University of California San Diego (MS Programs)

The University of California, San Diego, also referred to as UCSD, or is a public university located in San Diego, California. 

Established in 1960, UC San Diego offers more than 200 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in which more than 33,300 undergraduate and 9,500 graduate students are enrolled. 

The main campus is spread over 1,152 acres. UCSD is home to twelve graduate, undergraduate, and professional schools, besides seven undergraduate residential colleges.

There are 761 buildings on the main campus where programs are offered in two professional medical schools, three graduate schools, and six residential colleges. 

*Need assistance to study in USA? Y-Axis is here to assist you in all the ways.

The University of California, San Diego has an acceptance rate of 38%. To gain admission, students need to have got GPA of at least 3.0 out of 4.0, which is equivalent to 83% 86%. The mean GPA of enrolled students is 3.82 out of 4.0, which is equivalent to 92% to 93%. 

At UC San Diego, the average cost of attendance is around $57,948, which includes a tuition fee of $13,521 and an additional tuition fee of close to $27,767 for foreign students. The average monthly accommodation costs around $1,775. 

Rankings of University of California San Diego 

As per the QS Global World Ranking 2023, UCSD is placed #53 globally and Times Higher Education (THE) ranks it #34 in World University Rankings in 2022

The Campus of the University of California San Diego 

Housed in the 761 buildings of the campus are administrative blocks, classrooms, medical facilities, labs, libraries, research centers, residential buildings, sports facilities, studios, etc.

• On the campus are nine sports facilities, which an arena that can seat 5,000 people and a modern training center for athletes.
• It has about 45 fraternity and sorority organizations.
• More than 18,000 students on the campus participate in community services every year.
• It is said to be one of the most accommodating universities for LGBTQ people in the United States.

Accommodations at the University of California San Diego 

University of California San Diego assures housing for two years for every new student who satisfies application and contract deadlines. The housing application is free for UCSD students. Included in its meal plan are elastic options. 

The cost of living in the university residences is as follows:

Type of Residence Hall Room	Annual Cost (USD)
Triple	12,652 to 14,499
Double	13,581.5 to 15,441
Single	14,656 to 16,503

 

The dining cost in the apartments is as follows:  

Type of Apartment Room	Options for Dining Plans
Mini-Double	12,217 to 14,064.5
Triple	13,099 to 14,946
Double	14,040 to 15,887.5
Single	15,103 to 16,950

 

Special accommodations are available for differently-abled students or those suffering from medical conditions. The university provides various resources to help students who want to stay off-campus to find convenient accommodation.

Programs at the University of California San Diego 

The institute offers diverse types of courses for foreign students which include more than 130 majors for undergraduates. The most sought-after majors at UCSD are:

• Biochemistry
• Computer Science
• Economics
• Molecular Biology

 

More than 600 courses are offered in more than 40 disciplines in the summer session of the university.

*Confused to choose which course to pursue? Avail Y-Axis course recommendation services to choose the best.

Around 22% of its undergraduate students take part in study abroad programs annually. The university’s Extension International Programs offer Certificate Programs in law, business, project management, and teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL). A Paralegal certificate program is offered to students, merging practical paralegal skills with legal theory and analysis.

Application Process at the University of California San Diego 

Foreign students seeking admission to UCSD need to fill out an online application and submit required papers such as academic transcripts, declarations of purpose, department-specific materials, and additional information. Individuals can apply to two programs simultaneously at UC San Diego, but you cannot apply to both from the same department.

Application portal: Undergraduate Portal | Graduate Portal, 

Application Fee: $140

Undergraduate Admission Requirements:

• Academic Transcripts 
• Statement of purpose (SOP)
• Letter of recommendation (LOR)
• Documents showing financial stability 
• English Language Proficiency Score

• • In TOEFL iBT, a minimum score of 83 is required
  • In IELTS, a minimum score of 7.0 is required 

Graduate Admission Requirements:

• A four-year bachelor’s degree 
• Official transcripts
• GPA of at least 3.0 out of 4.0, which is equivalent to 87% to 89%
• Standardized exam scores in GMAT/GRE
• Three letters of recommendation (LORs)
• English proficiency score

• • In TOEFL iBT, a minimum score of 85 is required
  • In IELTS, a minimum score of 7.0 is required 

*Get expert coaching services from Y-Axis professionals to ace your scores.

Cost of Attendance at the University of California San Diego 

For foreign students aspiring to enroll in the university, the approximate cost of living is as follows:

The cost of attendance for graduates varies from one program to another. 

The ballpark estimated cost is as follows:

Fee Type	Amount (USD)
Student Services Fee	1,038
Tuition	10,539
University Center Fee	278
Recreation Facility Fee	314
GSA Fee	36
Student Transportation Fee	169
Health Insurance	3,585.5
Nonresident Supplemental Tuition	13,920

 

Scholarships Provided by the University of California San Diego 

UCSD does not provide awards and scholarships to foreign students. Some departments grant limited aid to foreign undergraduate and graduate students.

Candidates can apply for some external scholarships that the university does not administer. 

Alumni of the University of California San Diego 

The alumni network of UCSD has more than 200,000 worldwide. It arranges on campus the UC Alumni Career Network every year. 

Placements at the University of California San Diego 

The university organizes career fairs, on-campus interviews, and other career opportunities to help students in securing gainful employment. The career portal of UCSD, Handshake, assists students in finding internships, preparing their résumés, and exploring career opportunities to improve their skill sets. 

 

Other Services

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE	LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION	OVERSEAS EDUCATION LOAN
COUNTRY SPECIFIC ADMISSION	COURSE RECOMMENDATION	DOCUMENT PROCUREMENT