BS Animal Biology at UC Davis: Fees Dates & Requirements

University of California, Davis Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Animal Biology is a four-year undergraduate degree offered in full-time on-campus format. The program admits students in Fall intake only. Total annual cost is US$71,000 (INR 67.59 Lakhs). International students must score TOEFL 80 (IBT) or IELTS 6.5. Minimum GPA requirement is 3.2. This is a STEM-designated program qualifying graduates for extended Optional Practical Training (OPT).

Animal Biology at UC Davis trains students to understand animal physiology, behavior, ecology, and conservation. The program is distinctive for its research-intensive curriculum and access to extensive wildlife research facilities. Ideal applicants are curious about animal science, strong in mathematics and biology, and interested in fieldwork or laboratory research. The degree opens pathways to research, conservation, wildlife management, veterinary medicine, and biotech careers.

• Access to extensive animal research facilities and field stations across California.
• Faculty-led research opportunities starting in first year with direct mentorship.
• OPT extension to 36 months for STEM graduates pursuing work in the United States.

Also Check: University of California, Davis Admission

University of California, Davis Bachelor of Science Animal Biology Fees and Living Costs 2027

Annual tuition and mandatory fees for international undergraduates total US$71,000 (INR 67.59 Lakhs). This cost is fixed for four-year degree duration. The breakdown below covers one academic year (twelve months).

Source: UC Davis Finance & Business Services 2026-2027 Cost of Attendance

All INR conversions in the article use a conversion rate of USD 1 = INR 95.21 as of June 2026. Rates fluctuate daily; verify before applying.

• Tuition covers classroom instruction, use of university facilities, library access, and core student services.
• Health insurance is mandatory for all international F-1 visa holders under UC Davis policy.
• Books vary by major; Animal Biology students average US$1,200 with lab manuals and scientific textbooks.
• Room and board assumes on-campus housing; off-campus rentals in Davis average US$16,000-18,000 annually.

Cost of Living in Davis for Animal Biology Students

Davis is a small college town with moderate living expenses. The following table reflects realistic monthly and annual costs beyond tuition and room/board.

Living Cost Reality: Davis is designed for students. On-campus housing, meal plans, and proximity to campus keep costs lower than larger California cities. Budget US$500-700 monthly beyond tuition for personal expenses and occasional travel home.

Read More: Cost of Living in the United States

University of California, Davis Bachelor of Science Animal Biology Admission

UC Davis admits Animal Biology undergraduates through the standard UC Application portal. Admission is selective; UC Davis admits approximately 35-40% of undergraduate applicants overall. International applicants are evaluated on identical criteria as domestic students.

Intake Schedule

Animal Biology admits students for Fall intake only. Spring and Summer enrollment is not available for new undergraduate admits. Planning should target Fall 2027 (application deadline 30 November 2026) or Fall 2028.

Academic Eligibility

The following qualifications are required or strongly competitive for Animal Biology admission.

UC Davis ranked 114th globally (QS 2026) and holds strong standing in biological sciences (QS ranking 43rd globally in life sciences and medicine, 2026).

English Language Proficiency (ELP)

International students must demonstrate English proficiency through standardized testing. All tests listed below are accepted. Individual component scores matter as much as overall score.

• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): 80 minimum on the Internet-Based Test (IBT). Reading ≥18, Writing ≥18, Speaking ≥18, Listening ≥17 are typical component floors. Indian test-takers average 85-90 overall.
• IELTS (International English Language Testing System): 6.5 minimum overall band. Per-component minimum is 6.0 in each section (Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening). Indian test-takers average 7.0-7.5 overall.
• Duolingo English Test (DET): 110 minimum. UC Davis accepts DET as alternative to TOEFL/IELTS with no further confirmation required.
• PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English): 53 minimum. Less common but fully accepted for Animal Biology admission.

Tip for Indian Students: IELTS is typically more accessible for Indian applicants given widespread test centers and familiarity. Allow 3-4 months of preparation to reach 6.5-7.0 band. Register early; popular test dates in September-November fill quickly.

University of California, Davis Bachelor of Science Animal Biology Application

The UC Application is the only official pathway. All deadlines are firm; late submissions are not reviewed. Animal Biology follows the general UC undergraduate calendar.

UC Application requires transcripts, test scores (SAT or ACT in some cases; international waivers common), one personal essay, and UC-specific questions. No letters of recommendation are required for undergraduate admission to UC Davis.

• Submit application three weeks before deadline to allow WES transcript processing and test score reporting delays.
• International transcripts must be verified through World Education Services (WES) or similar agency; allow 6-8 weeks for authentication.
• SAT or ACT is optional for Fall 2027 and later intakes (UC test-optional policy). Many competitive applicants still submit scores.

Application Tip: Indian applicants should submit all materials by mid-November. Test score reporting and transcript verification often delay final submission; submit two weeks early to avoid last-minute technical issues.

Read More: University of California, Davis Fees and Financial Aid

University of California, Davis Bachelor of Science Animal Biology Scholarships

UC Davis offers limited scholarship funding for international undergraduates. Most aid is need-based (for US citizens and permanent residents only). International scholarships are merit-based and highly competitive.

Animal Biology undergraduates may qualify for merit scholarships in the range of US$2,000 to US$8,000 per year (INR 1.90 Lakhs to INR 7.62 Lakhs). These scholarships reduce total cost from US$71,000 to approximately US$63,000-69,000 annually (INR 60-65.69 Lakhs).

Scholarships are one-time awards and do not renew for subsequent years. Some internal aid becomes available after first-year enrollment based on cumulative GPA (3.5+) and demonstrated financial need.

• UC Davis does not offer full-ride scholarships for international undergraduate admits.
• Scholarship decisions are made during the admission review process; no separate application is required.
• Merit scholarships prioritize GPA, test scores, essays, and demonstrated passion for biology or animal science research.

Scholarship Reality: International undergraduates should budget the full US$71,000 annual cost. Scholarships are additional, not guaranteed, and cover only 3-12% of annual fees on average.

Check Out: Scholarships in the United States for International Students

University of California, Davis Bachelor of Science Animal Biology Salary

Animal Biology graduates from UC Davis pursue careers in research, conservation, animal health, and biotechnology. Median starting salary ranges from US$45,000 to US$55,000 (INR 43-52 Lakhs) for entry-level research, wildlife management, or technical roles in the first year.

Salary varies significantly by role and employer type. Research scientists in university or government labs earn US$45,000-60,000 starting (INR 43-57 Lakhs). Biotech and pharmaceutical roles pay US$50,000-65,000 starting (INR 48-62 Lakhs). Wildlife biologists and conservation roles pay US$40,000-48,000 starting (INR 38-46 Lakhs).

Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook 2026

Gross starting salary does not account for federal income tax (12-22% for this income band), state tax (9.3% in California), and Social Security withholding (6.2%). Take-home monthly earnings typically range from US$2,800 to US$3,500 (INR 2.67-3.34 Lakhs) for entry-level positions. Use a US income tax calculator at irs.gov to estimate net pay after visa sponsorship deductions.

ROI Reality: Four-year total cost is approximately US$284,000 (INR 2.71 Crores). At US$50,000 median starting salary, break-even occurs within 6-7 years. Earning potential increases 25-40% by year five as experience grows and promotions advance. Return on investment is positive for most graduates within the first decade of employment.

Read More: Post-Study Work Visas and Career Options in the USA

United States Visa Pathway for Animal Biology Students

International students in the United States study on an F-1 visa. After graduation, Animal Biology graduates are eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which permits full-time work in the United States for an extended period.

• F-1 Student Visa: Valid for full duration of degree study plus optional 60-day grace period after graduation. Allows full-time enrollment and part-time on-campus work (max 20 hours/week during term).
• Optional Practical Training (OPT): STEM-designated degrees qualify for 36 months of post-graduation work authorization. Animal Biology is STEM-certified. This extended OPT window permits full-time employment with a single employer or multiple employers in the United States without additional visa sponsorship.
• H-1B Sponsorship: After OPT expires, employers may sponsor an H-1B specialty occupation visa, valid for up to six years. Requires employer sponsorship and lottery selection (if cap-subject).
• Spouse and Dependent Visas: F-2 dependents may accompany the student; F-2A spouses may not work. Dependent children may attend school on F-2 status.

Visa Reality: OPT extension to 36 months is the single largest post-graduation advantage for Animal Biology graduates. This permits three years of work experience and pathway building before requiring H-1B sponsorship or return to India. Plan work experience strategically to maximize visa optionality.

Check Out: US Student Visa (F-1) Guide for International Students

University of California, Davis Biological Sciences Ranking 2026

UC Davis is recognized globally for strength in biological sciences. The university does not hold a discipline-specific ranking for Animal Biology alone; however, the broader Biological Sciences program is ranked competitively by major ranking bodies.

Animal Biology falls within the biological sciences discipline and inherits UC Davis’s strong subject-level standing. The university was ranked 1st globally in Plant and Animal Sciences by some rankings in prior years, reflecting historic agricultural research leadership.

• QS Biological Sciences rank of 43 reflects teaching quality, research output, and graduate employment outcomes in life sciences.
• THE’s top-40 placement in Life Sciences indicates strong citation impact and research prestige.
• Animal Biology benefits from UC Davis’s renowned agricultural and environmental research programs and endowments.

Key Insight: UC Davis ranks higher in biological sciences (43rd globally) than in overall university rank (114th globally). This indicates concentrated departmental excellence. Animal Biology students gain prestige from this subject-area standing and network effects within the global biological science community.