University of California, Los Angeles Admissions

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The University of California, Los Angeles is a world-renowned public research university in Los Angeles, California. Renowned for its academic excellence, vibrant campus life, and strong emphasis on research and innovation, UCLA attracts top students from across the globe. With a diverse student body and a commitment to social impact, UCLA provides a dynamic and challenging academic environment.

Undergraduate Admissions

  • A highly competitive GPA is required for admission.
  • The SAT or ACT is optional for undergraduate programs.
  • A personal essay is required to provide insights into your academic and personal goals.
  • Two letters of recommendation are required from teachers or counselors who can speak to your academic abilities and potential.
  • A strong record of extracurricular activities is highly valued.
  • Submit official transcripts from all high schools attended.

Graduate Admissions

  • A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution is required.
  • A competitive undergraduate GPA is expected, with specific requirements varying by program.
  • Some graduate programs may require GRE or GMAT scores.
  • It is essential to have a well-written statement of purpose outlining your research interests, academic goals, and career aspirations.
  • Three letters of recommendation from faculty or professionals are typically required.

Application Fee

UG: 95 USD

PG: 155 USD

Acceptance Rate

9%

ELP Tests Accepted

Standardized Test Scores (PG)

GMAT, GRE

International Application Deadlines

UG: Closed

PG: Vary by program

MBA: Apr 7, 2025

University of California, Los Angeles Graduate Admissions Requirements

UCLA offers graduate degrees in over 90 programs. International students seeking admission at the University of California, Los Angeles, will have to fulfill the following admission requirements:

University Eligibility

  • 4-year bachelor’s degree or equivalent
  • GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (83-86%)
  • English Proficiency:
    • TOEFL: Minimum score of 87
    • IELTS: Minimum score of 7.0

Documents Checklist

  • SOP
  • 2-3 Letters of Recommendation
  • Resume/CV
  • Work experience

University of California, Los Angeles Admission Requirements for Top Graduate Programs

Following are the specific admission requirements for the top graduate programs at the University of California, Los Angeles:

Program

GPA Requirements

TOEFL IBT Score

Document Requirements

Anderson School of Management (MBA)

3.5+ on a 4.0 scale (highly competitive)

100+

GMAT/GRE scores, Letters of Recommendation, Statement of Purpose, Resume, Work Experience (preferred)

School of Law

3.7+ on a 4.0 scale (highly competitive)

100+

LSAT score, Letters of Recommendation, Personal Statement, Resume

School of Medicine

3.9+ on a 4.0 scale (extremely competitive)

100+

MCAT score, Letters of Recommendation, Personal Statement, Research Experience (preferred)

School of Engineering (e.g., Computer Science, Electrical Engineering)

3.5+ on a 4.0 scale (highly competitive)

100+

GRE scores (often required), Letters of Recommendation, Statement of Purpose, Research Experience (preferred)

School of Public Health

3.0+ on a 4.0 scale (varies by program)

87+

GRE scores (often required), Letters of Recommendation, Statement of Purpose, Research Experience (preferred)

University of California, Los Angeles UG Admission Requirements

The University of California, Los Angeles offers over 130 undergraduate majors. International students seeking an undergraduate degree at the University of California, Los Angeles, will have to fulfill the following admission requirements:

University Eligibility

  • Grade 12 certificate or equivalent
  • GPA of 3.4 out of 4.0 (89-90%)
  • English Proficiency:
    • TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 100 or higher
    • IELTS: Minimum score of 7.0 or higher

Documents Checklist

  • 2 Academic LOR 
  • Statement of Purpose 
  • Interview (by Invitation) 
  • Portfolios 
  • Midyear School Report

University of California, Los Angeles Selection Criteria

The University of California, Los Angeles uses a variety of criteria to select students for admission, including GPA, test scores, and application essays. 

GPA

  • California residents need a minimum GPA of 3.0 to be eligible for admission. 
  • Non-residents need a minimum GPA of 3.4 to be eligible for admission.
  • The average GPA of admitted applicants is around 3.60.

Test scores

  • UCLA used to consider SAT and ACT scores but no longer does so in its application review process.
  • The middle 25–75% of students have ACT composite scores of 4.18–4.32 

Application essays

  • Applicants must submit an essay or personal statement.
  • Professional readers read and analyze each application twice and determine a score to decide whether to admit or deny the applicant.

Other requirements 

  • Applicants must submit an application form, high school transcript, and letters of recommendation.
  • Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency.
  • Applicants must meet other requirements specific to their country.
Frequently Asked Questions Section

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average GPA of admitted international students to UCLA?

While UCLA doesn’t publicly release specific GPA averages for international students, it is highly competitive. To be competitive, you should expect a GPA significantly above 3.9 on a 4.0 scale.

Is the SAT/ACT required for international undergraduate applicants?

The SAT/ACT is optional for most undergraduate programs at UCLA, including international students. However, submitting competitive scores can strengthen your application.

What is the minimum TOEFL IBT score required for international students?

The minimum TOEFL IBT score for most UCLA graduate programs is 87. However, competitive applicants typically submit scores significantly higher.

Can I apply to multiple UCLA programs simultaneously?

Yes, you can apply to multiple programs within UCLA simultaneously. However, you may need to submit separate applications and pay application fees for each program.

Does UCLA offer on-campus housing for international students?

Yes, UCLA offers on-campus housing options for international students. However, housing is typically assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

How can I increase my chances of admission to UCLA?

To increase your chances of admission, maintain a strong academic record, prepare for standardized tests (if required), write compelling essays, secure strong letters of recommendation, and demonstrate a strong commitment to your academic and personal goals.

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