Important Alerts
| Events | Dates |
|---|---|
| Data Science Priority Application Deadline for Winter 2026 Intake | Closing in 23 days 18th Sep 2025 |
| Mechanical Engineering Application For Fall 2026 Intake | Upcoming - 9 days left 4th Sep 2025 |
| Bioengineering Application For Fall 2026 Intake | Upcoming - 9 days left 4th Sep 2025 |
What's New in UCSD?
24 July 2025: The application portal for UCSD’s Master of Science in Computer Science and Engineering will open on September 3, 2025, and close on December 17, 2025, for Fall 2026 admission. Check details.
University of California San Diego admissions is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of 25% for UG and 27.1% for PG. International students who wish to apply for UC San Diego admissions must 3.4 GPA (89%) in high school for UG and a 3.0 GPA (85%) or above for PG. To stand a chance for UC San Diego graduate admissions, GMAT or GRE scores are highly recommended. There are no minimum score requirements for admissions. However, applicants may review the class profile to check average scores.
University of San Diego also offers MBA programs in multiple modes with varying duration. Just like most graduate programs a minimum 3.0 GPA (85%) is required for UC San Diego MBA. Additionally, at least 3 years of work experience and satisfactory GMAT/GRE scores will be required. The average GMAT score of recently admitted MBA students was 640. Applications for an MBA are accepted through the business school. Those applying for University of San Diego admissions in non-business courses may apply directly via the official portal.
- UC San Diego Admissions: Highlights
- University of California San Diego Acceptance Rate
- University of California San Diego Top Programs
- University of California San Diego Graduate Admissions
- University of California San Diego Admissions Requirements: MBA
5.1 MBA Admission Deadlines 2025
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- University of California San Diego Admissions Deadline
- University of California San Diego Selection Criteria
- FAQs
UC San Diego Admissions: Highlights
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Top 5 Programs |
PHD in Data Science | MBA | MBA in Finance | M Eng in Bioengineering | MS in Finance |
| English Proficiency Score | TOEFL IBT: 85 | IELTS: 7.0 |
| GPA | 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 point scale (85%) |
| Acceptance Rate | UG: 25%PG: 27.1% |
| Application Fees | UG: 95 USD (7,919 INR)PG: 155 USD (12,917 INR) |
| Documents Checklist | Transcripts | 2-3 letters of recommendation | Statement of Purpose | Resume or CV |
University of California San Diego Acceptance Rate
The University of California San Diego has an undergraduate acceptance rate of 25%. According to the latest figures, the total enrollment was 33,792, and the total number of applications received by UCSD was 135,168.
The acceptance rate for graduate admission at the University of California San Diego is 27.1%. The total number of applications received was 26,944, of which only 7,308 were admitted.
University of California San Diego Top Programs
The table below highlights some of the most popular courses among international students, helping students navigate their educational journey in the University of California San Diego:
| Program Name | Duration | Eligibility Criteria | Tuition Fees (Annual) | Admission Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ph.D. in Data Science | 5-6 years | Bachelor's in related field (Computer Science, Engineering, etc.), GRE scores, Letters of Recommendation | $34,053 | Mar 15, 2025 |
| MBA (Master of Business Administration) | 2 years | Bachelor's degree, GMAT or GRE, Professional work experience, Letters of Recommendation | $34,053 | Apr 1, 2025 |
| MBA in Finance | 2 years | Bachelor's degree, GMAT or GRE, Strong background in finance or related field | $34,053 | Rolling Admission |
| Master of Engineering (Bioengineering) | 1-2 years | Bachelor's in Engineering/Bioengineering or related field, GRE, Statement of Purpose | $34,053 | Closed |
| Master of Finance (M.Fin) | 1-2 years | Bachelor's degree, GRE or GMAT, Strong mathematics and finance background | $34,053 | Rolling Admission |
| Master of Science (Bioinformatics and Systems Biology) | 1-2 years | Bachelor's in Biology, Computer Science, or related field, GRE, Statement of Purpose, Letters of Recommendation | $34,053 | Apr 1, 2025 |
| Master of Science (Business Analytics) | 1-2 years | Bachelor's degree, GRE/GMAT, Relevant background in business, data science, or analytics | $34,053 | Mar 15, 2025 |
| Master of Science (Clinical Research) | 2 years | Bachelor's degree, GRE, Clinical experience or background in related health field | $34,053 | Mar 19, 2025 |
| Master of Science (Computer Science and Engineering) | 2 years | Bachelor's in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field, GRE, Letters of Recommendation, Statement of Purpose | $27,864 | Sep 4, 2025 - Dec 18, 2025 |
| Master of Science (Data Science) | 1-2 years | Bachelor's degree, GRE/GMAT, Strong math and programming background | $37,730 | May 7, 2025 |
| Bachelor of Science [B.S] in Computer Science | 4 years | High school diploma or equivalent, SAT/ACT scores, Strong background in mathematics and science | $53,874 | November 30, 2024 |
| Bachelor of Science [B.S] in Environmental Engineering | 4 years | High school diploma or equivalent, SAT/ACT scores, Background in environmental science or related field | $53,874 | November 30, 2024 |
University of California San Diego Graduate Admissions
University of California San Diego offers 100+ graduate programs across 11 schools. The graduate programs at UC San Diego are available with on-site and online delivery modes. Below are the basic admission requirements for graduate courses which may vary for top programs:
Application Portal: UC San Diego Graduate Application
Application Fees: 155 USD (12,917 INR)
Admission Requirements:
- 3-4 year undergraduate degree
- GPA or aggregate: 3.0 (85%)
- 2-3 letters of recommendation
- Statement of Purpose
- Resume or CV
- Interview
- English language proficiency scores:
- TOEFL IBT - 85
- IELTS - 7.0
- Test Scores:
- GMAT - 630-704
- GRE - 160-168 in Quant and 155-156
University of California San Diego Admissions Requirements: MBA
Rady School of Management offers the University of California San Diego MBA. There are multiple MBA programs available including full-time MBA, EMBA, and Flex MBA. International applicants may apply for either of the MBA programs in 3 rounds every year.
Application Portal: Rady School of Management Application
Application Fees: 200 USD (16,667 INR)
Admission Requirements:
- 3-4 year undergraduate degree
- GPA or aggregate: 3.0 (85%)
- 2 required and 1 optional essays
- 2 letters of recommendation
- Resume or CV
- 3 years of work experience
- English language proficiency scores:
- TOEFL IBT - 100
- IELTS - 7.0
- Test Scores:
- GMAT - 630 (Mean)
- GRE - 66th percentile in Quant and 65th percentile in verbal (Mean)
MBA Admission Deadlines 2025
The MBA program at the University begins on August 26, 2025, for the Fall term. Here are the application deadlines for Fall 2025:
| Application Round | Application Deadlines |
|---|---|
| Round 1 | Oct 1, 2025 |
| Round 2 | Nov 15, 2025 |
| Round 3 | Jan 15, 2026 |
| Round 4 | Apr 1, 2026 |
MBA Class Profile
| Enrollment Details | |
|---|---|
| Total Students Admitted | 38 |
| Percentage of Female Students | 34% |
| Percentage of International Students | 55% |
| Average Age | 30 |
| Countries Represented | 10 |
| Academic and Professional Details | |
| Average Work Experience | 5 years |
| Average GPA | 3.37 |
| Mean GMAT | 640 |
| Median GMAT | 645 |
| Mean GRE Quant | 54th |
| Mean GRE Verbal | 63th |
University of California San Diego Admissions Requirements: Undergraduate
International students may apply for undergraduate programs at UC San Diego either as first-year students or transfer applicants. SAT/ACT scores are not required for admissions nor they'll be considered for admissions. Mentioned below are the UG admission requirements for international students at UC San Diego:
Application Portal: UC Undergraduate Application
Application Fees: 95 USD (7,919 INR)
Admission Requirements:
- High school transcripts (Std 12th in Indian CBSE or State Board)
- GPA or aggregate: 3.4/4.0 (89%)
- Personal insight questions
- Portfolio
- Interview
- English language proficiency scores:
- TOEFL IBT - 83
- IELTS - 7.0
- Duolingo - 115
University of California San Diego Admissions Deadline
The University of California San Diego undergraduate applications open on August 1 every year. Additionally, students should know that the deadline for 2025 admission is closed for international students and 2026 UG deadlines are tabulated below.
| Event | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | October 1, 2025 - November 30, 2025 |
| FAFSA and California Dream Act Open | December |
University of California San Diego Admission Decision
Admission decisions for undergraduate applications at University of California San Diego will be released by Mid-March. Selected applicants will be invited to apply for a waiting list by April 15, 2025. The deadline for first-year admits to accept UC San Diego's offer of admission is May 15, 2026. The university issues admissions decisions for most graduate programs by the end of February via email.
University of California San Diego Selection Criteria
University of California San Diego acceptance is 25% for UG and 27.1% for PG due to the highly selective admission policy. The applications are holistically reviewed during the selection process at UC San Diego. Consideration is majorly given to academic and personal factors which are as follows:
For Undergraduate Admissions:
- Academic GPA
- Achievement in college preparatory courses
- Performance in standardized test
- Applicants must be among the top 9% students of in high school class
- Creative and intellectual achievement
- Academic Enrichment
- Challenges or hardships
For Graduate Admissions:
- Applicants with the highest potential will be given preference
- Demonstrated professional and academic contribution
- Predict scores and performance
- Professional or academic recommendations
- Performance in aptitude test
- Career Objective
- Work experience
With highly competitive admissions, getting into the University of California San Diego can be tough. Prospective students must focus on preparing a strong profile based on the selection criteria. International students are also suggested to review class profiles of recent admits to prepare themselves for the competitive edge.
FAQs
Ques. Is University of California San Diego hard to get into?
Ans. UC San Diego's undergraduate admission rate stands at 25%, with 33,792 students enrolled and a total of 135,168 applications received. Meanwhile, the graduate admission rate is 27.1%, with 26,944 applications received, resulting in 7,308 successful admissions.
| Level of Study | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 25% |
| Postgraduate | 27.1% |
Ques. What are the Pros and Cons of Studying at the University of California San Diego?
Ans: As per the Student Review, the Pros and Cons of Studying at the University of San Diego are listed below:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The campus is big, open, and has lots of fields and food places. It’s easy to move around and feels fresh. | The quarter system makes classes move really fast. It feels like you’re always catching up. |
| The beach is very close to campus, so you can go for walks or just relax by the sea. | There’s not much of a sports culture. No big football games or the usual college energy. |
| The gym is huge and has all the workout stuff you might need. | It’s not very social on its own. You need to put in more effort to make friends. |
| Health insurance is strong. It covers both injuries and sickness without extra stress. | In some subjects like math, professors care more about their research than teaching. |
| There are fun events, especially in the fall and during music festivals. | Big class sizes in math make it harder to connect with teachers. |
| The quality of teaching and learning is really good. | The campus shuttle doesn’t go to all areas, like the center of campus. |
| The weather is nice most of the time and the area around is safe. | The wifi around campus isn’t very strong, which makes studying online harder. |
| People on campus are friendly, and it’s not too hard to find like-minded students. | The dorm check-in times don’t match well with international flight timings. |
| Some students get teaching assistant jobs or fee waivers, which helps save money. | No airport pick-up or drop-off service, which is tough for international students. |
| Freshman and sophomore students don’t get much support for internships. | |
| There isn’t much financial aid for international undergrad students. |
Ques: Is the University of California San Diego a good college?
Ans: Yes, University of California San Diego or UCSD is a public university established in 1960. University of California San Diego campus is the 7th oldest of the University of California's 10 campuses. Additionally, UCSD ranks 3rd among U.S. public universities, based on Forbes' 2023 America's Top Colleges list. Overall, UC San Diego secured the 21st spot out of 500 universities in USA, both public and private.
Ques: What is University of California San Diego known for?
Ans: The University of California San Diego is known for various programs, which are listed below:
- UC San Diego is widely regarded as one of the top science universities in the United States.
- Recently, US News added rankings for undergraduate economics and psychology programs. UC San Diego has earned a place among the nation's top 20 on each of these new lists, highlighting the university's excellence in education in the social sciences.
- UC San Diego's economics program is at the 4th position among US public universities and is ranked 18th nationwide.
- The psychology program at UC San Diego ranks fifth among public universities and 11th nationwide.
College Student Profiles
UC-San Diego Program Fees & Deadlines
| Program | Important Dates | Fees | Application Fees | Eligibility | Financial Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
M.S Data Science 18 months | Priority Application Deadline for Winter 2026 Intake (18th Sep 2025) Winter 2026 Intake Start Date (3rd Jan 2026) Priority Application Deadline for Fall 2026 Intake (31st Jan 2026) Fall 2026 Intake Start Date (22nd Sep 2026) | INR 33 L/Yr USD 37,730 /Yr | 155 | GPA: 3.0/4.0, TOEFL: 85, IELTS: 7, Duolingo-120 | - |
M.S Computer Science and Engineering 1 year Course Offered by: | Application Deadline For 2026 Intake (17th Dec 2025) | INR 24.4 L/Yr USD 27,864 /Yr | 155 | GPA: 3.4/4.0, TOEFL: 85, IELTS: 7 | - |
Master of Science [M.S] Business Analytics 1 year Course Offered by: | Round 3 Application Deadline For Summer 2026 Intake (15th Jan 2026) Round 4 Application Deadline For Summer 2026 Intake (1st Apr 2026) Round 1 Application Deadline For Summer 2027 Intake (1st Oct 2026) Round 2 Application Deadline For Summer 2027 Intake (15th Nov 2026) | INR 64.7 L/Yr USD 73,948 /Yr | 150 | GPA:- 3.0, IELTS:- 7.0, TOEFL:- 100 | |
M.B.A 2 years Course Offered by: | Round 2 Application Deadline For Summer 2026 Intake (15th Nov 2025) Round 3 Application Deadline For Summer 2026 Intake (15th Jan 2026) Round 4 Application Deadline For Summer 2026 Intake (1st Apr 2026) Round 1 Application Deadline For Summer 2027 Intake (1st Oct 2026) | INR 1.2 Cr/Yr USD 137,000 /Yr | 200 | GPA:- 3.0, IELTS:- 7.0, TOEFL:- 100, PTE:- 65 | |
M.S Electrical and Computer Engineering 2 years Course Offered by: | Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake (6th Jan 2026) | INR 26.8 L/Yr USD 30,657 /Yr | 155 | GPA:- 3.0, IELTS:- 7.0, TOEFL:- 85, PTE:- 65 | - |
Ph.D Data Science 4 years | Application Deadline for Fall 2026 intake (4th Dec 2025) | INR 26.8 L/Yr USD 30,657 /Yr | 155 | IELTS:- 7.0,TOEFL:- 85 | - |
M.S Mechanical Engineering 1 year Course Offered by: | Application For Fall 2026 Intake (4th Sep 2025) | INR 26.8 L/Yr USD 30,657 /Yr | 150 | GPA:- 3.0, IELTS:- 7.0, TOEFL:- 85 | - |
Application For Fall 2026 Intake (25th Nov 2025) | INR 26.8 L/Yr USD 30,657 /Yr | 155 | GPA:- 3.0, IELTS:- 7.0, TOEFL:- 85 | - | |
M.S Structural Engineering 2 years | Application Deadline For Winter 2026 Intake (30th Sep 2025) Application Deadline For Spring 2026 Intake (31st Dec 2025) | INR 26.8 L/Yr USD 30,657 /Yr | 140 | GPA:- 3.0, IELTS:- 7.0, TOEFL:- 85 | - |
M.Eng Bioengineering 2 years | Application For Fall 2026 Intake (4th Sep 2025) | INR 26.8 L/Yr USD 30,657 /Yr | 155 | GPA: 3.0, IELTS:- 7.0, TOEFL:- 85 | - |
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Reviews
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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
Scholarship
-
Since the University of California, San Diego is a public school, I do not think that scholarships were eligible for non American citizens - definitely not merit - based scholarships.
-
I did have friends who were American citizens who got full scholarships. This was mostly on a need based criteria.
-
I have no additional scholarship information.
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
Scholarship
- I have not received any scholarships during my course so far.
- At the University of California, extreme preference is given to in-state students (students from California), and there are almost no scholarship opportunities for international students.
- A lot of my in-state friends have received some scholarships (minimum five thousand dollars, maximum full tuition amount).
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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.
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.
Scholarship
No
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.
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.
Scholarship
I did not receive any scholarship. But have received funding through teaching assistantships which provide 50% fee waiver and $2400 per month stipend.
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 "
Scholarship
No scholarship received
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.
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.
Scholarship
Yes, you simply tell the provider of the scholarship what school you go to and the address of the financial aid office. Then the university decides how to distribute the scholarship. If it's government aid then it's slightly more complicated.
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 - Vishudh Shah.jpeg?h=85&w=200&mode=stretch)
 - Vishudh Shah.jpeg?h=85&w=200&mode=stretch)
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| Program | Important Dates |
|---|---|
| M.S Data Science | Final Application Deadline For 2026 Intake (7th May 2025) Priority Application Deadline for Winter 2026 Intake (18th Sep 2025) Winter 2026 Intake Start Date (3rd Jan 2026) Priority Application Deadline for Fall 2026 Intake (31st Jan 2026) Fall 2026 Intake Start Date (22nd Sep 2026) |
| M.S Computer Science and Engineering | Application Deadline For 2026 Intake (17th Dec 2025) |
| Master of Science [M.S] Business Analytics | Round 3 Application Deadline For Summer 2026 Intake (15th Jan 2026) Round 4 Application Deadline For Summer 2026 Intake (1st Apr 2026) Round 1 Application Deadline For Summer 2027 Intake (1st Oct 2026) Round 2 Application Deadline For Summer 2027 Intake (15th Nov 2026) |
| M.B.A | Round 2 Application Deadline For Summer 2026 Intake (15th Nov 2025) Round 3 Application Deadline For Summer 2026 Intake (15th Jan 2026) Round 4 Application Deadline For Summer 2026 Intake (1st Apr 2026) Round 1 Application Deadline For Summer 2027 Intake (1st Oct 2026) |
| M.S Electrical and Computer Engineering | Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake (6th Jan 2026) |
| Ph.D Data Science | Application Deadline for Fall 2026 intake (4th Dec 2025) |
| M.S Mechanical Engineering | Application For Fall 2026 Intake (4th Sep 2025) |
| M.S Bioinformatics and Systems Biology | Application For Fall 2026 Intake (25th Nov 2025) |
| M.S Structural Engineering | Application Deadline For Fall 2025 Intake (7th May 2025) Application Deadline For Winter 2026 Intake (30th Sep 2025) Application Deadline For Spring 2026 Intake (31st Dec 2025) |
| M.Eng Bioengineering | Application For Fall 2026 Intake (4th Sep 2025) |
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