University of California, Berkeley (UCB): Rankings, Courses & Admissions

The University of California Berkeley consistently ranks among the best globally. In 2025, it secured the #2 spot in Top Public Schools by U.S. News & World Report. The university shows strong performance across leading ranking bodies, making it a preferred choice for research and innovation.

Here’s a quick snapshot of how the University of California Berkeley stands among the top universities in the USA.

Move ahead to see how the University of California Berkeley performs in top academic disciplines.

Top Course-wise Ranking 2024/25

The University of California Berkeley leads in multiple academic fields. According to U.S. News & World Report, its Civil Engineering program ranks 2nd in the United States. Other departments also rank within the global top 10, showing consistent excellence across disciplines.

The table below presents subject-specific rankings from top-ranking agencies.

Want to know global or national rankings of the university for a particular subject? Check out the University of California, Berkeley rankings to get complete information of rankings and positions. 

Now, let’s examine what qualifications and transcripts you need to take admission in UCB. 

The University of California Berkeley admits students from over 100 countries, with international students making up nearly 25% of the total population. The application timeline varies slightly between undergraduate and graduate programs. 

Refer to the table below to track key application dates for 2025–26.

With your admission requirements and deadlines in check, it's time to see what academic opportunities await you at the University of California Berkeley.

For the Fall 2024 cycle, the University of California Berkeley received 124,242 applications and offered admission to 13,701 students, reflecting its highly selective process. The university evaluates more than just grades. It looks for academic rigor, consistency, intellectual curiosity, evidence of initiative, and personal statements. 

Start by understanding the core admission requirements that apply to your application type.

Admission Requirements

The University of California Berkeley has a competitive admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 12%. It follows a test-optional policy, meaning SAT or ACT scores are not mandatory for undergraduate applicants. 

A strong academic profile is crucial; 50% of accepted students report a high school GPA between 4.15 and 4.29. Whether you're applying for undergraduate or graduate programs, understanding the specific requirements will help you prepare a solid application.

Start by reviewing the academic qualifications expected by the University of California Berkeley.

Academic Qualification

You must meet specific academic standards to apply to the University of California Berkeley. One key detail is the $95 (INR 8K) application fee for international students, which you must pay at the time of submission. The process is entirely online and follows a structured review system.

Here’s a clear breakdown of the required academic components.

Language Proficiency

If English is not your first language, you must prove your proficiency through standardized tests. For graduate programs, the IELTS band score of 7 is required, while undergraduates can qualify with a score of 6.5. UC Berkeley accepts multiple formats, including online and at-home test options.

Below are the accepted tests and their minimum required scores.

Note: Competitive scores may vary depending on the number of applications received.

Competitive Exams

Depending on your program, you may need to submit scores from exams like the GRE, GMAT, or LSAT. For example, the average GMAT score for admitted students is 733, showing how competitive the pool can be. While many programs do not enforce strict cutoffs, high scores strengthen your profile.

Check the following table for typical score ranges across key tests.

Note: Competitive scores may vary depending on the number of applications received.

Visa Requirements 

Once admitted to the University of California Berkeley, you must secure the correct visa to begin your studies. Most international students apply for an F-1 student visa, while J-1 visas apply to exchange or externally funded candidates. You must also pay the SEVIS fee and provide financial documents to prove your funding.

Here are the essential visa requirements and steps you need to follow.

Once you meet all the admission and visa criteria, it’s time to focus on key application deadlines and intake schedules.

The University of California Berkeley offers one of the most diverse academic portfolios of 150+ courses among public research universities. From STEM and humanities to professional fields like law, public policy, and business, you’ll find rigorous programs designed to challenge and inspire. 

Below is a glimpse into the key areas of study available at the University of California Berkeley.

• STEM Programs: Includes top-ranked courses in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, and Environmental Science. The College of Engineering is among the most competitive in the U.S.
• Law and Legal Studies: Berkeley Law ranks consistently among the top 10 law schools in the country. It offers JD, LLM, and PhD programs focused on constitutional law, tech policy, and international law.
• Business and Economics: The Haas School of Business offers undergraduate, MBA, EMBA, and PhD programs. Economics is one of the most popular undergraduate majors.
• Medicine and Health Sciences: While UC Berkeley does not offer an MD, it provides strong pre-med tracks, public health programs, medicine courses
• , and joint MD programs in collaboration with UCSF.
• Humanities and Social Sciences: Offers majors in History, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, and Philosophy, with options to pursue interdisciplinary studies.
• Environmental and Sustainability Studies: Strong offerings through the Rausser College of Natural Resources, focusing on climate policy, conservation, and sustainable development.
• Arts and Design: Studio art, music, performance studies, and architecture programs offer hands-on learning and strong theoretical grounding.

Once you’ve identified your area of interest, it’s important to know the tuition and fee structure for your chosen program.

The University of California Berkeley offers a range of programs with varying tuition fees. For the 2024–2025 academic year, the average in-state tuition and fees are approximately $16K (INR 13L), while out-of-state students can expect to pay around $51K (INR 43L). These figures exclude additional costs such as housing, meals, and personal expenses.

If you're comparing the cost of studying in USA, the following table gives you a clear picture of how UC Berkeley’s tuition compares across program levels.

Note: INR conversions are approximate and based on the latest exchange rates.

Beyond tuition, it's essential to consider the cost of living in Berkeley, which includes expenses like housing, food, transportation, and personal items. Understanding these costs will help you plan your finances effectively.

The cost of living in Berkeley is higher than in many other U.S. cities, largely due to housing. On average, the cost of living in California for international students ranges between $2.9K (INR 2.4L) and $4K (INR 3.4L) per month, including housing, food, and other essentials. Planning ahead helps avoid financial strain during your studies.

To understand how Berkeley compares with the general cost of living in USA, review the detailed breakdown below.

Note: INR conversions are approximate and based on the latest exchange rates.

Beyond personal expenses, financial aid can make a significant difference. Explore the scholarships offered by the University of California Berkeley in the next section.

Tuition fees at the University of California Berkeley vary by program and residency status. For instance, the Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) program costs approximately $34K (INR 28.2L) for non-resident students in the 2024–2025 academic year . Understanding these costs is crucial for financial planning.

Below is a detailed breakdown of tuition fees for select graduate programs:

Note: INR conversions are approximate and based on the latest exchange rates.

Beyond tuition, consider additional expenses such as housing, food, transportation, and personal costs. These can significantly impact your overall budget.

Next, explore the comprehensive cost of studying at the University of California Berkeley in 2025.

The University of California Berkeley offers a range of fully funded scholarships to support students financially. For the 2025 academic year, the average need-based scholarship or grant awarded to first-year students is $32,400 (INR 27.6L). These scholarships aim to make education more accessible and reduce the financial burden on students. 

To understand the specific scholarships offered internally by the University of California Berkeley, proceed to the next section.

Internal Scholarships

The University of California Berkeley met 87% of its students’ financial aid needs, offering a strong support system through institutional grants and merit-based awards. These internal scholarships are designed to reduce financial barriers and reward academic excellence or personal background.

Here are some key internal scholarships available to eligible students.

In addition to these institutional awards, you can also apply for scholarships funded by external organizations and foundations.

External Scholarships

Many international students at the University of California Berkeley benefit from external funding. For instance, the Fulbright Foreign Student Program covers tuition, airfare, living stipend, and health insurance, making it one of the most comprehensive government-funded scholarships available.

Below are a few major external scholarships to study in USA you should consider.

With funding options in place, the next important step is to understand the placement services and career outcomes at the University of California Berkeley.

With a student population of 42,423, the University of California Berkeley offers a vibrant and active campus environment. You’ll find opportunities to lead, create, and connect across hundreds of activities. From student government to performance groups, there's something for every interest.

Below are some of the major highlights that define studying in USA at UC Berkeley.

• Student Organizations & Clubs
  • Over 1,200 Registered Student Organizations (RSOs): UC Berkeley hosts a vast array of student groups, encompassing academic, cultural, political, recreational, and professional interests.
  • CalLink Platform: Students can explore and join organizations through CalLink, the university's official student organization directory.
  • LEAD Center Support: The LEAD (Leadership, Engagement, Advising, and Development) Center provides resources and advising to student organizations, promoting leadership and community engagement.
• Campus Events & Traditions
  • Cal Day: An annual open house featuring hundreds of free events, performances, and informational sessions, welcoming prospective students and the community.
  • Event Services: UC Berkeley's Event Services offers support for student-led events, including venue reservations and event planning resources.
• Arts, Media & Performance
  • Student Media Outlets: Students contribute to various media platforms, including The Daily Californian newspaper, CalTV, and KALX 90.7 FM radio.
  • Performing Arts Groups: The campus boasts numerous a cappella groups, theater productions, dance troupes, and musical ensembles, providing ample opportunities for creative expression.
• Leadership & Advocacy
  • Associated Students of the University of California (ASUC): The ASUC serves as the official student government, managing funding for student groups and organizing campus events.
  • Graduate Assembly: Representing graduate students, the Graduate Assembly advocates for student interests and supports graduate student organizations.

Now that you know what student life at UCB looks like, let’s explore some of the top Alumni who have gained tremendous prestige in their field of work. 

The University of California Berkeley offers structured career support backed by strong industry ties and data-driven outcomes. From counseling and networking to employer recruitment, the university equips you to make a confident entry into the job market. 

At the undergraduate level, 86% of job-seeking graduates received offers within three months of graduation, while certain professional programs show even higher success rates.

Explore the following key services and statistics to understand how UC Berkeley supports your career growth.

• Berkeley Career Engagement: Offers personalized services like one-on-one career counseling, resume and cover letter reviews, mock interviews, and job search strategies tailored to your academic background.
• Career Fairs and On-Campus Recruiting: Multiple large-scale career fairs are held throughout the year. These events allow you to interact directly with employers from startups to Fortune 500 companies.
• Undergraduate Placement Rate: Around 86% of undergraduates seeking employment were hired within three months after graduation. Popular fields include technology, finance, consulting, and public service.
• Haas School of Business MBA: 86% of job-seeking graduates received offers within three months. The average base salary is $159,412 (INR 1.3CR), with sign-on bonuses averaging $34,740 (INR 29L). About 32% received equity compensation worth an average of $153,000 (INR 1.3CR).
• Master of Financial Engineering (MFE) Program: 96% placement within three months of graduation. Graduates earned an average base salary of $147,578 (INR I.2CR), with signing bonuses averaging $29,920 (INR 25L).

These placement outcomes reflect the strength of UC Berkeley’s career ecosystem. To understand who’s hiring its graduates, take a look at some of the top recruiters that consistently seek talent from the campus.

Top Recruiters

The University of California Berkeley maintains strong ties with industry leaders across various sectors. Whether you’re pursuing a career in tech, finance, consulting, or research, top companies actively recruit from UC Berkeley’s talent pool. 

Explore the key recruiters that provide jobs in USA for UCB graduates and the industries they represent in the table below.

Now that you understand UC Berkeley’s placement strength and top recruiters, see how it stacks up against top peers like UCLA and Stanford.

University of California Berkeley Vs UCLA Vs Stanford: Which is Better?

Choosing between the University of California Berkeley, UCLA, and Stanford depends on your goals and resources. In the QS Rankings 2025, UC Berkeley ranks 12th, ahead of UCLA at 42, though Stanford is at 6. UC Berkeley provides 350+ courses, offering a wide academic choice. With an 88% placement rate and average salary of $48,700 (INR 41L), career outcomes are strong.

Take a look at how these three institutions compare across key academic and career metrics.

Beyond academics, your campus experience also plays a big part. Let’s explore what the campus of University of California, Berkeley looks like. 

University of California Berkeley Campuses

The University of California, Berkeley has one integrated campus, It blends historical architecture, natural landscapes, and modern facilities across an academic setting. Spread over 1,200 acres, the campus provides more than just classrooms and offers a full ecosystem for learning, research, and student life. 

Explore the major highlights across different aspects of the UC Berkeley campus below.

• Architectural Highlights
  • Sather Tower (The Campanile): Standing at 307 feet, it's the third-tallest bell and clock tower globally, offering panoramic views of the Bay Area. Daily carillon concerts are performed at noon. 
  • Doe Library: The main library on campus, renowned for its classical architecture and extensive collections, serving as a central hub for academic research.
  • Hearst Greek Theatre: An outdoor amphitheater inspired by ancient Greek architecture, hosting concerts, lectures, and performances.
  • Helen and Thomas Wu Performance Hall: A recently inaugurated 100-seat venue designed for intimate musical performances, featuring advanced acoustics and technology.
• Natural Features
  • Strawberry Creek: A natural waterway that runs through the campus, contributing to its serene environment. 
  • UC Botanical Garden: Home to a diverse collection of plants from around the world, offering educational and recreational opportunities. 
• Traditions and Events
  • Cal Day: An annual open house event featuring hundreds of free activities, performances, and informational sessions for prospective students and the community.
  • The Big "C": A large concrete letter "C" on the hillside, painted gold, symbolizing school spirit and maintained by student organizations. 
  • Oski the Bear: The university's official mascot, representing school pride at various events and athletic games.
• Academic and Cultural Institutions
  • Lawrence Hall of Science: A public science center offering interactive exhibits and educational programs for all ages.
  • Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA): A combined art museum and film archive presenting exhibitions, screenings, and educational programs.
  • UC Berkeley Libraries: Comprising over 30 libraries with extensive collections, supporting the university's research and teaching missions.

Now that we know what UCB’s campus has to offer, let’s discover what student life at the University of California Berkeley has to offer.

The University of California Berkeley is part of a system with over 2.0 million alumni worldwide. Many of its graduates have made lasting contributions across science, technology, literature, business, and the arts. Their achievements reflect the depth and impact of a Berkeley education.

Here are some of the most distinguished alumni from the University of California Berkeley.

These individuals show the global influence and reach of a UC Berkeley education. They set an example of how far your degree from this institution can take you.