University of California, San Diego is a public research university located in La Jolla, San Diego, California. Founded in 1960, UC San Diego holds rank #23 in the US News Best Global Universities 2026-2027 edition.
The university operates multiple undergraduate colleges and graduate schools, led by Jacobs Engineering, Scripps Oceanography and the Rady School of Management. Popular graduate courses cover MS Computer Science, MS Data Science, MS Business Analytics and the two-year Rady MBA. All programmes are taught in English, and Fall remains the primary intake for Indian applicants seeking 2027 entry.
- Latest ranking: #23 globally (US News Best Global 2026-2027); QS World #81 in the 2027 edition
- Acceptance rate: 28.4% (estimated) via holistic review
- Intakes: Fall (primary, September); Spring for select graduate programmes
- PG nonresident tuition: USD 38,087 per year (INR 36.49 lakh) including campus fees
- Post-study work: F-1 OPT 12 months plus 24-month STEM extension for eligible degrees
- System: University of California, a ten-campus public research consortium
Also Check: MS universities in USA
The UC Board of Regents sets tuition annually, and merit awards for international applicants remain limited across the university. Indian students typically finance study through education loans, family funds and later-term teaching or research assistantships. Applicants often benchmark UCSD against other USA universities before shortlisting a target campus.
Exchange rate used: 1 USD = INR 95.76 as of August 2026
Admission Status: Opens September 2026 (est.) for the Fall 2027 graduate intake. Most UC San Diego graduate departments open individual application portals from September 2026 based on the Fall 2026 cycle, with programme deadlines running December 2026 to February 2027. The University of California undergraduate application opens October 1, 2026 and closes November 30, 2026 for Fall 2027 undergraduate entry across all nine UC campuses.
Table of Contents
- UC San Diego Fees and Popular Courses 2027
- University of California, San Diego Admission 2027
- University of California, San Diego Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
- University of California, San Diego Acceptance Rate 2027
- UC San Diego Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
- University of California, San Diego Campus, Facilities and Student Life
- University of California, San Diego Scholarships 2027
- University of California, San Diego Rankings 2027
- University of California, San Diego Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
- University of California, San Diego vs Peer Universities
- University of California, San Diego FAQs
UC San Diego Fees and Popular Courses 2027
UC San Diego charges tuition per academic year across three quarters. Nonresident graduate students pay the base tuition, a nonresident supplemental tuition and mandatory campus fees. Full programme fees below are calculated by multiplying the annual nonresident fee by programme duration, using the 2026-27 University of California fee schedule.
Top 10 Postgraduate Programmes for Indian Students at UC San Diego
Departmental MS programmes run two academic years at the standard graduate fee, while Rady School and self-supporting programmes charge higher per-year fees. Multiply per-year values by programme length for total commitment. As per the UC San Diego 2026-27 Registration Fee Schedule, standard graduate nonresident fees total USD 38,087 for the year.
| Programme | Duration | Total Fee (USD) | Total Fee (INR lakh) | Entry Requirement (India scale) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MS Computer Science and Engineering | 2 years | 76,174 | 72.94 lakh | Bachelor’s with 65% or CGPA 6.5/10 (recommended) |
| MS Data Science | 18 months | 44,298 (estimated) | 42.42 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 65% or CGPA 6.5/10 (recommended) |
| MS Business Analytics | 12 months | 70,359 | 67.38 lakh | Bachelor’s with 65% or CGPA 6.5/10 (recommended) |
| MBA (Full-Time, Rady) | 2 years | 139,892 | 133.97 lakh | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10; GMAT/GRE recommended |
| MS Electrical and Computer Engineering | 2 years | 76,174 | 72.94 lakh | Bachelor’s with 65% or CGPA 6.5/10 (recommended) |
| MEng Bioengineering | 2 years | 76,174 | 72.94 lakh | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended) |
| MS Structural Engineering | 2 years | 76,174 | 72.94 lakh | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended) |
| MS Mechanical Engineering | 2 years | 76,174 | 72.94 lakh | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended) |
| MS Chemistry | 2 years | 76,174 | 72.94 lakh | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended) |
| MS Mathematics | 2 years | 76,174 | 72.94 lakh | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended) |
[Source: UC San Diego 2026-27 Registration Fee Schedule]
Top 5 Undergraduate Programmes for Indian Students at UC San Diego
All UC San Diego bachelor degrees run four academic years at the same nonresident fee. Programmes carry the same per-year sticker price of USD 60,517 including campus fees.
| Programme | Duration | Total Fee (USD) | Total Fee (INR lakh) | Entry Requirement (India scale) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BS Computer Science | 4 years | 242,068 | 231.78 lakh | Class 12 with 85% or higher (recommended) |
| BS Data Science | 4 years | 242,068 | 231.78 lakh | Class 12 with 85% or higher (recommended) |
| BS Bioengineering | 4 years | 242,068 | 231.78 lakh | Class 12 with 85% or higher (recommended) |
| BA Economics | 4 years | 242,068 | 231.78 lakh | Class 12 with 80% or higher (recommended) |
| BS Cognitive Science | 4 years | 242,068 | 231.78 lakh | Class 12 with 80% or higher (recommended) |
Insider note: Indian applicants cluster around MS Computer Science, MS Data Science and MS Business Analytics at UC San Diego for the STEM OPT extension and Bay Area recruiting funnel.
Read More: UC San Diego Fees and Cost of Living Guide
University of California, San Diego Admission 2027
UC San Diego admits international students in two cycles. Fall is the primary intake, and Spring is limited to selected graduate departments. Undergraduate applications route through the single University of California application portal, while each graduate department manages its own timeline.
University of California, San Diego UG Admission Dates 2027
The University of California operates a common undergraduate application. All nine UC campuses accept the same filing window for Fall 2027 entry.
| Milestone | Date | Notes for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| UC application opens | October 1, 2026 | Common form for all UC undergraduate campuses |
| UC application closes | November 30, 2026 | Same deadline for Indian applicants worldwide |
| Credential verification (WES lead time) | Start 8 weeks before deadline | Order Class 10 and Class 12 mark sheets early |
| Programme start (Fall 2027) | Late September 2027 | Orientation runs the week before classes begin |
University of California, San Diego PG Admission Dates 2027
Graduate departments set their own application windows. Deadlines vary from December 2026 through February 2027 for Fall 2027 admission.
| Milestone | Date | Notes for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| PG applications open | Expected September 2026 (based on the Fall 2026 cycle) | Each department publishes its own portal |
| MS Computer Science and Engineering deadline | Expected late December 2026 (based on Fall 2026 close of December 23, 2025) | Fall intake only for the MS CSE programme |
| Standard PG department deadlines | Varies by programme; verify at official UC San Diego graduate admissions page | Range spans December 2026 to February 2027 |
| Programme start (Fall 2027) | Late September 2027 | Visa slots book quickly for July and August |
Planning note: Book the F-1 visa slot the moment the I-20 arrives. San Diego and Delhi consulates fill fast between May and August for Fall entry.
Read More: UC San Diego Admissions Guide for Indian Students
University of California, San Diego Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
Indian applicants must meet academic thresholds on the Indian grading scale and clear the English proficiency floor before departments proceed with a holistic review.
Postgraduate Requirements at UC San Diego for Indian Applicants
- Academic: Bachelor’s degree with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 minimum, with 65% or CGPA 6.5/10 (recommended) for MS Computer Science, MS Data Science and MS Business Analytics
- English tests (graduate university minimum): IELTS Academic 7.0; TOEFL iBT 85 (0-120 legacy scale) or 4.5 (1-6 new scale, effective 21 January 2026); PTE Academic 65; Duolingo English Test 120
- Credential verification: WES or IERF course-by-course evaluation preferred for Indian applicants
- Standardised tests: GRE required for some engineering PhD tracks; GMAT/GRE recommended for Rady MBA and MS Business Analytics
Undergraduate Requirements at UC San Diego for Indian Applicants
- Academic: Class 12 with 80% or higher (recommended) for BA programmes, 85% or higher (recommended) for BS Computer Science, BS Data Science and BS Bioengineering; complete Class 10 and Class 12 board exams
- English tests (first-year international university minimum): IELTS Academic 7.0; TOEFL iBT 4.5 (1-6 new scale, effective January 2026) or 83 (0-120 legacy scale for exams before January 2026); Duolingo English Test 115
- Transcripts: Attested Class 10 and Class 12 mark sheets sent directly by schools; self-translated grades are not accepted
Key insight: UC San Diego does not require SAT or ACT scores for undergraduate applicants. Indian applicants can focus on Class 12 board performance and English proficiency scores.
University of California, San Diego Acceptance Rate 2027
The University of California, San Diego overall undergraduate acceptance rate sits at 28.4% (estimated) in the most recent published cycle, with recent third-party data pointing to a range of 25% to 30% depending on year and applicant pool.
| Cycle | Acceptance Rate | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2025-26 | 30% (estimated) | Increased |
| 2024-25 | 28.4% (estimated) | Slight rise |
| 2023-24 | 25% (estimated) | Baseline |
Estimates draw on aggregated third-party admissions data and are not officially disclosed by UC San Diego for each cycle. Selectivity varies sharply by school and major, with Computer Science and Bioengineering sitting well below the university-wide rate.
Reality check: Selective majors like Computer Science admit far below the headline rate. Indian applicants should treat 28% as the ceiling and shortlist a mix of reach, target and safety programmes.
Read More: UC San Diego Acceptance Rate
UC San Diego Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
Total annual outgoing for an Indian nonresident sits between USD 62,000 and USD 98,000 (INR 59.37 to 93.85 lakh) depending on level and programme. Tuition dominates the outgoing, with living costs adding roughly USD 26,000 to USD 38,000 (INR 24.90 to 36.39 lakh) per year.
UC San Diego Fees for Indian Students 2026-27
The University of California publishes tuition per academic year. Nonresident supplemental tuition applies to Indian students on top of the base UC systemwide fee.
| Level | Annual Fee (USD) | Annual Fee (INR lakh) |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (nonresident, tuition + supplemental + campus fees) | 60,517 | 57.94 lakh |
| Graduate (nonresident, tuition + supplemental + campus fees) | 38,087 | 36.49 lakh |
| Rady MBA Full-Time (nonresident, per year) | 69,946 | 66.99 lakh |
| MS Business Analytics (Rady, one-year total) | 70,359 | 67.38 lakh |
[Source: UC San Diego 2026-27 Registration Fee Schedule]
Monthly Cost of Living in San Diego for Indian Students
San Diego runs on the higher end for California living costs outside the Bay Area. Rent, food and transport figures below reflect UC San Diego 2025-26 living expense estimates adjusted to August 2026.
| Category | Monthly (USD) | Monthly (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (shared apartment or on-campus) | 1,400 to 2,000 (estimated) | 1.34 to 1.92 lakh (estimated) |
| Food and groceries | 400 to 600 (estimated) | 0.38 to 0.57 lakh (estimated) |
| Transportation (transit pass and rideshare) | 100 to 150 (estimated) | 0.10 to 0.14 lakh (estimated) |
| Books and supplies | 100 (estimated) | 0.10 lakh (estimated) |
| Personal and utilities | 200 to 300 (estimated) | 0.19 to 0.29 lakh (estimated) |
| Total monthly | 2,200 to 3,150 (estimated) | 2.11 to 3.02 lakh (estimated) |
| Total annual | 26,400 to 37,800 (estimated) | 25.28 to 36.20 lakh (estimated) |
[Source: UC San Diego 2025-26 living expense estimate, adjusted for August 2026]
Insider note: On-campus graduate housing at Mesa Nueva runs cheaper than nearby La Jolla rentals. Indian students who miss the on-campus housing cycle typically split a two-bedroom in University City or Clairemont to cap rent under USD 1,400 each.
Read More: Study in USA Cost Guide for Indian Students
University of California, San Diego Campus, Facilities and Student Life
UC San Diego sits on 1,976 acres in La Jolla, a coastal district of San Diego, 20 minutes north of downtown. The campus operates a residential-college system, splitting undergraduates into eight themed colleges with shared academic and research infrastructure.
- Location and transit: La Jolla, San Diego; served by the MTS Blue Line trolley connecting campus to downtown and the border
- Housing: On-campus housing guaranteed for the first two years for undergraduates; graduate students access dedicated blocks such as Mesa Nueva at USD 1,200 to USD 1,600 per month (INR 1.15 to 1.53 lakh)
- Notable facilities: Scripps Institution of Oceanography research fleet, RIMAC recreation complex, Geisel Library, San Diego Supercomputer Center
- Indian student community: Active Indian Students Association, Bhangra teams, cultural societies for Holi, Diwali and Independence Day events
What Indian students say: The trolley extension into campus removed a major transport pain point for graduate students commuting to La Jolla and downtown. Housing remains the toughest logistical hurdle, and joining the graduate housing waitlist immediately after admission is the standard advice from senior batches.
University of California, San Diego Scholarships 2027
UC San Diego funds a small number of merit and need-based awards each year. International applicants are eligible for select institutional and external programmes, though most funding at the graduate level runs through departmental teaching and research assistantships.
| Scholarship | Type | Award Value | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chancellor’s Scholarship | Merit (Undergraduate entering) | Amount varies (verify at official page) | Top academic profile, holistic review | UC application deadline (November 30, 2026) |
| Regents Scholarship | Merit (Undergraduate and Graduate) | Amount varies (verify at official page) | Top academic profile across UC applicants | UC application deadline (November 30, 2026) |
| Davis-Putter Scholarship | External (Need + activism) | Varies by cycle (verify at official page) | Documented financial need and community involvement | External deadline; verify at UC San Diego financial aid page |
Planning note: Institutional merit awards to Indian nationals stay rare at UC San Diego. Most funded graduate offers arrive through PhD assistantships rather than named scholarships, so masters applicants should budget without counting on institutional aid.
Read More: UC San Diego Scholarships Guide
University of California, San Diego Rankings 2027
UC San Diego holds a top-25 global position on the US News Best Global list and a top-20 rank on ARWU 2026. As per QS World University Rankings 2027, the university sits at #81, a drop from #66 in the QS 2026 edition.
| Ranking Body | Latest Edition | Previous Edition | Two Editions Back |
|---|---|---|---|
| QS World | 2027: #81 | 2026: #66 | 2025: NA |
| THE World | 2026: #47 | 2025: NA | 2024: NA |
| US News Best Global | 2026-2027: #23 | 2025-2026: NA | 2024-2025: NA |
| ARWU Shanghai | 2026: #20 | 2025: NA | 2024: NA |
| Collegedunia Study Abroad | #35 global / #19 USA | NA | NA |
[Source: QS, THE, US News, ARWU, Collegedunia Study Abroad]
Collegedunia Study Abroad subject ranks place UC San Diego at #29 globally for Computer Science, #36 for Engineering and #24 for Medicine, in line with the university’s research strength in life sciences and engineering.
Key insight: Indian recruiters and US visa officers weight US News and ARWU heavily. UC San Diego clears both credible top-30 lists, which supports post-study OPT filings and Indian employer recognition.
Read More: UC San Diego Rankings Analysis
University of California, San Diego Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
UC San Diego graduates route into technology, biotech, defense and consulting employers concentrated across San Diego and the Bay Area. The Career Center runs on-campus recruiting drives each Fall and Spring quarter, with strong support for Indian STEM masters students filing OPT.
- Median starting salary (MS Computer Science): USD 141,200 per year (INR 135.20 lakh); market median per CollegeSimply data
- Median starting salary (MS Business Administration): USD 99,700 per year (INR 95.47 lakh); market median
- Median starting salary (BS Computer Science): USD 80,800 per year (INR 77.37 lakh); market median
- Top recruiter sectors: Technology (Qualcomm, Google, Amazon, Meta); biotech (Illumina, Thermo Fisher); defense (General Atomics)
- Post-study work visa: F-1 OPT 12 months for all majors; 24-month STEM extension for eligible STEM degrees, totaling 36 months
Insider note: Qualcomm headquarters sits ten minutes from campus, and its intern-to-hire funnel is the single strongest recruiting channel for Indian MS ECE and MS CSE graduates.
University of California, San Diego vs Peer Universities
Indian applicants shortlist UC San Diego alongside other UC campuses and West Coast private research universities. The table below compares fee load and positioning across a peer set.
| University | QS Rank 2027 | Collegedunia Study Abroad | Avg Annual PG Fee (USD / INR lakh) | Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UC San Diego | #81 | #35 global / #19 USA | 38,087 / 36.49 lakh | Balanced strength in CS, data science and bioengineering; STEM OPT eligible |
| UCLA | NA | NA | Similar to UC San Diego | Larger MBA cohort; Los Angeles industry pipeline |
| UC Berkeley | NA | NA | Similar to UC San Diego | Top public in Computer Science; Bay Area recruiting |
| University of Southern California | NA | NA | Higher (verify at official page) | Private research university; strong alumni network |
| San Diego State University | NA | NA | Lower fee tier | Local public option; more affordable total cost |
UC San Diego stands out on the price to placement ratio. Nonresident graduate fees stay well below West Coast privates while research output and San Diego biotech recruiting keep starting salaries competitive.
Indian applicants who prioritise brand strength over cost often layer UC San Diego with UCLA and UC Berkeley applications, and treat SDSU as a safety option in the same city.
For students who fit UC San Diego’s research and STEM profile, the roughly INR 72.94 lakh MS total investment maps against a median MS Computer Science starting salary near INR 135 lakh, giving a payback window of two to three years for STEM masters graduates. The Fall intake, STEM OPT extension and San Diego biotech recruiting pipeline are the strongest structural advantages for Indian applicants planning to study in USA.
UC San Diego is a weaker fit for Indian applicants who need heavy institutional funding at the masters level, or who want a compact urban campus with easy public transport in every direction. Applicants with those constraints should compare UCLA for a larger central-city footprint or Arizona State University for a lower fee load and more generous international scholarships.
University of California, San Diego FAQs
Ques. Does University of California, San Diego accept a three-year Indian bachelor’s for graduate admission?
Ans. Most UC San Diego graduate departments require a four-year bachelor’s degree equivalent to a US bachelor’s. Indian applicants with a three-year BA or BCom typically need a completed master’s degree or a two-year postgraduate diploma to meet the equivalence bar. Three-year BSc, BTech and BE holders are usually assessed favourably. Applicants should confirm with the specific department before applying, since interpretations vary by school.
Ques. How does UC San Diego verify Indian transcripts and mark sheets?
Ans. UC San Diego accepts transcripts sent directly from Indian schools and universities. Class 10 and Class 12 mark sheets must move from the school in a sealed envelope with the registrar’s signature. Graduate applicants often add a WES or IERF course-by-course evaluation to convert CGPA into a US GPA equivalent. Self-translated or notarised copies uploaded by the applicant are not accepted for the official admission file.
Ques. What GRE score does University of California, San Diego prefer for MS Computer Science?
Ans. UC San Diego MS Computer Science and Engineering has kept GRE optional for recent Fall cycles including Fall 2026 admission. When submitted, competitive applicants tend to score 320 or higher on the combined section with a Quant score above 165. Indian applicants who target CS at UC San Diego usually strengthen the file with strong CGPA, coding profile and research letters rather than relying on the GRE score alone.
Ques. Can Indian students work part-time on campus at UC San Diego?
Ans. F-1 international students on I-20 status can work up to 20 hours per week on campus while classes are in session. UC San Diego runs a Handshake portal listing student assistant, research and administrative openings. Off-campus work needs authorisation such as Curricular Practical Training or Optional Practical Training. Indian graduate students often fund partial living costs through teaching assistantships or research assistantships tied to their department.
Ques. Which Indian banks fund education loans for University of California, San Diego programmes?
Ans. UC San Diego is a recognised institution for loan disbursement across major Indian public and private banks. State Bank of India, HDFC Credila, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank and Bank of Baroda commonly fund UC San Diego admits. Non-banking lenders including Avanse, InCred and Prodigy Finance also service UC San Diego applicants. Indian students should compare interest rates, collateral requirements and repayment holidays before finalising a lender.
Ques. What is the application fee for UC San Diego graduate programmes?
Ans. UC San Diego charges an application fee for graduate admission that international applicants must pay online at submission. Fee waivers are typically restricted to PhD applicants from specific programmes and to select underrepresented US applicants. Masters applicants from India should budget for the standard international application fee, plus separate charges for the WES evaluation and for sending official IELTS or TOEFL scores through the testing agency.
Ques. Does University of California, San Diego offer conditional admission for lower TOEFL scores?
Ans. UC San Diego does not run a formal conditional admission bridge for applicants below the graduate English proficiency floor. Applicants scoring below IELTS 7.0 or TOEFL iBT 85 are typically asked to retest before the department reviews the file. UC San Diego Extended Studies offers English language pathway courses, but completion does not guarantee direct admission to a degree programme.
Ques. How long does the F-1 OPT STEM extension last for UCSD graduates?
Ans. Indian graduates from UC San Diego STEM-designated programmes qualify for a 24-month OPT extension on top of the standard 12-month post-completion OPT. Total work authorisation on F-1 status reaches 36 months. MS Computer Science, MS Data Science, MS Business Analytics and most engineering masters at UC San Diego carry STEM designation. The extension requires an E-Verify enrolled employer and timely filing with USCIS.
UC-San Diego Program Fees & Deadlines
| Program | Important Dates | Fees | Application Fees | Eligibility | Financial Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MS Data Science 18 months | USD 28,000 /Yr | 155 | GPA- 3, IELTS- 7, TOEFL- 4.5, Duolingo- 120 | - | |
Application Deadline For 2027 Intake (19th Nov 2026) | USD 36,447 /Yr | 155 | TOEFL- 85 | IELTS- 7 | Duolingo- 120 | PTE- 65 | - | |
M.S Electrical and Computer Engineering 2 years Course Offered by: | Application Deadline For Fall 2027 Intake (7th Jan 2027) | USD 36,447 /Yr | 155 | TOEFL- 85 | IELTS- 7 | Duolingo- 120 | PTE- 65 | - |
M.S Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering 2 years Course Offered by: | USD 36,447 /Yr | 155 | TOEFL- 85 | IELTS- 7 | Duolingo- 120 | - | |
M.Eng Bioengineering 2 years | Application Deadline For Fall 2027 Intake (24th Nov 2026) | USD 36,447 /Yr | 155 | TOEFL- 85 | IELTS- 7 | Duolingo- 120 | - |
MS Business Analytics 1 year Course Offered by: | USD 77,654 /Yr | 150 | GPA- 3, IELTS- 7, TOEFL- 85, Duolingo- 120 | ||
Ph.D Data Science 4 years | Application Deadline for Fall 2027 intake (3rd Dec 2026) | USD 36,447 /Yr | 155 | IELTS: 7.0 | TOEFL: 85 | - |
M.S Structural Engineering 2 years | Application Deadline For Winter 2026 Intake (30th Sep 2026) Application Deadline For Spring 2027 Intake (7th Jan 2027) | USD 36,447 /Yr | 155 | TOEFL- 85 | IELTS- 7 | Duolingo- 120 | PTE- 65 | - |
M.B.A 2 years Course Offered by: | Round 1 Application Deadline For Fall 2027 Intake (1st Oct 2026) Round 2 Application Deadline For Fall 2027 Intake (15th Jan 2027) | USD 25,385 /Yr | 200 | TOEFL- 100 | IELTS- 7 | Duolingo- 120 | PTE- 65 | |
M.B.A Finance 2 years | Round 1 Application Deadline For Summer 2027 Intake (1st Oct 2026) | USD 87,696 /Yr | 200 | GPA:- 3.0, IELTS:- 7.0, TOEFL:- 100, PTE:- 65 |
Do you think the Dates are wrong ? Report Here
Find A Program
Top Recommended Courses
Course Offered by:
Master of Science [MS] Data Science
Do you think the fees are wrong ? Report Here
Do you think the fees are wrong ? Report Here
Course Finder - Search from 50K+ courses
Popular Streams:
UC-San Diego comparison
| University Name | University of California | University of Washington | University of Southern California | San Diego State University | University of San Diego |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Collegedunia Score | 7.3 Out of 10 | 7.2 Out of 10 | 5.9 Out of 10 | 4.2 Out of 10 | 4.1 Out of 10 |
| Overall Ranking |
|
|
|
|
|
| Subject Strength |
|
|
|
|
|
| Programs |
|
|
|
|
|
| Acceptance Rate | 0.0 % | 0.0 % | 10.0 % | 36.0 % | 47.0 % |
| Exam Score | - | ||||
| Cost to Study |
|
|
|
|
|
| - | Read Full Comparison | Read Full Comparison | Read Full Comparison | Read Full Comparison |
Do you think the data is wrong ? Report Here
Overall 81 out of 1504 in Global Ranking
Do you think the Rankings are wrong ? Report Here
UC-San Diego Reviews
Most Popular Tags
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
Campus Life
-
UCSD has a massive library which students mostly spend their final exam week in.
-
Its got 7 floors - the basement and first floor are for "loud studying" and as you go higher a floor you have to be quieter.
-
I was part of the cricket club at UCSD and I really enjoyed my time there.
-
We had annual regionals in LA, regularly drove to play against UC Irvine, and even started to host home games.
-
The bollywood dancing clubs were also very big.
Fees
- I do not remember exact numbers but our fee was charged on a yearly basis.
- After the first 2 years many people chose to live off campus but I decided to live on campus, which included a meal plan.
- For a single room, rent cost around 1000-1100 USD a month.
- The rest of my monthly budget was around 800 USD a month I think. I also had an on campus job which paid 15 USD an hour
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
Campus Life
- The University of California has 10 campuses across the state, with UC San Francisco Being a campus only for graduate studies. I am at UC San Diego. UCSD has many Facilities for sports, academics, and other student services.
- UCSD competes at the NCAA Division I level in many sports including basketball, baseball, fencing and swimming, and competes at the Division II level in a few other sports. As a result, the sports facilities on campus are excellent with courts for any sport one may wish to do.
- There is even a climbing gym on campus (which I discovered just this quarter). Outside of sports, UCSD has many mental health and well-being resources and offers free counselling / therapy services to students.
- Each housing college holds many events forstudents in each quarter, while a few big events (like the Sun God Festival) are hostedby the university itself.
- There are over 500 listed student orgs at UCSD so there are a lot of opportunities to pursue activities outside of academics.
- Some of the orgs that I have been involved with are SUMS (math society), DS3 (Data Science org), Hiking club, and the Okinawan Karate club. Along with clubs we also have greek life (sororities and fraternities), though I do not have much information about these.
Fees
- Total cost for a full academic year is about seventy thousand US dollars.
- Fifty thousand dollars are for tuition and fees costs, twenty thousand dollars are for living costs (which include four thousand dollars for the base meal plan for the year). In addition, there are miscellaneous costs (for example groceries, eating at restaurants, commute, etc.) which will vary per person.
- Fees are charged per quarter, and there are three quarters (+ an optional summer quarter).
%20-%20Vishudh%20Shah.jpeg)
%20-%20Vishudh%20Shah.jpeg)
%20-%20Vishudh%20Shah.jpeg)
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.
Campus Life
Pretty fun, all major clubs and fraternities are available. Wifi is good, the gym is great, casual sports are very accessible, and lots of events are hosted by clubs including cultural ones. Library is very famous - Geisel, named after Dr. Seuss.
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.
Campus Life
A lot of accessible and well-maintained sports facilities. I used to regularly play tennis, badminton and swimming. The ocean is very close by, so surfing and kayaking are also popular.
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.
Campus Life
Extensive research labs , well equipped libraries and sports facilities as well.
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.
Campus Life
Ample clubs, campus infrastructure is state-of-the-art, spread over 2000 acres, multiple sports gyms, stadiums, 8 floor library one of the best in the US, campus-wide 100 mbps WiFi, and we have our own amphitheatre and arts and music complex where events and shows keep taking place.
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 "
Campus Life
There are more than 100 clubs and organizations to choose from at UCSD. The library is one of the best in the world (looks like a ufo) . Sports facilities are also excellent with facilities for more than 100 sports.
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.
Fees
It is broken down into school tuition, housing, and then several other activity fees. Activity fees range from a few dollars to a couple hundred.
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.
Fees
Health insurance, Transportation fee, Maintenance fee, Recreation fee, Athletics fee, College activities fee, Student service fee, University Center fee, College fee, Campus activity fee, Registration fee, Tuition.
UC-San Diego Scholarships
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jagdish Bhagwati Fellowship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| Bharat Petroleum Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Comindware Scholarship | Scholarship per student$4,000 | Level Of StudyApprenticeship | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Forktip Women’s- Innovation Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| FINCAD Women in Finance Scholarship | Scholarship per student$20,000 | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship | Scholarship per student$5,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based |
Do you think the Scholarship is wrong ? Report Here
UC-San Diego Admissions
Application Portal: https://connect.grad.ucsd.edu/apply/
MSBA Round 3 Application Deadline For Summer 2026 Intake Deadlines
Important Date: January15 (Application deadline)CSE Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake Deadlines
Important Date: December17 (Application deadline)
Attendance Cost
The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees
UC-San Diego Campuses, Schools & Faculties
UC-San Diego Accreditations
Faculty
| Total Faculty | Full Time | Part Time | Graduate Assistants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4141 | - | - | - |
interested in this College ?
Follow & Share this college to get information about admission.
Comments
Found 6 Comments
The possibility of getting into your desired colleges abroad depends on your academic qualifications, test scores, extracurricular activities, and how well you meet the specific admission criteria of each institution.
In order to gain admission to the University of California San Diego, you must fulfill their eligibility criteria, one of which includes having a GPA of 3.0 (85%). If you have only just passed your B.Sc in Mechanical Engineering, you may not be eligible for this university.
To apply for graduate admission at the University of California San Diego, you must have a bachelor's degree or the equivalent from an accredited institution with a GPA of 3.0 and above on a 4.0 scale. Along with that international students whose native language is not English must submit valid ELP test scores. GRE is not mandatory for admission but students who have taken the test can submit their scores.