Study at the University of California, Berkeley: Bachelor's Programs

The University of California, Berkeley, also known as UC Berkeley, or UCB, is a public university located in Berkeley, California. Established in 1868, it has fourteen colleges and schools that offer more than 350-degree programs and enrols around 31,800 students in bachelor’s programs.

The University of California, Berkeley, does not have an official campus. It offers four-year, full-time 107 bachelor’s programs offers. The most popular courses offered for undergraduates are in computer sciences, economics, electrical engineering, environmental science, molecular and cell biology, and political science. 

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To get admission to UC Berkeley, foreign nationals require in high school an average GPA score of 3.8, which is equivalent to 90%. They also need to submit minimum scores of 80 in TOEFL iBT. 

Tuition fees for Indian students at UC Berkeley cost $44,132.8 for bachelor’s programs. The cost of accommodation at UCB costs them about $37,900. 

Since living on campus for Indian students is very expensive, most of them opt for off-campus accommodation, which costs around $34,100 per year.

UC Berkeley ranks among the best public universities in the world. It is renowned for STEM courses.

Rankings of the UC Berkeley

According to the QS World University Rankings 2024, UC Berkeley is ranked #10, and the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025 place it at #8 globally. 

Top Courses and Tuition Fees at the University of California

UCB offers more than 350-degree programs. Some of the top programs that the university offers along with their fees are as follows:

Name of the Course	Tuition Fees per Year (USD)
BA, Psychology	40,505.3
BS, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science	40,505.3
BA, Computer Science	40,505.3
BS, Business Administration	40,505.3
BS, Industrial Engineering and Operations Research	40,505.3
BA, Data Science	40,505.3
BS, Management, Entrepreneurship and Technology	40,505.3
BS, Nuclear Engineering	40,505.3
BA, Global Management	40,505.3
BS, Mechanical Engineering	40,505.3

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UC Berkeley campus

The University of California, Berkeley has more than 32,000 pursuing undergraduate studies. 

There is a single application to apply to all UCB schools. They, however, take a decision independently on the selection of candidates.

Accommodation at the UC Berkeley

The prices of some of the standard accommodations for foreign students at the UCB are as follows:

Type of Residence	Annual Rent (USD)
Single	15,150.8
Double	13,096.8
Triple	10,668.4
Large Triple	10,982.5
Quad	9,530.6

Admission process at the UC Berkeley

The University of California Berkeley’s acceptance rate is 17.5%.

All foreign nationals seeking admission to courses at the UCB need to complete the process as follows.

Step	Admission Process for Indian Students at UC Berkeley
1	Apply through the UC Application Portal. Application windows for undergraduate programs are typically open from August 1 to November 30.
2	Submit academic transcripts for 10+2 or equivalent, translated into English, showcasing high academic performance.
3	Provide standardized test scores (SAT/ACT), which are optional for 2024/25 admissions. Submitting scores may strengthen your application.
4	Demonstrate English proficiency with a TOEFL iBT score of 100+ or IELTS score of 7.0+. Ensure scores are sent directly to UC Berkeley.
5	Submit a well-crafted Personal Insight Question (PIQ) response, highlighting your academic achievements, career goals, and why you want to study at UC Berkeley.
6	If required by your program, include two to three recommendation letters from teachers, counselors, or academic mentors.
7	Pay the application fee of $80 USD. Fee waivers may be available for eligible students upon request.
8	Submit proof of financial ability to cover tuition and living expenses. This is mandatory for F-1 visa applications.

Indian students aiming to study at UC Berkeley should note the competitive acceptance rate of 17.5%. Ensure all application materials are submitted accurately and on time. For additional details, visit the UC Berkeley Admissions page.

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Documents Required for Admission to UC Berkeley for Indian Students

Document	Details
Academic Transcripts	Official transcripts of 10+2 or equivalent, translated into English if not originally in English.
Standardized Test Scores (Optional)	SAT or ACT scores (optional for 2024/25 admissions). Including these may strengthen your application.
English Proficiency Test Scores	TOEFL iBT (minimum score 100) or IELTS (minimum score 7.0). Ensure scores are sent directly to UC Berkeley.
Personal Insight Questions (PIQs)	Thoughtful responses to questions highlighting academic achievements, goals, and motivations for applying.
Letters of Recommendation (If Required)	Two to three letters from teachers, counselors, or mentors, depending on the specific program.
Financial Proof	Documentation showing the ability to cover tuition fees and living expenses for the duration of the course.
Valid Passport	A scanned copy of a valid passport for identification and visa purposes.
Application Fee Receipt	Proof of payment for the $80 USD application fee (waivers available for eligible students).

Cost of attendance at the UC Berkeley

The UCB’s average tuition fee for bachelor’s programs is $44,126. 

The approximate average yearly cost of education for undergraduate programs is as follows:

Type of Expense	Cost (USD)
Room and board	15,655.4
Student Health Insurance Plan	3,479
Food	1,510
Books and supplies	785.2
Personal Expense	1,703.25
Transportation	362.3

Scholarships offered by the UC Berkeley

Though UCB offers scholarships only for a few foreign students pursuing bachelor’s programs, they can avail of grants. 

Work-Study Options at UC Berkeley

UCB offers work-study options such as food service workers, housing assistants, and library student employees which also improve the job skills of the students, besides allowing them to earn money to pay their expenses. 

Placements at the UC Berkeley

The University of California Berkeley’s Career Center aids students in finding jobs or internships. Students can also learn here about externships, writing CVs or cover letters, planning their careers, etc.

UC Berkeley alumni

The Cal Alumni Association (CAA) provides all its students opportunities to network with alumni.  

Other services

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