The University of California San Diego is a public research university established in 1960. It is located in California, USA. UC San Diego ranks among global universities, placed at #66 by QS World University Rankings 2026 and #47 by THE World University Rankings 2026. It is especially known for programs such as MS Data Science, MS Computer Science and Engineering, MBA, and Bachelor's of Computer Science, which are popular among Indian students. To apply for admission to these programs, students can check the Fall 2027 intake deadlines:
- Undergraduate: 1 December 2026
- Graduate: November 2026 - May 2027 (varies as per the programs)
- MBA: 1 October 2026
Getting accepted at the University of California San Diego is difficult, even if you fulfil basic eligibility requirements and submit all the required documents at the correct time. The acceptance rate (admission rate) 2025-26 for international students at UC San Diego is 30%. The annual fees for international students for popular programs at UC San Diego are:
- Undergraduate: $52,536-74,850 / ₹49.2-69.9 Lakhs
- MBA: $72,415 / ₹67.8 Lakhs
- Graduate: $36,575 / ₹34.2 Lakhs
In addition to tuition, international students can expect an annual cost of living in San Diego, California, to range between $23,739-29,860 / ₹25.8-27.7 Lakhs. The University of California San Diego offers scholarships such as the Mellon International Dissertation Research Fellowship and the Davis-Putter Scholarship, it offers an amount ranging between $2,000-28,000 / ₹1.8-26.3 Lakhs.
Know more: University of California San Diego Rankings.
The conversion rate of $1 = ₹94, as on 23 April, is used in this article.

- University of California San Diego Key Highlights
- University of California San Diego Popular Programs
- University of California San Diego Admission Deadlines
- University of California San Diego Admission Requirements
- University of California San Diego Acceptance Rate
- Cost of Living in San Diego
- University of California San Diego Scholarships
- University of California San Diego Rankings
- FAQs
University of California San Diego Key Highlights
The table below highlights some of the facts about the University of California San Diego.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Establishment year | 1960 |
| Type | Public Research University |
| Location | 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States |
| Website | https://ucsd.edu/ |
| Chancellor | Pradeep Khosla (Indian origin person) |
| Indian Alumni | Subhashish Chaudhari (Chairman of BSE-Bombay Stock Exchange) |
| UG Fields of Study by Student Population | Social Science: 36% |
| Engineering: 18.8% | |
| Biology: 17.5% | |
| Physical Sciences: 13% | |
| Arts and Humanities: 5% | |
| University of California System Rankings | #3 |
UC San Diego Students’ Reviews:
The table below mentions the positive and negative reviews based on students’ experiences. (Source: YouTube).
Pros
Cons
Class sizes are small.
After the first year, on-campus housing availability decreases.
Professors are warm and easily approachable.
Campus food is considered expensive.
The beach is very close to the campus.
Wifi is weak on the campus.
University of California San Diego Popular Programs
The programs listed below are most popular among international students at UC San Diego. It provides key insights tailored for Indian students to strengthen their applications and career prospects.
| Popular Programs | Annual Tuition Fees in ($) | Annual Tuition Fees in (₹) | Notes for Indian Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| MS Computer Science and Engineering | $36,575 | ₹34.2 Lakhs | Focus on strong coding + DSA + research/internships; highly competitive, so SOP + projects matter a lot. |
| MS Data Science | $36,575 | ₹34.2 Lakhs | Build solid stats + Python/ML portfolio; highlight real-world data projects and internships. |
| MS Bioinformatics and Systems Biology | $36,575 | ₹34.2 Lakhs | Balance CS + biology; prior exposure to genomics/biotech tools gives an edge in this interdisciplinary field. |
| MS Business Analytics | $74,850 | ₹69.9 Lakhs | Strong quantitative programming (Python/SQL) is expected; emphasize business problem-solving in SOP. |
| MBA | $72,415 | ₹67.8 Lakhs | Work experience + leadership + clear career goals are critical; networking and GMAT score matter significantly. |
| BS Computer Science | $52,536 | ₹49.2 Lakhs | Very selective; build a strong math + coding profile early (Olympiads/projects help). |
| BS Pharmacology Chemistry | $52,536 | ₹49.2 Lakhs | Strong foundation in chemistry + biology needed; research exposure boosts profile. |
| BS Cognitive Science | $52,536 | ₹49.2 Lakhs | Show interest in psychology + AI/UX; interdisciplinary projects help stand out. |
| BS Computer Engineering | $52,536 | ₹49.2 Lakhs | Combine hardware + software skills; electronics + coding projects are key. |
| BS Biochemistry and Cell Biology | $52,536 | ₹49.2 Lakhs | Focus on lab exposure + science Olympiads; research interest is important for admissions. |
For more information on costs, check: University of California San Diego Fees
University of California San Diego Admission Deadlines
The application deadlines at the University of California San Diego vary by program.
- Undergraduate admissions are only available for the Fall intake with a fixed deadline.
- Graduate programs usually accept applications for Fall and, in some cases, for Spring. Graduate programs have department/program-specific timelines.
- MBA admissions are conducted in multiple rounds, allowing applicants to apply in Round 1, 2, or 3.
| Programs | Fall 2027 | Spring 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 1 December 2026 | - |
| Graduate | November 2026 - May 2027 | August - September 2026 |
| MBA | Round 1: 1 October 2026 | - |
| Round 2: 15 January 2027 | ||
| Round 3: 1 April 2027 |
For more details, check: University of California San Diego Admission
University of California San Diego Admission Requirements
The table below outlines the admission requirements and necessary documents for applying to the University of California San Diego.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Academic Transcripts | UG: 10th and 12th academic certificates |
| Graduate: 10th, 12th, and UG academic certificates | |
| English Language Test Scores | UG: IELTS 7, TOEFL 83, and DET 115 |
| Graduate: IELTS 7, TOEFL 85-100, PTE 65, and DET 120 | |
| Other Tests | GMAT/GRE (Graduate and MBA programs) |
| Statement of Purpose (SoP) | Required for Graduate programs |
| Essay | MBA: 2 (Mandatory) and 1 (Optional) |
| UG: Personal insight questions | |
| Letters of Recommendation (LoR) | 1-3 LoRs |
| Resume | Required for Graduate programs |
University of California San Diego Acceptance Rate
The table below shows the acceptance rate trends for international students at the University of California San Diego.
- It highlights an increase from 18% in 2023-24 to 30% in 2025-26.
- It indicates a rise in the number of international admissions in recent years.
| Years | Total Number of Applications Received | Total Number of Students Admitted | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-26 | 25,254 | 7,496 | 30% |
| 2024-25 | 21,821 | 4,896 | 22% |
| 2023-24 | 21,940 | 3,933 | 18% |
Cost of Living in San Diego
The table below provides an estimate of the annual living expenses for international students in San Diego, California. It is expected to range between $12,828-39,232 / ₹12-36.7 Lakhs.
| Expenses | In USD ($) | In INR (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Food & Housing | $8,604-31,000 | ₹8-29 Lakhs |
| Books | $729-1,203 | ₹68,332-1.1 Lakhs |
| Personal Expenses | $2,574-3,039 | ₹2.4-2.8 Lakhs |
| Transportation Expenses | $921-3,990 | ₹86,328-3.7 Lakhs |
University of California San Diego Scholarships
The University of California San Diego offers various scholarships for undergraduate, PhD, and graduate students, aimed at supporting academic excellence, research, leadership, and financial need across diverse fields of study.
| Scholarships | Eligibility | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| EREF Scholarship | Students enrolled in a graduate program who have an interest in solid waste management research. | $10,000 / ₹9.3 Lakhs |
| AWIS Scholarship | Students enrolled in an undergraduate program with a good academic score. | $2,000 / ₹1.8 Lakhs |
| Davis-Putter Scholarship | Students involved in movements for progressive social change, enrolled in a degree, trade, or training program, and who have financial need. | $7,500-15,000 / ₹7-14 Lakhs |
| Mellon International Dissertation Research Fellowship | Students with humanities and humanistic social sciences backgrounds who are enrolled in PhD programs | $23,000 / ₹21.5 Lakhs |
| Exploration Fund Grant | Graduate/post-graduate students and early-career scientists, from any discipline, conducting field-based research. | $2,000-5,000 / ₹1.8-4.6 Lakhs |
| J.W. Saxe Memorial Prize | This award is open to undergraduate or graduate students working in public service with demonstrated experience in public service activities. | $2,000 / ₹1.8 Lakhs |
| Josephine de Karman Fellowship | It is open to PhD students in any discipline. | $28,000 / ₹26.3 Lakhs |
| Microsoft Scholarships | Students with STEM (Science and Engineering background) | Variable |
| Roothbert Fund | Students who need financial aid to further their education. | $5,000-7,000 / ₹4.6-6.5 Lakhs |
| Western Union Global Scholarship | Students enrolled in an undergraduate program with a good academic score. | Variable |
University of California San Diego Rankings
The table below highlights the global rankings of the University of California San Diego.
- QS World University Rankings have dropped from #62 in 2024 to #66 in 2026.
- THE World University Rankings have also shown a dip from #34 in 2024 to #47 in 2026.
- US News Rankings have remained consistent at #21 in 2024 and 2025.
| Ranked by | 2026 | 2025 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| QS World Universities Rankings | #66 | #72 | #62 |
| THE World University Rankings | #47 | #34 | #34 |
| US News Rankings | - | #21 | #21 |
| Collegedunia StudyAbroad Rankings | #35 | - | - |
Know more: Collegedunia StudyAbroad Rankings.
The University of California San Diego is one of the top universities in the USA. It has been ranked among the top universities by QS (#66) and THE (#47) in 2026. It has an acceptance rate of 30% for international students, which is considered moderately selective. International students need to check all the required details before proceeding with the application.
FAQs
Ques. Is UC San Diego good for MS in Computer Science and Data Science?
Ans. Yes, UC San Diego is highly ranked for MS Computer Science and Engineering and MS Data Science, offering strong research opportunities, industry exposure, and Silicon Valley-linked career outcomes.
Ques. Can international students work part-time at UC San Diego?
Ans. Yes, students can work up to 20 hours per week on campus during semesters, as per US visa rules.
Ques. How early should I start preparing for UC San Diego applications?
Ans. Students should ideally apply 10-12 months before deadlines, including exams, SOP, LORs, and application planning.
UC-San Diego Program Fees & Deadlines
| Program | Important Dates | Fees | Application Fees | Eligibility | Financial Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MS Data Science 18 months | USD 28,000 /Yr | 155 | GPA- 3, IELTS- 7, TOEFL- 4.5, Duolingo- 120 | - | |
Application Deadline For 2027 Intake (19th Nov 2026) | USD 36,447 /Yr | 155 | TOEFL- 85 | IELTS- 7 | Duolingo- 120 | PTE- 65 | - | |
M.S Electrical and Computer Engineering 2 years Course Offered by: | Application Deadline For Fall 2027 Intake (7th Jan 2027) | USD 36,447 /Yr | 155 | TOEFL- 85 | IELTS- 7 | Duolingo- 120 | PTE- 65 | - |
MS Business Analytics 1 year Course Offered by: | USD 77,654 /Yr | 150 | GPA- 3, IELTS- 7, TOEFL- 85, Duolingo- 120 | ||
M.Eng Bioengineering 2 years | Application Deadline For Fall 2027 Intake (24th Nov 2026) | USD 36,447 /Yr | 155 | TOEFL- 85 | IELTS- 7 | Duolingo- 120 | - |
Ph.D Data Science 4 years | Application Deadline for Fall 2027 intake (3rd Dec 2026) | USD 36,447 /Yr | 155 | IELTS: 7.0 | TOEFL: 85 | - |
M.S Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering 2 years Course Offered by: | USD 36,447 /Yr | 155 | TOEFL- 85 | IELTS- 7 | Duolingo- 120 | - | |
M.S Structural Engineering 2 years | Application Deadline For Winter 2026 Intake (30th Sep 2026) Application Deadline For Spring 2027 Intake (7th Jan 2027) | USD 36,447 /Yr | 155 | TOEFL- 85 | IELTS- 7 | Duolingo- 120 | PTE- 65 | - |
M.B.A 2 years Course Offered by: | Round 1 Application Deadline For Fall 2027 Intake (1st Oct 2026) Round 2 Application Deadline For Fall 2027 Intake (15th Jan 2027) | USD 25,385 /Yr | 200 | TOEFL- 100 | IELTS- 7 | Duolingo- 120 | PTE- 65 | |
M.B.A Finance 2 years | Round 1 Application Deadline For Summer 2027 Intake (1st Oct 2026) | USD 87,696 /Yr | 200 | GPA:- 3.0, IELTS:- 7.0, TOEFL:- 100, PTE:- 65 |
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UC-San Diego comparison
| University Name | University of California | University of Washington | University of Southern California | San Diego State University | University of San Diego |
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| Collegedunia Score | 7.3 Out of 10 | 7.2 Out of 10 | 5.9 Out of 10 | 4.2 Out of 10 | 4.1 Out of 10 |
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| Acceptance Rate | 0.0 % | 0.0 % | 10.0 % | 36.0 % | 47.0 % |
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| - | Read Full Comparison | Read Full Comparison | Read Full Comparison | Read Full Comparison |
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Overall 35 out of 824 in Global Ranking

Overall 66 out of 1401 in Global Ranking
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UC-San Diego Reviews
Most Popular Tags
9 Reviews Found
Likes
- The campus as a whole - it is a really big campus with loads of fields and eating options
- The location of the college - it is right next to the beach
- The main gym (RIMAC) - massive gym with all facilities
Dislikes
- The quarter system - instead of 2 academic semesters every year, we had quarters. This made things move too quickly and become too intense
- Lack of sports culture - there was no football team and at the time UCSD wasn't D1, as a result the sporting culture in the school wasn't very good
- Not as socially vibrant - as opposed to lots of other US schools, UCSD isn't the most socially vibrant. You have to make an extra effort for this
Campus Life
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UCSD has a massive library which students mostly spend their final exam week in.
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Its got 7 floors - the basement and first floor are for "loud studying" and as you go higher a floor you have to be quieter.
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I was part of the cricket club at UCSD and I really enjoyed my time there.
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We had annual regionals in LA, regularly drove to play against UC Irvine, and even started to host home games.
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The bollywood dancing clubs were also very big.
Fees
- I do not remember exact numbers but our fee was charged on a yearly basis.
- After the first 2 years many people chose to live off campus but I decided to live on campus, which included a meal plan.
- For a single room, rent cost around 1000-1100 USD a month.
- The rest of my monthly budget was around 800 USD a month I think. I also had an on campus job which paid 15 USD an hour
Likes
- The distance to the beach is very close to the campus
- The quality of education is of the highest standards
- Peer on campus is very friendly and allows good networking
Dislikes
- Within-campus shuttle service does not cover Central area
- Washrooms should have jet sprays for all nationalities
- Wifi is extremely weak on the whole campus
Campus Life
- The University of California has 10 campuses across the state, with UC San Francisco Being a campus only for graduate studies. I am at UC San Diego. UCSD has many Facilities for sports, academics, and other student services.
- UCSD competes at the NCAA Division I level in many sports including basketball, baseball, fencing and swimming, and competes at the Division II level in a few other sports. As a result, the sports facilities on campus are excellent with courts for any sport one may wish to do.
- There is even a climbing gym on campus (which I discovered just this quarter). Outside of sports, UCSD has many mental health and well-being resources and offers free counselling / therapy services to students.
- Each housing college holds many events forstudents in each quarter, while a few big events (like the Sun God Festival) are hostedby the university itself.
- There are over 500 listed student orgs at UCSD so there are a lot of opportunities to pursue activities outside of academics.
- Some of the orgs that I have been involved with are SUMS (math society), DS3 (Data Science org), Hiking club, and the Okinawan Karate club. Along with clubs we also have greek life (sororities and fraternities), though I do not have much information about these.
Fees
- Total cost for a full academic year is about seventy thousand US dollars.
- Fifty thousand dollars are for tuition and fees costs, twenty thousand dollars are for living costs (which include four thousand dollars for the base meal plan for the year). In addition, there are miscellaneous costs (for example groceries, eating at restaurants, commute, etc.) which will vary per person.
- Fees are charged per quarter, and there are three quarters (+ an optional summer quarter).
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Likes
- Research opportunities, quarter system, midterm schedule, dorms (new ones, not old ones)
Dislikes
- Limited recruitment straight from uni beyond a few stem courses, old dorms are poorly designed
Overview
I chose this university bcz of it's location and program strength - it is top 15 in the US for CS and top 10 for data science. I chose this program because of its utility, high earning potential + capacity to get into business later. As mentioned, what I liked previously.
Campus Life
Pretty fun, all major clubs and fraternities are available. Wifi is good, the gym is great, casual sports are very accessible, and lots of events are hosted by clubs including cultural ones. Library is very famous - Geisel, named after Dr. Seuss.
Likes
- Bright fellow students, beautiful location, great reputation. Ease of getting teaching assistantships, I got waivers/stipends of close to $15-20K because of this.
Dislikes
- Stressful and fast paced is an understatement. You basically have zero free time in the school year, and it feels like there’s exam after exam. Two weeks go by after the quarter starts, then you have a midterm, then another 2 weeks another midterm, and then 3 weeks and final, and repeat.
Overview
SoP was mainly about what got me interested in the field of VLSI Design and how I took steps to develop my understanding of the subject further. The primary factors were the great reputation and moderate prestige associated with the program. Second was the location of being in California, and picturesque San Diego.
Campus Life
A lot of accessible and well-maintained sports facilities. I used to regularly play tennis, badminton and swimming. The ocean is very close by, so surfing and kayaking are also popular.
Likes
- The university is extensively known for research in Artificial Intelligence. Also for me the weather and California location was a main reason.
Overview
I believe I had a good experience at my university. The college had great study programs and lab facilities. The other facilities including dining and sports facilities were enriching and created a wholesome experience for my stay here. Other than high living cost and tough job conditions, everything was very accessible and enjoyable. I would recommend this university for students genuinely interested in learning and growing.
Campus Life
Extensive research labs , well equipped libraries and sports facilities as well.
Likes
- It is one of the Top 5 public schools in the US, apart from this: 1. Strong CS research ranking 2. Ample funding opportunities 3. California, so closer to Big tech 4. Weather is friendly
- Access to a world-class education with top-notch faculty, opportunities for interdisciplinary research, a diverse and inclusive campus community, cutting-edge facilities and resources, ample funding opportunities with teaching assistantships and other positions, and a prime location in the heart of the vibrant and innovative city of San Diego.
Dislikes
- Some limitations of joining UCSD include high tuition fees and living costs. The academic environment for masters may feel highly competitive and demanding. The on-campus housing options are getting more limited with a large student population coming in.
- With larger class sizes, it may be challenging to build close personal connections with peers and professors. Some students find the campus to be too isolated from the rest of San Diego and lacking in social activities compared to other California universities (I do feel that the beaches are great though!).
Overview
I have really enjoyed the research opportunities at UCSD along with the funding that I get thanks to it being a public school. Because of this I will be able to complete my MS in less than 4 lakh INR. The courses were also very engaging and I really appreciate the flexibility in curriculum which made this an enjoyable experience. Placement support could have been better and maybe more affordable food and housing options nearby would be welcomed.
Campus Life
Ample clubs, campus infrastructure is state-of-the-art, spread over 2000 acres, multiple sports gyms, stadiums, 8 floor library one of the best in the US, campus-wide 100 mbps WiFi, and we have our own amphitheatre and arts and music complex where events and shows keep taking place.
Overview
"Location - san diego has the best weather Course Curriculum - structured well with lot of electives Job opportunities in California - tech hub Ranking of universities on various websites Alumni database "
Campus Life
There are more than 100 clubs and organizations to choose from at UCSD. The library is one of the best in the world (looks like a ufo) . Sports facilities are also excellent with facilities for more than 100 sports.
Overview
I liked the environment - both physically and academically. Research opportunities here are abundant. Faculty and staff are phenomenal and friendly, yet professional; more so, the has a good reputation in terms of STEM majors which made me choose UCSD.
Fees
It is broken down into school tuition, housing, and then several other activity fees. Activity fees range from a few dollars to a couple hundred.
Overview
It is a reputable STEM school that also specializes in healthcare. It also provides lots of opportunities for my academic career. It is also close to home so it would be easier for me to go home and back.
Fees
Health insurance, Transportation fee, Maintenance fee, Recreation fee, Athletics fee, College activities fee, Student service fee, University Center fee, College fee, Campus activity fee, Registration fee, Tuition.
UC-San Diego Scholarships
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forktip Women’s- Innovation Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| FINCAD Women in Finance Scholarship | Scholarship per student$20,000 | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship | Scholarship per student$5,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| The Google Lime Scholarship | Scholarship per student$10,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program | Scholarship per student$10,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Axol Science Scholarship | Scholarship per student$2,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCompany-Sponsored |
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UC-San Diego Admissions
Application Portal: https://connect.grad.ucsd.edu/apply/
MSBA Round 3 Application Deadline For Summer 2026 Intake Deadlines
Important Date: January15 (Application deadline)CSE Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake Deadlines
Important Date: December17 (Application deadline)
Attendance Cost
The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees
UC-San Diego Campuses, Schools & Faculties
UC-San Diego Accreditations
Faculty
| Total Faculty | Full Time | Part Time | Graduate Assistants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4141 | - | - | - |

















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Comments
Found 6 Comments
The possibility of getting into your desired colleges abroad depends on your academic qualifications, test scores, extracurricular activities, and how well you meet the specific admission criteria of each institution.
In order to gain admission to the University of California San Diego, you must fulfill their eligibility criteria, one of which includes having a GPA of 3.0 (85%). If you have only just passed your B.Sc in Mechanical Engineering, you may not be eligible for this university.
To apply for graduate admission at the University of California San Diego, you must have a bachelor's degree or the equivalent from an accredited institution with a GPA of 3.0 and above on a 4.0 scale. Along with that international students whose native language is not English must submit valid ELP test scores. GRE is not mandatory for admission but students who have taken the test can submit their scores.