University of California, San Diego (UCSD)
University of California, San Diego (UCSD)
University of California, San Diego (UCSD) overview
The University of California, San Diego (UCSD) is a renowned public research university located in La Jolla, California. It was founded in 1960 as part of the University of California system and is one of the youngest campuses in the UC network. The idea for the university was first proposed by Roger Revelle, a prominent figure in the field of oceanography, who played an important role in its establishment. The Scripps Institution of Oceanography, founded in 1903 and integrated into UCSD, formed the core of the university. UCSD is recognized for its cutting-edge research and innovation, consistently ranking among the top 15 research universities worldwide. The campus boasts landmark buildings that combine modern architecture and natural beauty, such as the Geisel Library, named after Theodor Seuss Geisel (Dr. Seuss), a prominent philanthropist. UCSD has a distinguished faculty, including numerous Nobel laureates, MacArthur fellows and members of prestigious academies. Some of the most notable are Harold Urey, who won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, and Mario Molina, who won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his work on the ozone layer. The University is a center for pioneering research in fields as diverse as medicine, engineering and environmental science. It is home to several research institutes, such as the Qualcomm Institute and the Rady School of Management, which have made significant contributions to technological advances and entrepreneurship. UCSD's achievements include groundbreaking work in climate science, neuroscience and bioengineering.
About University of California, San Diego (UCSD)
The University of California, San Diego (UCSD) is a renowned public research university located in La Jolla, California. It was founded in 1960 as part of the University of California system and is one of the youngest campuses in the UC network. The idea for the university was first proposed by Roger Revelle, a prominent figure in the field of oceanography, who played an important role in its establishment. The Scripps Institution of Oceanography, founded in 1903 and integrated into UCSD, formed the core of the university. UCSD is recognized for its cutting-edge research and innovation, consistently ranking among the top 15 research universities worldwide. The campus boasts landmark buildings that combine modern architecture and natural beauty, such as the Geisel Library, named after Theodor Seuss Geisel (Dr. Seuss), a prominent philanthropist. UCSD has a distinguished faculty, including numerous Nobel laureates, MacArthur fellows and members of prestigious academies. Some of the most notable are Harold Urey, who won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, and Mario Molina, who won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his work on the ozone layer. The University is a center for pioneering research in fields as diverse as medicine, engineering and environmental science. It is home to several research institutes, such as the Qualcomm Institute and the Rady School of Management, which have made significant contributions to technological advances and entrepreneurship. UCSD's achievements include groundbreaking work in climate science, neuroscience and bioengineering.
University of California, San Diego (UCSD) faculties and programs
University of California, San Diego (UCSD) scholarships and financial aid
UCSD offers a variety of scholarship opportunities for international students. However, it should be noted that scholarship programs are limited in terms of space and funding, admission standards are high and scholarships are awarded on a need-based basis. For more information about scholarship programs, please click on the link below or contact us.
Scholarships
University of California, San Diego (UCSD) 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, San Diego (UCSD)
Admission Requirements for International Students
Undergraduate
Application Materials
- UC Application (submitted via UC Application Portal)
- Application Fee
- School Report
- Teacher Evaluations
- Official Transcripts from Secondary School
- Mid-Year Report
Academic Requirements
- Successful completion of basic education
- High School Diploma
- Certificate in English Proficiency
- Certificate in English proficiency received through internationally recognized proficiency tests such as IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic.
- High Grade Point Average
- SAT or ACT Standardized Test Score (optional)
- Supplemental Application Essays
Please note that AP and IB exam scores are considered additional pieces of academic information and can help the university understand your level of preparation and potential for college level work. AP and IB exam scores do not guarantee admission to UCSD.
Graduate
- Bachelor's Degree Diploma
- High Grade Point Average
- Official transcripts of the courses taken by the applicant during college/university education
- Work experience may be required for certain programs
- Certificate in English Proficiency
- Certificate in English proficiency received through internationally recognized proficiency tests such as IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT.
- GRE/GMAT exam score may be required in accordance with the specific admission requirements of certain programs.
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, San Diego (UCSD) application process.
Take a closer look at University of California, San Diego (UCSD)
UC San Diego is located in the La Jolla enclave in northern San Diego, bordered by the communities of La Jolla Shores, Torrey Pines and University City. The main campus consists of 761 buildings covering 1,152 acres (466 ha), with approximately 889 acres (360 ha) of natural reserves and outside facilities covering the remaining area. The San Diego Freeway runs through the campus and separates the Jacobs Medical Center and Mesa Apartments from most of the university. The Preuss School, a college preparatory charter school founded and managed by UC San Diego, is also located in the eastern part of the campus. At the heart of the university is the iconic Geisel Library, named after Dr. Seuss following a $20 million donation from his wife Audrey. Library Walk, a heavily traveled path from the library to Gilman Drive, is located adjacent to or near several student services buildings, including the Price Center, Centre Hall, the International Center, and the Student Services Center and Career Services building. The layout of the main campus is on Geisel Library, roughly surrounded by the seven residential colleges of Revelle, Muir, Marshall, Warren, Roosevelt, Sixth, Seventh, and the Medical School. The seven colleges have separate residential facilities for their students, and the buildings of each college differ in architectural styles. As residential colleges were added as the university expanded, the buildings in the newer colleges were designed in completely different styles from those of the original campus.
The university offers classical orchestras, intramural sports and more than 550 student organizations. 38 national and local Greek organizations are hosted on campus. The University operates on an academic quarter system, with three primary quarters beginning in late September and ending in mid-June. 44% of undergraduate students receive federal Pell Grants. The undergraduate student body is the Associated Students of the University of California, San Diego, organized as a cabinet and senate, while graduate students are represented by the Graduate Student Association, a proportional representative body based on membership. In addition, graduate students who serve as teaching assistants are represented by the UC-wide Academic Student Employees union. Each of the seven residential colleges also has its own student council. Most student media publications distributed on campus are services provided and managed by ASUCSD, including Triton Television, the school's student-run film studio and radio station KSDT. A notable exception is The Guardian, which is managed directly by the university's Student Affairs department.
- Mike Judge
- Angela Davis
- Theo Epstein
- Alicia Garza
- Nathan East
- Jef Raskin
- Susumu Tonegawa
- David Barrera
University of California, San Diego (UCSD) cost of living
University of California, San Diego (UCSD) awards and achievements
- 27 Nobel Laureates
- 3 Fields Medallists
- 8 National Medals of Science
- 8 MacArthur Fellows
- 3 Pulitzer Prize Winners
- 29 Members of National Academy of Engineering
- 70 Members of National Academy of Sciences
- 110 Members of American Academy of Arts and Sciences
University of California, San Diego (UCSD) Frequently Asked Questions
University of California, San Diego (UCSD) Location
San Diego
University of California, San Diego (UCSD) Contact
University of California, San Diego (UCSD)
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How to Get Into University of California, San Diego (UCSD)
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