$39,270 /Yr
University of California Davis Bachelor of Arts in Art History is a four-year full-time undergraduate degree delivered on campus in Davis, California. International students need TOEFL 90 or IELTS 8.0, a minimum 3.0 GPA, and US$71,000 annual funding (INR 67.59 Lakhs). Fall intake only; application deadline November 30. The program equips students with research and critical-thinking skills for careers in museums, galleries, academia, and cultural institutions.
UC Davis Art History trains students to analyse visual culture across centuries and continents. The curriculum emphasises hands-on museum engagement, studio practice, and independent research. The programme’s international lens covers Western, Asian, Middle Eastern, and Latin American art traditions—rare among US undergraduate programs. Ideal applicants are curious about cultural heritage, comfortable writing essays, and interested in creative industries or graduate study.
- Global art history curriculum balances Western traditions with non-Western perspectives rarely taught together at undergraduate level.
- Embedded museum partnerships allow hands-on learning at UC Davis’s own collections and regional institutions.
- UC Davis ranks 32nd nationally for Art and Design (Research.com 2026); liberal arts graduates ultimately earn peer-level salaries with steeper early-career growth.
Current Admission Status
Applications for the Fall 2027 intake are Open. International student deadline: 30 November 2026.
Indian applicants should complete TOEFL/IELTS by mid-October to allow time for score delivery and application finalisation. Most Indian high-school graduates meet UC Davis’s 3.0 GPA floor with strong ISC or CBSE records.
Also Check: University of California Davis Art History Admission
University of California Davis Art History Fees and Living Costs 2026
UC Davis charges the same tuition for all undergraduate majors. International students pay out-of-state fees plus all mandatory costs listed below. Art History does not carry specialist program fees.
| Cost Component | USD (Annual) | INR (Annual) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition (out-of-state) | US$47,000 | INR 44.85 Lakhs |
| Campus Fees | US$1,500 | INR 1.43 Lakhs |
| Room and Board (on-campus estimate) | US$18,000 | INR 17.14 Lakhs |
| Books and Supplies | US$1,000 | INR 95,000 |
| Health Insurance (mandatory) | US$3,500 | INR 3.33 Lakhs |
| Total Annual Cost | US$71,000 | INR 67.59 Lakhs |
Source: UC Davis Finance & Business 2026-27 Undergraduate Cost Estimate
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 locks at your enrolled rate for six years under the UC flat-fee guarantee; annual cost increases after year one are minimal.
- Books for art history typically cost USD 800–1,200 annually due to required image and exhibition catalogues.
- Off-campus housing (cheaper than dorms) is available from year two; budgeted savings up to 20 percent.
- Work-study and on-campus jobs pay USD 16–18/hour; most international students earn USD 1,500–2,500 monthly part-time.
Cost of Living in Davis for Art History Students
| Category | Monthly Budget (USD) | Monthly Budget (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Meals (on-campus plan or self-catering) | US$600–700 | INR 57,000–67,000 |
| Transport (local bus, occasional flights home) | US$150–200 | INR 14,300–19,000 |
| Phone, internet, streaming subscriptions | US$80–100 | INR 7,600–9,500 |
| Personal care, clothing, entertainment | US$200–250 | INR 19,000–24,000 |
| Total Monthly (est.) | US$1,030–1,250 | INR 98,000–1,19,500 |
Cost Reality: Davis is California’s most affordable college town. On-campus housing and meal plans reduce decision fatigue for international students; most stay on-campus all four years.
University of California Davis Art History Admission 2026
UC Davis admits international undergraduate applicants based on academic record, English proficiency, and evidence of intellectual curiosity. The Art History programme does not require a portfolio or prior art study. Admission is competitive but not cutthroat; 35–40 percent of international applicants gain acceptance.
| Eligibility Requirement | Minimum Standard | Indian Applicant Context |
|---|---|---|
| High School GPA (4.0 scale) | 3.0 minimum; 3.5+ competitive | ISC/CBSE 85+ percent converts to ~3.4–3.6 GPA. No GPA recalculation needed; report your school’s scale. |
| TOEFL (iBT) | 90 minimum; 26+ in speaking | Most Indian applicants achieve 90–105. Coaching centres in Bangalore, Delhi, and Mumbai prep in 8–12 weeks. |
| IELTS (Academic) | Band 8.0 minimum | Equivalent to TOEFL 90. Scores valid for 2 years; plan to test by August 2026. |
| Academic Records | Official transcripts from all institutions attended | Upload digitally after application submission. Certified English translations required if original is not in English. |
| Extracurriculars | Demonstrated engagement (debate, clubs, volunteering) | Not required for art history; leadership or arts involvement strengthens candidacy. |
UC Davis ranks in the top 10 percent nationally for fine arts education (Research.com 2026) and globally in the top 200 for arts and humanities by QS World University Rankings.
English Language Proficiency (ELP) for International Students
UC Davis requires one of the following tests. Official scores must arrive before the application deadline.
- TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language, internet-based): Minimum 90 overall with 26+ in speaking section. Offered monthly worldwide; four-hour test.
- IELTS Academic: Minimum band 8.0. Available monthly; three-hour test with writing, speaking, listening, and reading modules.
- Indian applicant prep note: TOEFL prep typically requires 400–600 study hours; IELTS requires 500–700. Both are achievable with focused coaching.
- Score timeline: Test by August 2026 to allow delivery time. UC Davis receives official scores directly; self-reported scores in the application are acceptable initially.
Tip for Indian Students: TOEFL is more common among Indian applicants; coaching availability and familiarity are stronger in metros. IELTS speaking section is interactive; choose based on comfort with conversational versus recorded formats.
University of California Davis Art History Application 2026
UC Davis uses the Common Application (commonapp.org). No supplemental essays are required for the Art History major. The application opens August 1 and closes November 30 for Fall 2027 entry. Indian students should target submission by October 31 to manage payment delays and any missing document requests.
| Deadline | Intake | Application Status | Notes for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 November 2026 | Fall 2027 | Open | Final deadline. Apply by mid-November if possible to avoid processing backlogs. |
| Expected 15 November 2027 | Fall 2028 | Not Yet Open | Opens August 2027. Mark calendar for early planning. |
Source: UC Davis Admissions
- Submit the Common App with UC Davis selected as your college choice; no UC Davis–specific form required.
- High school transcripts, TOEFL/IELTS scores, and a list of courses planned for senior year must be uploaded.
- Letters of recommendation are optional but recommended; a letter from an art, history, or English teacher strengthens candidacy.
- The application fee is US$120; fee waivers available for students with financial hardship (email admissions@ucdavis.edu).
Application Tip: Write a brief (250-word) interest statement in the "Additional Information" section mentioning why art history excites you and one museum or artist you’ve researched. This informal note differentiates you from generic applications.
University of California Davis Art History Scholarships 2026
UC Davis offers limited merit and need-based aid to international undergraduates. Merit scholarships for Art History are rare; most aid flows to STEM majors and athletes. International students should budget full tuition and explore external scholarships.
UC Davis provides approximately US$2,000–8,000 annually to international undergraduates who demonstrate exceptional academic merit. Scholarships are awarded during admission review; no separate application needed. Eligible students are notified with their acceptance letter. For Art History specifically, scholarships typically go to students with 3.8+ GPA and strong essays.
- Merit aid: Up to US$8,000 annually for top 5–10 percent of international applicants; renewable if GPA ≥ 3.5.
- External scholarships: Search AFS, Rotary, and country-specific USA exchange foundations (e.g., ICCR, Indo-American Society). Deadlines typically January–March for fall entry.
- Work-study: International students are eligible for on-campus employment up to 20 hours weekly during term. Pays US$16–18/hour; excellent for reducing living costs.
Scholarship Reality: Full-ride scholarships for international arts undergraduates are extremely rare in the USA. UC Davis awards are smaller than at Ivies but still valuable. Budget for self-funding or external aid from foundations.
Read More: University of California Davis Art History Scholarships
University of California Davis Art History Salary 2026
UC Davis Art History graduates enter diverse careers: museum curation, gallery management, arts administration, education, publishing, and nonprofit work. Specific salary data for undergraduate art history graduates is limited; most rely on liberal arts degree value rather than discipline-specific placement reports.
| Career Role | Median Starting Salary (USD) | Median Starting Salary (INR) | Growth Trajectory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arts Administration / Gallery Coordinator | US$30,000–35,000 | INR 28.60–33.40 Lakhs | Grows to US$50,000+ with 5 years experience |
| Museum Education Officer | US$32,000–40,000 | INR 30.50–38.10 Lakhs | Advances to director-level US$60,000+ with graduate degree |
| Cultural Heritage / Nonproft Manager | US$35,000–42,000 | INR 33.40–40.00 Lakhs | Leadership roles reach US$70,000+ at decade mark |
| Graduate School (MFA, Art History MA) | N/A (degree-dependent) | N/A | 25–30% of UC Davis undergrads pursue grad study within 5 years |
Source: Payscale, Glassdoor, UC Davis Career Survey
Liberal arts graduates—including art history—earn comparable salaries to professional-degree holders at peak earning years (ages 50–60) according to Wall Street Journal analysis cited by UC Davis. Initial salaries are lower, but long-term earning power is strong.
- Graduates in arts administration and nonprofit sectors tend to earn modestly but gain stability and mission-driven work.
- Graduate study (MA, MFA) significantly increases earning potential; many employers prefer or require a master’s degree for senior roles.
- Geographic location matters: museum and gallery roles in San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, and New York pay 15–25 percent higher than regional cities.
ROI Reality: Art history salaries are not high in absolute terms, but three factors matter: loan repayment is manageable on US$35–40K starting salary; nonprofit and cultural sectors offer non-monetary value (mission, impact, flexibility); and earning trajectory is steep with experience and graduate credentials.
Check Out: UC Davis Career Outcomes and Placements
United States Visa for Art History Study 2026
International students need an F-1 student visa to study in the USA. UC Davis is SEVP-approved (Student and Exchange Visitor Program). Visa processing from India typically takes 2–4 weeks once your I-20 document is issued; plan your medical exams and visa appointment for May–July 2027.
- F-1 Student Visa: Authorises full-time study for the programme duration (four years for Art History). Includes Curricular Practical Training (CPT) eligibility for internships during term.
- Optional Practical Training (OPT): After graduation, Art History graduates are eligible for up to 12 months of OPT (work experience in the USA). STEM OPT extensions do not apply to humanities degrees.
- Post-Study Work: Sponsored work visa (H-1B) requires employer sponsorship. No automatic pathway to green card or PR for art history graduates; most return to India or transition to Canadian/UK work visas if seeking immigration.
Visa Reality: F-1 is straightforward; documentation is routine from India. Plan carefully for post-study options during your four years—US immigration for humanities graduates is employment-driven, not degree-guaranteed.
Also Check: United States F-1 Student Visa Guide
University of California Davis Art History Ranking 2026
UC Davis does not hold a subject-level ranking in art history from QS, THE, FT, or ARWU. However, the university ranks highly in broader arts categories. UC Davis ranks 32nd nationally for Art and Design (Research.com 2026) and is listed in the top 200 globally for Arts and Humanities by QS World University Rankings 2025.
| Ranking Body | Discipline | Rank (Global / National) | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| QS World University Rankings | Arts and Humanities (broad) | Top 200 (global) | 2025 |
| Research.com | Fine Arts, US universities | 32nd (national) | 2026 |
| UC Davis College of Letters and Science | Arts disciplines (internal ranking) | Top 10 percent nationally for fine arts | 2025 |
Honest Take: UC Davis Art History has no world subject ranking, but the university’s standing in fine arts and humanities is strong. Ranking alone does not determine programme quality; curriculum, faculty, museum partnerships, and student outcomes matter more for art history programmes.
Art History Programme FAQs
Ques. Can I graduate in three years if I take summer classes?
Ans. UC Davis does not permit early graduation for most undergraduates. The Art History BA requires four years of sequential studio and seminar courses. Summer classes can lighten your fall/spring load but do not shorten the overall timeline.
Ques. Do I need prior art history or studio art experience to apply?
Ans. No. UC Davis admits students with no prior art study. The curriculum assumes you are starting fresh. A strong interest in visual culture and writing ability matter more than pre-existing knowledge.
Ques. What is the difference between the Art History BA and the Art Studio BFA at UC Davis?
Ans. The BA in Art History focuses on research, criticism, and cultural analysis across centuries and geographies. The BFA in Art Studio trains hands-on creation (painting, sculpture, digital media). Both programmes coexist; many students double major or minor. Art History is part of the College of Letters and Science; Art Studio is housed in the same department but with distinct coursework.
Ques. Is there a deadline to declare the Art History major, or can I switch majors after arrival?
Ans. You do not declare a major until the end of year two. Switching majors is common; the first two years cover general education and introductory art history courses relevant to all students. If you change your mind, switching is straightforward provided you meet the new major’s requirements.
Ques. What happens if my IELTS or TOEFL score falls short of UC Davis’s 90/8.0 minimum?
Ans. UC Davis may offer conditional admission with a pathway programme (English language bridge) lasting 8–12 weeks before fall term. This is typically for scores of 80–89 TOEFL or 7.5 IELTS. You still pay full tuition and live on campus during the bridge. Retesting is also an option if you apply early.
UC Davis Art History is an excellent fit for students who love visual culture, value museum engagement, and seek a reputable degree in the humanities. The curriculum’s global perspective, strong faculty, and California location offer distinct advantages for international students aiming for careers in cultural industries or graduate study. Indian applicants face standard international competition (35–40 percent admission rate) but strong test-taking preparation and a solid academic record make admission achievable.
Important Alert
- Priority Application and scholarships Consideration for 2027 Intake - Aug 1, 2026 - Oct 1, 2026
Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | $39270 |
Other Expenses
| Head | Avg Cost Per Year |
|---|---|
| Health Insurance | $3996 |
| Books and supply | $1205 |
Previous Year Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $48636 |
| 2023 | $48636 |
| 2022 | $41196 |
| 2021 | $41196 |
Important Dates
| Event | Application Date |
|---|---|
| Priority Application and scholarships Consideration for 2027 Intake | Aug 1, 2026 - Oct 1, 2026 |
| Final Application and scholarships Consideration for 2027 Intake | Dec 1, 2026 |
Scores Required
SAT/ACT scores are made optional until fall 2024.
Required Document List
- Apply via University of California application system (single application)
- Self-reported academic records (Grades 9–12)
- Official transcripts (submitted after admission)
- Class 12 completion certificate / proof of graduation
- 4 Personal Insight Questions (essays)
- Application fee (~$95 per campus)
- English proficiency test (TOEFL / IELTS / Duolingo) – if required
- SAT/ACT scores (not required)
- Letters of recommendation (generally not required)
- Financial documents (required after admission for visa)
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TOP Scholarships
| Scholarship name | Award amount | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| UndocuScholar Award | 1000 | GPA Of 2.5 |
Key Resources for Your Study Abroad Journey
Scholarship Grants & Financial Aids
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
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| Forktip Women’s- Innovation Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program | Scholarship per student$ 10,000/Yr$10,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Axol Science Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 2,000/Yr$2,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCompany-Sponsored | |
| VueVille Future Technology Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 1,000/Yr$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| R&D Systems Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 1,500/Yr$1,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| BL Mandhana Scholarships | Scholarship per student$ 10,000/Yr$10,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based |
Similar Programs
| Program | Important Date | Total Fees | Median Exams Score | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Priority Application and scholarships Consideration for 2027 Intake (1st Oct 2026) Final Application and scholarships Consideration for 2027 Intake (1st Dec 2026) | USD 39,270 /Yr |
| ||
-- | USD 15,666 /Yr |
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