel Laureate |
Irwin Jacobs |
Co-founder, Qualcomm |
Sheryl Sandberg |
COO, Facebook (Meta) |
Ed Catmull |
President, Pixar & Walt Disney Animation |
Megan McArthur |
NASA Astronaut |
J. Craig Venter |
Geneticist |
Rae Armantrout |
Pulitzer Prize-winning Author |
Jason Mraz |
Grammy-nominated Musician |
Natalie Coughlin |
Olympic Swimmer |
David Boudia |
Olympic Diver |
The minimum TOEFL score is 85 (internet-based). The minimum IELTS score is 6.5 overall with no individual score below 6.0.
Yes, you can work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during breaks.
Once admitted, you’ll receive an I-20 form to apply for an F-1 student visa at the U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country.
The International Students & Programs Office (ISPO) provides comprehensive support, including visa assistance, orientation programs, cultural events, and academic advising.
UC San Diego has a dedicated police department and various safety measures in place. The campus and surrounding La Jolla area are generally considered safe.
San Diego enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate with warm, sunny weather year-round. San Diego offers numerous attractions like beaches, museums, and theme parks. You can also explore nearby cities like Los Angeles and Tijuana.