University of California, Berkeley
University of California, Berkeley
University of California, Berkeley overview
UC Berkeley is a public university that ranks among the world's finest — it was the first institution to receive a land grant under the Morrill Acts of 1862–1890 signed into law by Abraham Lincoln in the state of California, and it is the founding campus of the University of California, established in 1868.
With 14 colleges and professional schools, UC Berkeley offers students more than 350 undergraduate and graduate programs, and approximately 45,000 students enroll each year.
As a founding member of the Association of American Universities (AAU) — an organization of American and Canadian universities committed to maintaining a strong system of academic research and scholarship at the forefront — UC Berkeley is home to numerous leading research facilities.
UC Berkeley allocates substantial funding for research every year, and the university has played a part in many landmark scientific developments, from the Manhattan Project to the discovery of 16 chemical elements.
More than 587,000 Berkeley alumni and faculty members from around the world have achieved countless accomplishments, particularly in the fields of physics, chemistry, and computer science.
About University of California, Berkeley
UC Berkeley is a public university that ranks among the world's finest — it was the first institution to receive a land grant under the Morrill Acts of 1862–1890 signed into law by Abraham Lincoln in the state of California, and it is the founding campus of the University of California, established in 1868.
With 14 colleges and professional schools, UC Berkeley offers students more than 350 undergraduate and graduate programs, and approximately 45,000 students enroll each year.
As a founding member of the Association of American Universities (AAU) — an organization of American and Canadian universities committed to maintaining a strong system of academic research and scholarship at the forefront — UC Berkeley is home to numerous leading research facilities.
UC Berkeley allocates substantial funding for research every year, and the university has played a part in many landmark scientific developments, from the Manhattan Project to the discovery of 16 chemical elements.
More than 587,000 Berkeley alumni and faculty members from around the world have achieved countless accomplishments, particularly in the fields of physics, chemistry, and computer science.
University of California, Berkeley faculties and programs
University of California, Berkeley scholarships and financial aid
UC Berkeley provides scholarship opportunities for international students. However, it should be noted that scholarship programs have limited funding and spots, that scholarships are awarded based on need and merit, and that admission standards are high. Students wishing to apply for scholarship programs offered by UC Berkeley can access the relevant programs through the link below.
University of California, Berkeley Exam Requirements
Submitting at least one of the exams below with the required score is a prerequisite for application. The score threshold may vary by program.
How to get into University of California, Berkeley
International prospective students wishing to apply to undergraduate programs offered by UC Berkeley must fulfill the following admission requirements.
- Completion of 12 Years of Basic Education
- 4-Year High School Diploma
- Strong GPA
- Official transcripts listing all courses taken and grades earned during high school
- SAT or ACT Score
- English Proficiency Certificate
- An English proficiency certificate obtained through standardized tests such as IELTS or TOEFL iBT
- Personal Statement & Essay
Academic qualifications earned through programs such as GCE A-Level, International Baccalaureate, and Advanced Placement are not sufficient on their own for direct admission; however, students enrolled in these programs may request course credit based on the classes they have taken.
Prospective students wishing to apply to graduate programs offered by UC Berkeley must fulfill the following admission requirements.
- 4-Year Bachelor's Degree
- Strong GPA
- Official transcripts listing all courses taken and grades earned during undergraduate study
- Relevant Work Experience
- English Proficiency Certificate
- An English proficiency certificate obtained through standardized tests such as IELTS or TOEFL iBT
- GRE/GMAT scores may be required depending on the specific admission requirements of the program you are applying to.
Application Deadlines
* These dates are subject to change. Get in touch with our Dream Uni advisors to learn the up-to-date deadlines and all the details about the University of California, Berkeley application process.
Take a closer look at University of California, Berkeley
The Berkeley campus of the University of California covers 500 hectares, of which 72 hectares make up the main campus.
The remaining areas of the campus include Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Lawrence Hall of Science, various research facilities, the Space Sciences Laboratory, the Mathematical Sciences Research Institute, a 320-hectare nature reserve and ecological corridors, the University of California Botanical Garden — home to more than 12,000 rare protected plant species — and the Recreation Center at Strawberry Canyon.
The 32 libraries on the Berkeley campus collectively house more than 13 million volumes.
The campus is home to several museums and arts centers, most notably the University of California Museum of Paleontology, the Berkeley Art Museum, and the Pacific Film Archive.
The university has 12 different residential halls where students can live on campus.
Seven residential halls for undergraduate students are located off campus in the city of Berkeley.
The dormitories include common areas and dining halls. There are 3 additional residential buildings on the east side of the main campus.
Because of their proximity to the College of Natural Sciences and the College of Engineering, these dorms are generally preferred by students pursuing undergraduate degrees in science and engineering.
UC Berkeley has more than 1,200 student clubs that students can join based on their personal interests and career goals.
Three percent of male students and 9 percent of female students are members of fraternities or sororities, and there are 60 Greek chapter houses on the main campus.
The Associated Students of the University of California (ASUC), which manages student clubs and organizes campus events, has been actively operating since 1887.
Given its independent funding model, engagement activities, and the resources it controls, ASUC is regarded as the most autonomous student government in the United States.
While keeping academic achievement front and center, UC Berkeley also makes sure students have fun — the university organizes numerous events and festivals throughout the year:
- January: Berkeley Restaurant Week, where you can sample special dishes from California cuisine made with local, sustainable ingredients — perfect for those looking to discover new flavors.
- February: Pizza Month, organized to support local pizza restaurants.
- March: Chahar-Shanbeh Souri Festival (Iranian New Year Festival), celebrated on the last Tuesday of winter to welcome spring.
- April: Cal Week, an event welcoming students newly joining the UC Berkeley family, featuring many exciting activities.
- May: Bay Area Book Festival, bringing tens of thousands of book lovers together with hundreds of authors.
- June: Free Berkeley World Music Weekend, hosting musicians from many parts of the world. Juneteenth Festival, celebrating African American traditions and culture. Sunday Streets, where streets are closed to traffic for the day and opened to the public for social activities. Berkeley Festival & Exhibition, a music biennial that has continued since 1990.
- July: Berkeley Kite Festival, held at Berkeley Marina — one of the best spots for flying kites.
- August: Chocolate and Chalk Art Festival, featuring award-winning competitions for artists and chocolate tastings. Solano Avenue Stroll, the largest street festival on the East Coast, combining entertainment, food, and parades.
UC Berkeley has an extensive alumni network that includes many distinguished graduates who have excelled in various fields. Notable alumni of the university include:
- Earl Warren
- Steven Chu
- Jennifer Granholm
- Robert Reich
- Christina Romer
- Steve Wozniak
- Gordon Moore
- Eric Schmidt
- Edmund Gerald
- Blake R. Van Leer
- Gregory Peck
- Natalie Coughlin
- Robert McNamara
- Ed Meese
- Daniel Kahneman
- Harold Urey
among others.
University of California, Berkeley cost of living
University of California, Berkeley Frequently Asked Questions
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University of California, Berkeley Location
Berkeley, California
University of California, Berkeley Contact
University of California, Berkeley
Take a Closer Look
How to Get Into University of California, Berkeley
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