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University of California, Berkeley

The flagship of the University of California

#17
QS Rank
1868
Founded
~17%
Intl. students
~11%
Acceptance
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About University of California, Berkeley

UC Berkeley is one of the top public universities in the world, with elite programmes across engineering, computer science, business, and the sciences, and a strong record of Nobel laureates and tech founders.

💰 Tuition Fees for International Students

Undergraduate
USD 44,000–49,000/year (international)
Postgraduate
USD 30,000–60,000/year (varies)

Fees are indicative for international students. Verify current rates on the university's official website.

📋 Entry Requirements

IELTS7.0 overall
PTE68+
GPACompetitive; SAT/ACT and strong GPA

🌏 Life as an International Student

📍 Location
Berkeley, CA, United States
💼 Working while studying
On-campus up to 20 hours/week; off-campus only via CPT/OPT
🎓 After you graduate
OPT — 12 months (up to 36 months for STEM fields)
🏥 Health cover
Private health insurance is required (~US$1,500–2,500/yr).
💰 Living costs
US$12,000–20,000 per year
🗓️ Main intakes
Fall (main) and Spring

Country-level guidance for international students. Visa, work and cost figures change — confirm current details with University of California, Berkeley and the United States immigration authority.

Popular Programmes

Electrical Engineering and Computer SciencesBusiness (Haas)Data ScienceEconomicsMolecular Biology

🎓 Scholarships Available

  • Berkeley International Office funding resources
  • Departmental fellowships
  • Graduate assistantships

Also check: government and national scholarships →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Berkeley a public university?

Yes. Berkeley is the flagship campus of the public University of California system, though international tuition is set at non-resident rates.

Where is University of California, Berkeley located?

University of California, Berkeley is located in Berkeley, CA, United States.

Can international students work while studying at University of California, Berkeley?

United States generally allows students to work on-campus up to 20 hours/week; off-campus only via CPT/OPT. On-campus roles — library, admin or research-assistant work — are often available too. Always confirm the work conditions attached to your student visa.

Can I stay and work after graduating from University of California, Berkeley?

Yes — United States offers a post-study work pathway: OPT — 12 months (up to 36 months for STEM fields). Eligibility and length depend on your course and level, and immigration rules change, so confirm the current policy before relying on it.

How much should I budget for living costs at University of California, Berkeley?

Plan for roughly US$12,000–20,000 per year in living costs on top of tuition. Berkeley, CA can run above or below that national range depending on rent and lifestyle.

Do I need health insurance to study at University of California, Berkeley?

Private health insurance is required (~US$1,500–2,500/yr). Build this into your budget before you arrive.

When are the main intakes at University of California, Berkeley?

United States's main university intakes are Fall (main) and Spring. Apply well ahead of your intended start — popular intakes and scholarships fill early.

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