University of California - Los Angeles: Rankings, Fees, Courses & Admissions

The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is situated in Westwood, Los Angeles, and features a sprawling 419-acre campus that offers access to both academic and recreational spaces. 

Known for its top-ranked programs and research excellence, UCLA also offers unique facilities, including the UCLA Research Park and the Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden. 

Explore the details of UCLA's campus, research hubs, and distinctive features that make the USA the best country to study abroad.

Main Campus – Westwood, Los Angeles

• Easily accessible via major freeways and public transportation, facilitating convenient commuting for students and faculty.
• Located near neighborhoods such as Westwood Village, Santa Monica, and Beverly Hills, it offers a blend of urban amenities and residential areas. This way, you can get all the things you need to survive at university. 

UCLA Health – Medical and Research Facilities

• Comprises five hospitals in Los Angeles, including Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, specializing in various medical fields. 
• Centers like the California Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy and the UCLA Center for Quantum Science and Engineering are part of UCLA's extensive research network. 
• Provides clinical training and residencies through the David Geffen School of Medicine and other health science programs.

UCLA Research Park – Innovation Hub

• Approximately two miles from the main campus in the former Westside Pavilion shopping mall. 
• Serves as a center for research in immunology, quantum science, and other advanced scientific fields. 
• The 700,000-square-foot facility is being transformed into a state-of-the-art research complex, expected to foster collaboration among academics, industry partners, and startups. 

Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden – Environmental Education

• Home to over 3,000 species of plants, including tropical and subtropical species, palms, and succulents. 
• Acts as a living laboratory for students and researchers in the fields of botany and environmental science.

Following an overview of the campus, let's examine the University of California, Los Angeles's standing in various rankings. 

University of California - Los Angeles Campus Admissions 2025-26

The University of California - Los Angeles Campus assesses international applicants by performing credential evaluations. The application fee at UCLA for international undergraduate students is $95 (INR 8K), while the application fee for postgraduate students is $155 (INR 13K). Fee waivers are only applicable to US citizens. UCLA only has a Fall intake, and the admission process starts in October every year. 

Below, you will find the complete admission details along with admission deadlines for 2025.

Admission Requirements

Before applying to UCLA, you need to understand the education system in the US. Undergraduates must complete 15 UC-approved A-G courses, while postgraduates must hold a completed bachelor's degree. For language proficiency, undergraduates require a TOEFL iBT score of 100, while postgraduates need a minimum score of 87. 

Below are the detailed requirements for each level.

Academic Qualifications

For UCLA, undergraduate applicants must complete 15 UC-approved A-G courses, with at least 11 completed before the end of their final year of high school. 

Postgraduate applicants need a completed bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, with specific programs having additional requirements. With proper merit, you can also look for universities offering 50% scholarships for international students.

Below are the detailed academic qualifications for each level.

Requirement	Undergraduate (UG)	Postgraduate (PG)
Academic Qualifications	Completion of 15 UC-approved A-G courses, with at least 11 completed before the final year of high school. A high school curriculum, including honours, Advanced Placement (AP)	A completed bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution. Specific programs like a Master's in Mathematics may have additional prerequisites or required coursework.
Test Scores	Not Required	Requirements vary by program. For example, the Master of Data Science in Health program may require GRE scores
Letter of Recommendation	Not required for undergraduate admissions.	At least two are required for most graduate programs to assess the applicant's academic and professional potential.
Personal Essay	Applicants must respond to four out of eight Personal Insight Questions, each with a maximum of 350 words.	A 2-3 page long statement of purpose outlining the applicant's academic interests, professional goals, and reasons for pursuing the specific program at UCLA.
GPA	Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, with most competitive applicants having a GPA of 3.5 or higher	The minimum GPA requirement is typically a B average (3.0 on a 4.0 scale), but many programs like the MS in Computer Science have higher expectations
Language Proficiency	IELTS: Minimum 6.0, with no component lower than 5.5. PTE: Minimum 50. TOEFL: Minimum 80 overall.	IELTS: Minimum 6.5 or equivalent, with no element below 5.5. PTE: Minimum 58. TOEFL: Minimum 90 overall.

Note: For program-specific requirements, visit the official UCLA admissions page.

Let's move to the competitive exams that can improve your chances of admission to the University of California, Los Angeles Campus.

Competitive Exams

For undergraduates, SAT or ACT scores are not required. Postgraduate programs, such as the Master of Financial Engineering, require GRE or GMAT scores. 

For the Full-Time MBA, the GMAT or GRE is optional, but strongly recommended for those without a quantitative background. Ph.D. applicants typically submit an average GMAT score of 735. 

Below are the specific exam requirements for each program.

Program	Average Score
Undergraduate (UG)	SAT/ACT: Not required for admission or scholarships
Postgraduate (PG)	GRE/ GMAT: Required for programs like Master of Financial Engineering (MFE), Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA), etc
Full-Time MBA (FT MBA)	GMAT/GRE: Optional for all applicants; strongly recommended for applicants with no quantitative background.
Ph.D. Program	GMAT/GRE:  Average GMAT: 735 GRE: (Quant: 167, Verbal: 162, Writing: 5)

Note: The required and competitive scores may differ depending on the number of applications received

Next, you'll explore the language proficiency levels necessary for admission to the University of California - Los Angeles Campus.

Language Proficiency

To meet UCLA's language proficiency requirements, you must submit test scores from TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo. For undergraduates, a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 100 is required overall, while for postgraduates, a minimum score of 87 is required. 

Below are the specific score requirements for each exam.

Exam	Undergraduate Requirement	Postgraduate Requirement
TOEFL iBT	100 overall, with sub-scores above 22	87 overall
IELTS Academic	7.0 overall	7.0 overall
Duolingo English Test (DET)	130	Not specified

Note: Applicants who have completed three or more years of education in English are typically exempt from these requirements.

Next, you'll learn about the visa requirements for international students planning to study at the University of California - Los Angeles Campus.

Visa Requirements

To obtain your student visa for the USA, you must follow several key steps, including confirming your acceptance, requesting the I-20 form, completing the visa application, and paying the SEVIS fee. 

Once these steps are complete, you'll need to attend a visa interview with all required documents. 

Below are the specific steps and details to guide you through the visa process.

Step	Details
Acceptance to UCLA	First, confirm your acceptance by submitting your Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) to UCLA.
I-20 Form Issuance	After confirming enrollment, UCLA will guide you to request your I-20 form.  You'll need to provide proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses.
Visa Application	Complete the DS-160 form, pay the visa application fee, and submit your documents (passport, I-20, financial proof) for your F-1 visa interview.
SEVIS Fee Payment	Pay the SEVIS fee for F1 Visa online before your visa interview and retain the payment confirmation receipt.
Visa Interview	Attend your interview with all required documents, including your passport, I-20, DS-160, SEVIS receipt, and financial proof.

Let's now review the key deadlines and intake dates for the University of California, Los Angeles Campus for the 2025-26 academic year.

Application Deadline and Intakes

For UCLA's Fall 2025 intake, the application filing period runs from October 1 to December 2, 2024 (Closed). While other universities offer Spring and summer intakes, UCLA operates on a quarter system and only accepts applications for the Fall term.

After submitting your application, ensure that you meet the key deadlines for financial aid, admission notifications, and document submissions. 

Below are the specific deadlines you must follow to ensure a smooth application process.

Category	Deadline
Application Filing Period	October 1 – December 2, 2024 (Closed)
Financial Aid Application	December 1, 2024 – March 2, 2025 (Closed)
Admission Notification	Late March 2025 (Closed)
Statement of Intent to Register (SIR)	May 1, 2025 (Closed)
Final Transcripts Due	July 1, 2025 (Closed)
AP/IB Exam Results Due	July 15, 2025

Now, let's explore the Programs and Courses offered by the University of California - Los Angeles Campus

University of California - Los Angeles Campus: Programs & Courses

In 2025, UCLA graduates are expected to maintain a high employment rate. UCLA has an employment rate of 95%. Undergraduate students can explore majors in fields such as the humanities, sciences, and engineering, while graduate programs cover areas including engineering, business, and health sciences. 

Below is a detailed breakdown of the available programs at UCLA.

Program	Level	Top Courses
Graduate Programs	Master's, PhD	Engineering Business health sciences Humanities Public Administration
Undergraduate Majors	Bachelor's	Humanities Sciences Engineering Arts Social sciences
Professional Degrees	Doctoral	Programs in law (J.D.) Medicine (M.D.) Dentistry (D.D.S.), Business (M.B.A.)
Certificate Programs	Postgraduate	Data science Cybersecurity Digital media

Now, you will need a detailed overview of the course fees to study at UCLA to plan your finances accordingly

 Cost of studying at the University of California - Los Angeles Campus

The cost of studying at UCLA varies depending on the program. For undergraduate students, the annual tuition is approximately $80,739 (INR 69L), while graduate programs generally cost around $36,297 (INR 31L). 

Specialized programs, such as Law, Medicine, and Dentistry, have higher fees, ranging from $63,725 (INR 54.5L) to $115,208 (INR 98.5L). 

Below is a detailed breakdown of tuition fees for various programs at UCLA.

Program	Annual Tuition Fees (USD)	Annual Tuition Fees (USD)
Undergraduate Programs	$80,739	INR 69L
Graduate Programs (General)	$36,297	INR 31L
Law (Juris Doctor)	$73,979	INR 63L
Medicine (Doctor of Medicine)	$63,725	INR 54.5L
Dentistry (Doctor of Dental Surgery)	$115,208	INR 98.5L

Note: The exchange rates from USD to INR are subject to the latest market changes

Apart from tuition fees, you will need to prepare for other essential expenses, such as transportation, study materials, and various other costs, which also contribute to the total cost of living in the USA.

Cost of Living

The estimated monthly cost of living for international students at UCLA is around $3,300 (INR 2.8L to 3L), covering food, accommodation, transportation, health insurance, utilities, and miscellaneous expenses. 

Students can also apply for part-time jobs in the US to cover their costs while studying at the University of California - Los Angeles Campus.

Below is a detailed breakdown of these costs to help you budget effectively during your stay in Los Angeles.

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost (USD)	Estimated Monthly Cost (INR)
Food & Housing	$2,110	INR 1.8L
Books & Supplies	$140	INR 12K
Transportation	$70	INR 6K
Health Insurance	$300	INR 26K
Utilities & Internet	$450 (utilities), $30 (internet)	INR 38.5K, INR 2.5K
Miscellaneous (Mobile, Internet, socializing, entertainment, etc.)	$200	INR 17K
Total Monthly Expense	$ 3,300	INR 2.8L - INR 3L

Note: These numbers are approximate and may fluctuate depending on on and off-campus living..

While studying at the University of California - Los Angeles Campus, you can apply for scholarships to study in the US for free.

Placement at the University of California - Los Angeles Campus 

With 97% of Master of Financial Engineering (MFE) students and 98% of Master's in Business Analytics graduates employed within 6 months, UCLA is a leader in preparing students for successful careers. 

Recognized as the #5 public university for student outcomes by Times Higher Education and ranked #21 in the U.S. for employability, UCLA's programs consistently deliver results. 

Below, you'll find detailed placement rates for specific programs at UCLA.

Program	Placement Rate
Master of Financial Engineering (MFE)	97% employed within 6 months of graduation
Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA)	98% employed within 6 months of graduation
MBA	93.5% employed within 3 months of graduation

Now, let's discuss the top recruiters who typically hire from the University of California, Los Angeles Campus.

Top Recruiters at the University of California - Los Angeles Campus

Top recruiters at UCLA include major companies like Amazon, McKinsey & Company, and EY-Parthenon. These companies offer competitive salaries, with roles such as Software Engineer at Amazon earning between $165,612 (INR 1.4 Cr) and $244,951 (INR 2.1 Cr) per year, Management Consultants at McKinsey & Company earning $183,699 (INR 1.5 Cr) annually, and EY-Parthenon Consultants making $172,296 (INR 1.45 Cr) per year. 

Below, you'll find more details on the companies and the roles they typically recruit for.

• Amazon: Frequently hires from MBA, Computer Science, and Engineering programs for roles in operations, tech, and product management.
• Google: Recruits Computer Science, Data Science, and Engineering graduates for positions in software development, AI, and infrastructure.
• Deloitte: Targets MBA, Accounting, and Business Economics students for consulting, analytics, and finance roles.
• Boston Consulting Group (BCG): Recruits MBA, Business Economics, and Engineering graduates for consulting positions.
• McKinsey & Company: Hires from MBA, Business Economics, and Engineering programs for strategic and operations roles.
• EY-Parthenon: Looks for MBA, Business Economics, and Engineering graduates for consulting and M&A positions.
• Cisco Systems: Recruits Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, and Data Science graduates for network engineering and product management roles.
• Lockheed Martin: Targets Aerospace Engineering and Mechanical Engineering graduates for defense and aerospace positions.
• Qualcomm: Recruits Electrical Engineering and Computer Science graduates for roles in chip design and wireless technologies.
• SpaceX: Hires Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering graduates for propulsion, design, and testing roles.
• Amgen: Recruits Life Sciences, Biotechnology, and Bioengineering graduates for research and development positions.
• NBCUniversal: Targets Film, Television, Broadcast Media, and Business Economics graduates for roles in production, marketing, and strategy.
• The Walt Disney Company: Recruits Film, Television, Media Studies, and Business Economics graduates for entertainment, content strategy, and corporate positions.
• Bank of America Merrill Lynch: Hires MBA, Business Economics, and Accounting graduates for banking, risk, and trading roles.
• Moelis & Company: Targets MBA, Business Economics, and Accounting graduates for investment banking positions.
• Moody's Analytics: Recruits MBA, Business Economics, and Accounting graduates for analytics and risk modeling roles.
• ZS Associates: Hires MBA, Business Economics, and Engineering graduates for strategy, operations, and healthcare consulting positions.

Now, explore the student life at the University of California - Los Angeles Campus, where the campus is filled with engaging experiences at every turn!

Student Life at the University of California - Los Angeles Campus

At UCLA, your student life extends far beyond the classroom. You will find numerous organizations and a renowned sports program waiting for you. Engaging with these opportunities truly shapes your university journey, helping you immerse yourself deeply, unlike some common study abroad mistakes that limit such experiences. 

Here is a closer look at what is available.

• Student Organizations: You will discover over 1,200 groups.
  • Academic & Tech: Join AI Safety at UCLA or the Robotics Club if you are into future tech or building.
  • Media: Get involved with the Daily Bruin newspaper, UCLA Radio, or Melnitz Movies, a student-run cinema.
  • Performance: Check out the HOOLIGAN Theatre Company for acting or Synthesis Dance Theater for movement.
  • Community: The UCLA Volunteer Center offers ways to give back.
  • Unique Hobbies: Yes, there is even a Bruin Beekeepers club.
• Championship Legacy: The university holds 124 NCAA team championships.
• Varsity Competition: Bruin teams play in NCAA Division I, mainly in the Big Ten Conference.
  • Men's Basketball: Eleven NCAA titles, a history with John Wooden and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
  • Men's Volleyball: Nineteen national championships, a consistently strong program.
  • Women's Gymnastics: Seven national titles to their name.
  • Water Polo: Both men's and women's teams are frequent national champions.
• Club Sports: Play archery, ultimate frisbee, rugby, or row competitively.
• Intramural Sports: For more casual play, join leagues for soccer, volleyball, or basketball.

So, the University of California - Los Angeles Campus offers almost everything to make the most of your university experience.

The University of California - Los Angeles Campus's alumni have made significant contributions across multiple industries. Let's explore them below.

Notable Alumni

The University of California - Los Angeles (UCLA) has an extensive and active alumni network. According to official sources, such as the UCLA Alumni Association, there are approximately 500,000 to 670,000 living alumni worldwide. This makes it one of the largest alumni networks in the country.

Below, you can see some of these notable alumni and their contributions.

Alumni Name	Field of Work	Notable Contribution
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar	Professional Basketball Player, Author, Activist	Led UCLA to three NCAA championships and became the NBA's all-time leading scorer, winning six NBA titles.
Francis Ford Coppola	Film Director, Screenwriter, Producer	Directed iconic films like The Godfather trilogy and Apocalypse Now.
Jackie Robinson	Professional Baseball Player, Civil Rights Activist	Broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball in 1947. Also, a Civil Rights Activist.
Ralph Bunche	Diplomat, Political Scientist	The first African American to win the Nobel Peace Prize for his mediation efforts in the 1948 Arab-Israeli War.
Mayim Bialik	Actress, Neuroscientist, Author	Known for prominent acting roles and earning a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from UCLA.
Troy Aikman	Professional Football Player, Sports Broadcaster	A Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback who led the Dallas Cowboys to three Super Bowl championships.
James Dean	Actor	An iconic cultural figure known for his roles in Rebel Without a Cause and East of Eden.
Jim Morrison	Musician, Poet, Singer-Songwriter	The enigmatic frontman and lyricist of the legendary rock band The Doors.
Tim Robbins	Actor, Director, Producer, Activist	An Academy Award-winning actor and director known for films like The Shawshank Redemption.
George Takei	Actor, Author, Activist	Best known as Hikaru Sulu in Star Trek, he is a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ and human rights.

To make well-informed decisions, it is essential to compare the University of California - Los Angeles Campus's performance against that of other institutions.