BS Human Biology and Society at UCLA: Fees 2026 Dates & Requirements

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Bachelor of Science [B.S.] in Human Biology and Society is a four-year undergraduate degree. It combines biology, chemistry, and social sciences to train students for medical, dental, and health-related graduate programs. The programme is open to international students. Annual tuition is US$55,976 (INR 53.38 Lakhs). The next intake is Fall 2026. Admission requires a minimum TOEFL 100 or IELTS 7.0.

This interdisciplinary major examines human biology through the lens of society, culture, and health systems. It trains future physicians, dentists, public health professionals, and medical researchers. The programme stands out for integrating hard sciences with social sciences, preparing students not just to understand biology, but to address health challenges in real-world contexts. Ideal applicants are curious about how biology shapes human experience, interested in medical or health-related careers, and comfortable with rigorous coursework in chemistry, organic chemistry, calculus, and biology.

• Interdisciplinary curriculum combining biology, chemistry, anthropology, and sociology.
• Strong pre-professional pathway with 25 admits per cohort; 3 international admits annually in the major.
• Access to UCLA’s extensive research facilities, clinical partnerships, and health-science resources.

Also Check: UCLA Admissions Requirements and Deadlines

UCLA Bachelor of Science in Human Biology and Society Fees and Living Costs 2026

International undergraduate tuition at UCLA covers coursework, library access, student services, and core campus facilities. Additional mandatory and discretionary fees apply.

Source: UCLA Undergraduate Admissions 2026

All INR conversions in the article use a conversion rate of US$ 1 = INR 95.31 as of June 2026. Rates fluctuate daily, verify before applying.

• University and nonresident tuition cover tuition, course enrollment, and access to main campus facilities.
• Health insurance is mandatory; UCLA’s plan is competitively priced and covers international students fully.
• Books and lab manuals for STEM courses add approximately INR 1.14 Lakhs annually.
• Fees increase annually at approximately 3–4%; budget for this in multi-year planning.

Cost of Living in Los Angeles for Human Biology and Society Students

Cost Reality for Indian Students: Los Angeles is expensive, but UCLA’s on-campus housing locks in predictable costs. Off-campus living in Westwood and surrounding areas (Brentwood, Santa Monica) runs 15–25% higher. Many Indian students budget US$1,800–2,200 monthly all-in, allowing for air travel home once annually.

UCLA Bachelor of Science in Human Biology and Society Admission 2026

UCLA’s admission process is highly competitive. The university accepts 9% of applicants globally and evaluates each student holistically on academics, test scores, essays, and extracurriculars.

Intakes and Application Windows

Academic Eligibility

Successful international applicants typically hold weighted GPAs above 3.7, submit SAT scores of 1,450 or higher (or ACT 33+), and demonstrate intellectual curiosity through essays and projects. Indian applicants with strong academic records compete well; UCLA’s 9% acceptance rate applies to all applicants globally.

English Language Proficiency

All international applicants must demonstrate English proficiency via standardized tests. UCLA accepts TOEFL (internet-based), IELTS (academic), and Duolingo English Test. No waiver is granted for native English speakers from non-English countries.

• TOEFL is the most recognized test in the US and offers the most test dates annually in India.
• IELTS is accepted equally; prepare for 12–14 weeks of rigorous study to reach 7.0 from a baseline 5.5.
• Duolingo is an alternative but carries slightly lower prestige; use only if test-taking conditions limit other options.
• Indian applicants often score well on TOEFL reading/writing but need focused preparation for speaking and listening sections.

Tip for Indian Students: UCLA values test scores highly. A TOEFL above 105 or IELTS above 7.5 strengthens your profile. Start preparation 6 months before application deadline; many test centers in India fill up by August.

UCLA ranks #46 globally in the QS World University Rankings 2026, #18 in Times Higher Education, and #13 in US News Global Rankings. In the life sciences, UCLA ranks #10 in Biology and Biochemistry and #12 in Molecular Biology and Genetics (US News Subject Rankings).

UCLA Bachelor of Science in Human Biology and Society Application 2026

The application process involves the Common Application, UCLA-specific supplemental essays, and supporting documents. The process typically takes 4–6 weeks to complete; start early to accommodate WES transcript evaluation and test score delivery delays.

Once admitted, international students must submit an I-20 document from UCLA’s international student office and provide proof of financial resources (typically US$65,000 per year total cost) to obtain an F-1 visa.

• The application fee is US$95 (INR 9,054). No fee waivers for international applicants.
• Transcript evaluation via WES typically costs US$180–210; apply 6 weeks before the application deadline.
• Official test scores must be sent directly from the testing board (TOEFL, SAT, ACT); plan for 1–2 week delays.
• Letters of recommendation (three required) should come from teachers familiar with your academic work; request by early October.

Application Tip: UCLA’s supplemental essays are your chance to showcase intellectual curiosity and fit with the major. For Human Biology and Society, discuss how you see connections between biology and real-world health challenges—not just generic pre-med motivation.

UCLA Bachelor of Science in Human Biology and Society Scholarships 2026

UCLA offers limited scholarship support to international undergraduates. Most aid is merit-based, non-need-based, and requires separate application. International students are generally ineligible for federal need-based financial aid.

International undergraduate scholarships range from US$5,000 to US$15,000 annually (INR 4.77–14.30 Lakhs). The Herb Eiseman Prize, awarded to exceptional international students, ranges from US$1,000 to US$3,000 (INR 95,310–2.86 Lakhs). These awards do not cover full tuition but significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs.

For a Human Biology and Society student with a 4-year total cost of INR 2.13 Crores, a mid-range scholarship of US$10,000 annually (INR 9.53 Lakhs) reduces the total four-year cost to approximately INR 1.95 Crores. This yields a net cost reduction of roughly INR 18 Lakhs over four years, a meaningful but partial offset.

• Merit scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence and potential, not demonstrated financial need.
• Scholarship applications require submission of UCLA’s Financial Aid application; deadlines are typically 1–2 months after admission.
• International graduate scholarships are more robust; if you plan to pursue graduate education, this programme serves as a pathway to stronger support at the Master’s level.

Honest Take: Full scholarships for international undergraduates at UCLA are rare. Budget for 80–90% self-funded costs; view scholarships as a bonus rather than a certainty.

Read More: Study Abroad Scholarships in the USA

UCLA Bachelor of Science in Human Biology and Society Salary 2026

Human Biology and Society graduates pursue diverse careers in medicine, dentistry, public health, biomedical research, and health administration. Initial post-undergraduate salary depends on the chosen path.

Graduates working immediately after the B.S. (rather than pursuing graduate school) report median starting salaries of US$33,628 per year (INR 32.07 Lakhs). However, most Human Biology graduates enroll in medical school, dental school, or graduate health programmes, delaying entry-level employment by 2–4 years. Physicians in the US earn US$200,000–$350,000 annually (INR 1.91–3.34 Crores) after residency. Dentists earn US$150,000–$250,000 (INR 1.43–2.38 Crores). Public health professionals earn US$55,000–$85,000 (INR 52.44–81.01 Lakhs).

Take-home salary is reduced by federal income tax (10–24% brackets), state income tax (California: 9.3%), Social Security (6.2%), and Medicare (1.45%). Graduates typically net 65–75% of gross salary. Use IRS tax calculators to estimate after-tax income before financial planning.

Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, UCLA Career Center

• Medical and dental school require high board exam scores and clinical volunteer experience; plan 2–3 years of postdoctoral training before independent practice.
• Public health and biotech roles offer faster entry (2 years post-B.S. after Master’s) but lower salaries than medicine.
• California has one of the highest state income taxes (9.3%); total effective tax rate is typically 25–35% for physicians.

ROI Reality: The B.S. in Human Biology and Society is a pre-professional pathway, not a direct ticket to high income. Most graduates invest an additional 4–10 years in graduate education before reaching peak earning potential. Budget for extended education costs.

Check Out: Post-Study Work Opportunities in the USA

USA Visa Pathway for Human Biology and Society Students 2026

International students at UCLA are classified under the F-1 visa category (Student Visa). The F-1 visa allows you to remain in the United States for the duration of your studies, typically four years for a bachelor’s degree plus any approved work authorization afterward.

• F-1 Visa Duration: You may stay for the "Duration of Status" (typically the full four years of your degree), expiring upon graduation or departure.
• Optional Practical Training (OPT): After graduation, you are eligible for OPT, a work permit valid for 12 months (standard duration). STEM fields like Biology and Biochemistry qualify for a 24-month extension, bringing the total to 36 months of work authorization.
• Skilled Worker Visa (H-1B): If you secure a US employer post-OPT, you may apply for an H-1B visa (specialty occupation work visa). The salary threshold for H-1B sponsorship is approximately US$104,000 annually (INR 99.16 Lakhs).
• Spouse and Dependents: If you bring family, spouses and children require F-2 dependent visas and must maintain valid immigration status throughout your stay.

Visa Reality: F-1 status is strict; you must maintain full-time enrollment, not work off-campus without authorization, and report address changes within 10 days. Violations can result in visa revocation. OPT is optional; many graduates pursue higher education immediately rather than work first.

Also Check: USA F-1 Student Visa Guide and Requirements