The University of California is one of the well-regarded public universities in USA, known for its strong academic programs and affordability. Established in 1954, the university includes several prestigious institutions across the state. With a 1,200-acre main campus in Riverside, Inland Southern California, the University of California system has nine other campuses in Davis, Berkeley, Merced, Santa Cruz, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, Irvine, San Francisco and San Diego.
With a student population of over 26,000, including 2,500 international students from more than 100 countries, the University offers programs in various disciplines, including Engineering, Business, Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, Medical and Public Policy studies, and Life Sciences. The university has 1,100 faculty members, and is also considered one of the most budget-friendly options when checking the list of universities in California.
The university is home to 51 research centers and laboratories, where students can engage in innovative projects from their first year. Some well-known centers include the Brain Game Center for Mental Fitness & Well-being, the Center for Catalysis, the Center for Advanced Neuroimaging (CAN), the Central Facility for Advanced Microscopy and Microanalysis (CFAMM), and the High-Performance Computing Center (HPCC).
For students looking to study in USA, the University of California, Riverside is an excellent choice, as it holds accreditations from prestigious organizations such as the Association of American Universities, the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU), and the Universities Research Association (URA). Additionally, the university collaborates with industries and academic institutions worldwide, providing students with valuable career opportunities and global exposure.
Consistently recognized for its academic excellence, the University of California Riverside ranking places it among the top 1.3% of universities worldwide, as per the Center for World University Rankings. Additionally, U.S. News has ranked it as the nation’s top public university for social mobility for four of the past five years.
The University of California ranking also highlights its status as one of only 54 recognized 5-star public universities, placing it among the top 7% of the nation’s best colleges, according to Money Magazine.
Furthermore, U.S. News & World Report lists it among the 22 most innovative schools. The university is widely known for its strong research, employment outcomes, and distinguished faculty, which includes two Nobel Prize winners, three Guggenheim Fellows, and 30 members of national academies.
Note: University rankings are subject to change based on periodic evaluations and updates.
University of California intakes follow a quarter system with four academic intakes: Summer, Fall, Winter, and Spring. Among these, the Fall and Winter Intakes are most popular among international students, as a wide range of graduate and postgraduate diploma programs are available during these terms. Also, while considering intakes in USA, it is important to plan ahead, as deadlines and program availability can vary by term.
Fall is the main intake, starting in September, and provides the widest selection of programs, particularly at the graduate level. Many scholarships are also open during this period.
As a secondary option, Winter Intake begins in January and is ideal for students aiming for PG Diplomas and Certificate programs. While there are fewer program choices compared to Fall, the competition is also lower, allowing for a more focused application process. Applications for this intake are generally submitted around July of the previous year.
The University of California courses cover a diverse range of academic and professional programs, including undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, diploma programs, short courses, and professional certificates. With over 150 majors and minors, students can explore fields that align with their interests while benefiting from internships, peer mentoring, and undergraduate research opportunities from their first year.
Renowned for its STEM courses in USA, UC Riverside offers 44 Ph.D. and 55 master’s degree options. Students also have the flexibility to design custom programs with adaptable curricula, specialized topics, and varying durations to meet specific academic or professional learning goals. Additionally, opportunities like Optional Practical Training (OPT) and internships help students gain hands-on experience in their chosen fields.
Note: KC assists students with Masters Courses at College of Business and College of Engineering. We also assist for UG Diploma and PG Diploma/Certificate at College of Extension.
The total cost to study in USA varies based on residency status, program type, living arrangements, and more. The University of California fees are structured to cover tuition, housing, meals, educational materials, and other personal expenses.
Alongside quarterly tuition fees for graduate students, there are other charges such as student service fees, campus fees that include student association fee, recreation centre fee, and student services fee.
University of California tuition fees for international students also include additional expenses such as student health insurance, course-specific fees, and other optional services.
Some programs may offer fee exemptions or financial aid opportunities, which students can check through the university’s Office of Financial Aid. For payment options, including deferred payment plans, students can visit the Student Business Services website.
| Types of Expenses | Annual Expenses in INR |
|---|---|
| Annual Masters Tuition fee | ₹30,44,124 - ₹58,05,538 |
| PG Certificate | ₹6,79,261 to ₹8,85,619 |
| PG Diploma | ₹15,64,881 |
| Annual Accommodation & food expenses | ₹16,26,616 |
Note: The tuition fees mentioned are approximate and may vary. It is recommended to check the university’s official website for the most up-to-date fee structure.
The University of California scholarships provide financial assistance to students based on academic excellence, leadership, sports, and artistic achievements. Some scholarships are automatically awarded based on admission, while others require separate applications. The university offers generous scholarships, teaching and research assistantships to graduate students enrolled in its Business and Engineering courses.
The University of California admissions process remains consistent for both domestic and international applicants, with selection based on academic qualifications, English proficiency, and standardized test scores. Applicants are encouraged to check the specific program requirements before starting their University of California application, as criteria may vary slightly by department. Indian students often apply to UCR’s Graduate and Postgraduate Diploma Certificate Programs. Below is a general guide to the University of California admissions requirements for these programs:
A recognized bachelor’s degree.
Minimum GPA of 3.25 on a 4.0 scale
✅ TOEFL iBT: Should have a score of 80 or higher.
✅ IELTS: Overall score of 7.0 with no band below 6.0.
✅ GRE: Minimum score of 300 is expected for certain programs.
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
Minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale
✅ TOEFL iBT: Minimum 79.
✅ IELTS: Overall score of 6.5.
✅ Duolingo: Minimum score of 100.
✅ PTE Academic: Score of 56 or higher.
Note: Admission requirements may vary, it is advisable to check the official university website for the most up-to-date and specific eligibility criteria.
The University of California placements provide students with excellent career opportunities, thanks to its strong alumni network of over 1.8 million professionals across all 10 campuses. With its close proximity to Los Angeles, students have access to a wide range of career prospects in various industries.
UCR’s Career Center offers personalized career support, including resume reviews, interview preparation, and job search assistance. International students can explore jobs in USA through career fairs, internships, and full-time roles via UCR Handshake. Virtual and in-person career counseling, workshops, and one-on-one advising help students navigate the job market effectively, ensuring a smooth transition from college to career.
Note: These figures are indicative and may vary as per the industry norms.
The University of California, Riverside (UCR) provides a well-rounded student experience with strong academic support, student engagement and activities (extracurricular), and excellent accommodations. From recreational facilities to health and wellness services, students have access to everything they need for personal and academic growth.
The University of California, Riverside (UCR) offers several academic support services to help students succeed. The Academic Resource Center provides tutoring, workshops, and mentoring programs like Assistance, Coaching, and Encouragement (ACE). Additionally, students can benefit from writing and reading support programs designed to strengthen their academic skills and boost their confidence in coursework.
With over 450 student organizations listed on HighlanderLink, UCR offers a vibrant student life. These organizations cover various interests, including academic, cultural, recreational, service-based, and sports clubs. Students can join existing clubs or even start their own to connect with peers who share similar interests.
UCR’s Student Recreation Center serves as the central hub for fitness and athletics. The university offers intramural and club sports, including basketball, soccer, tennis, golf, and volleyball. As part of NCAA Division I and the Big West Conference, UCR's athletics team - the Highlanders, competes at a high level. Students can also access gym facilities, group fitness classes, and outdoor adventure programs.
UCR provides a variety of accommodations to suit students' needs, including four residence halls, six campus apartment complexes, and family housing. The Resident Services Office (RSO) assists students with housing-related concerns, while the MyHousing portal allows them to manage applications, housing contracts, and requests efficiently. https://housing.ucr.edu/graduate-students Refer this
UCR is committed to student well-being through its Health, Well-being & Safety (HWS) division. Students have access to health and wellness services, including counseling, the Student Disability Resource Center, and medical care through Student Health Services. These resources ensure students receive the necessary support to maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle throughout their academic journey.
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