University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Admissions 2027: Application Deadline, Eligibility & Process

University of California, Los Angeles Application Deadlines for Fall 2027

UCLA uses a shared undergraduate deadline through the UC Application, while graduate programmes have separate department-level deadlines through the UCLA Graduate Application. The dates below follow the Fall 2027 intake and are based on the UC Application and UCLA graduate admissions calendars.

For Indian students, Fall (September) is the main intake because most UCLA programmes open during this cycle. A few graduate departments may offer Winter or Spring intakes, but students should generally plan for Fall.

Planning note: UCLA follows a Fall-focused intake for most programmes. Indian students should plan their application around 12 months in advance so they have enough time to complete English tests, transcripts and recommendation requirements before the deadline.

University of California, Los Angeles Eligibility for Indian Students

UCLA sets academic requirements by study level. Graduate applicants generally need a Bachelor’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA (roughly 60% in Indian marks), while undergraduate admission considers a strong Class XII academic record through a holistic review. English proficiency is required unless an applicant qualifies for a specific waiver, with requirements based on UCLA’s graduate and international admissions guidelines.

Undergraduate applicants must have completed Class XII without prior university enrolment. Successful first-year applicants typically have very strong board results, with UCLA also considering performance across English, Mathematics, Science, History and a foreign language studied through Class XII.

• Class XII completion: no prior Bachelor’s degree; strong board results across core subjects.
• Subject spread: English, mathematics, science, and history through Class XII.
• English proficiency: TOEFL iBT 100+, IELTS 7.5+, or Duolingo 135+.

Graduate applicants need a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum overall average equivalent to a B (GPA 3.0 on 4.0, around 60% Indian marks). Individual departments may require higher GPAs and programme-specific prerequisites in the discipline.

• Bachelor’s minimum: GPA 3.0 on 4.0 for MS; PhD divisions typically require 3.25 or better.
• Prerequisites: discipline-relevant coursework (e.g., MS Materials Science expects a B.S. in Materials Science or a comparable major).
• English proficiency: TOEFL iBT 87 or IELTS 7.0 overall, both valid for two years from the test date.
• GRE: optional at most engineering programmes; Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering still requires it.

Note: University of California, Los Angeles IELTS Waiver for Indians

UCLA does not automatically waive English-language tests for Indian students based only on their medium of instruction. For graduate applicants, the waiver generally applies only to those who completed a Bachelor’s degree or higher in the US or in a country where English is the sole language of instruction. Since India does not meet this country-level condition, most Indian graduate applicants need to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores.

For undergraduate applicants, the requirement is more flexible. Three years of secondary education taught in English can be accepted as proof of English proficiency, subject to UCLA’s requirements.

University of California, Los Angeles PG Programs and Requirements

UCLA offers 130+ graduate programmes across Engineering, Sciences, Humanities, Business and Public Policy. Indian students commonly choose Engineering MS programmes and Anderson business master’s programmes. The table below covers popular PG options along with their eligibility and English-language requirements.

UCLA’s base graduate tuition for non-residents is USD 33,238 (INR 31.69 lakh) per year, according to the Registrar. Total costs can vary by programme because of programme-specific fees and living expenses.

Insider note: UCLA Engineering MS programmes generally require a minimum 3.0 GPA for consideration. However, successful applicants often have 3.5+ GPAs along with strong projects or research experience from their Bachelor’s degree.

University of California, Los Angeles UG Programs for Indian Applicants

UCLA offers 130+ undergraduate majors across its colleges, with all international applications submitted through the UC Application. English and academic requirements apply across the undergraduate colleges. Popular choices among Indian students include Engineering, Computer Science and Business Economics.

Base non-resident undergraduate tuition sits at $48,674 (₹46.41 Lakhs) per year per the UCLA Registrar. Living costs, health insurance, and campus-based fees are billed separately.

University of California, Los Angeles PhD Admissions and Funding

UCLA PhD admissions are Fall-only and use the UCLA Graduate Application. Requirements, deadlines and funding vary by department. The application fee is USD 155 (INR 14,778). Most Engineering PhD deadlines are around December 2026, with Computer Science on December 15, 2026, Materials Science on December 9, 2026, and Chemical Engineering on December 31, 2026.

• Typical GPA: 3.25/4.0 (around 70% for Indian students)
• Mechanical & Aerospace: Recent admits averaged 3.67 GPA
• Chemical Engineering: 3.5 GPA required; faculty adviser must be identified before applying
• GRE: Optional at most departments, but strongly encouraged for Materials Science and Aerospace

Most UCLA Engineering and Science PhD students receive full funding, including tuition, fees and a stipend for the standard study period. Chemical Engineering specifically states that doctoral students receive full financial support. Master’s students do not receive the same funding by default, and current stipend amounts are set at the department level.

Planning note: Faculty pre-contact is strongly weighted for engineering PhD reviews. Reach out with a research statement and CV three to four months before the deadline, particularly at Chemical Engineering where advisor selection precedes application submission.

University of California, Los Angeles Application Process for Indian Students

UCLA uses three different application portals based on the study level. The Graduate Application is used for postgraduate programmes, while undergraduate applicants apply through the UC Application and MBA applicants through the Anderson portal. Students should ensure that English scores, transcripts and recommendations are submitted before the relevant programme deadline.

1. Start the application: Create an account at apply.grad.ucla.edu for graduate programmes, or on the UC Application for undergraduate entry. The UC Application opened 1 August 2026 and files through 30 November 2026.
2. Pay the application fee of $155 (₹14,778) for graduate applicants, $80 (₹7,627) per campus for undergraduate applicants, or $200 (₹19,068) for the Anderson Full-Time MBA. International applicants are not eligible for fee waivers.
3. Upload transcripts: unofficial scans of each Bachelor’s marksheet and degree certificate; official copies follow after admission.
4. Submit English scores: TOEFL iBT 87 or IELTS 7.0 for graduate; TOEFL 100 or IELTS 7.5 for undergraduate. Scores are sent directly from ETS or IELTS.
5. Load Statement of Purpose and Personal Statement: two separate essays are required for graduate applicants.
6. Request recommendation letters: recommenders receive an email link and upload directly. Most engineering programmes require three letters.
7. Submit by deadline: most Fall 2027 graduate programmes close 1 December 2026; Anderson MBA Round 1 closes 1 October 2026.

Most UCLA graduate admission decisions are released between February and April 2027. For the Anderson MBA, Round 1 decisions are due December 11, 2026, Round 2 by March 26, 2027, and Round 3 by May 14, 2027. Accepted students usually have around six weeks to respond, while one-year deferrals are considered case by case by the department.

University of California, Los Angeles Documents Required for Indian Students

UCLA’s document requirements are similar for most Indian applicants, with some programmes asking for additional documents such as portfolios for arts courses or writing samples for humanities. Students should prepare the required documents well before the programme-specific deadline.

• Valid Indian passport with at least 18 months’ validity from the Fall 2027 start.
• Unofficial transcripts: semester-wise marksheets and degree certificates for Bachelor’s or Class XII, scanned in colour.
• Statement of Purpose (SOP): research fit and career goals for graduate applicants.
• Personal Statement: background and contribution to campus diversity for graduate applicants.
• Three letters of recommendation, submitted online through the portal’s email links.
• Resume or CV covering academic, research, work, and leadership history.
• Official English test score report (TOEFL or IELTS), sent directly from the testing body.
• Financial documentation (bank statements, sponsor letters) requested after admission for the I-20 issuance.
• Programme-specific add-ons: portfolios for design tracks, writing samples for humanities, coding submissions for select CS applications.

University of California, Los Angeles Acceptance Rate 

According to the university-released data, the acceptance rate was approximately 6.4% in 2025 - 26, based on 13,659 admitted students out of 212,095 applicants. In 2024 - 25, the acceptance rate was approximately 9.0%, based on 13,114 admitted students out of 146,276 applicants.

Insider note: UCLA reviews applications holistically, so strong research experience and well-written, programme-focused essays can strengthen an application even with a lower GPA. A high GPA alone does not guarantee admission; students should clearly show their academic fit and goals.

USA F-1 Student Visa Process 

Admitted Indian students at UCLA apply for the F-1 student visa for full-time study in the US. UCLA’s Dashew Center issues the Form I-20 after admission and receipt of financial documents.

Students then pay the SEVIS I-901 fee of USD 350 (INR 33,369), complete the DS-160, and pay the USD 185 (INR 17,638) visa fee. They also book biometric and visa interview appointments at the Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata or Hyderabad US consulates and carry the I-20, financial proof for tuition and living costs, academic records and English test scores. 

2026 update: US visa interview slots in India can fill quickly during the peak season. Indian students should book the interview as soon as the I-20 arrives, especially for Fall intake, as May to July slots may become limited by early April.