Lori Meadows
UCLA is a highly competitive university that welcomes students from all over the world. In 2024, the acceptance rate for freshman applicants was only 6% for international students and 9% overall. UCLA's international student population stands at 6,347, contributing to 11% of the total student body, with the undergraduate student body comprising 7.7% international students and the graduate student body comprising 17% international students. UCLA has a holistic admissions approach, and while SAT and ACT scores are not considered, international applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through exams like TOEFL, IELTS, and DET. International students must also meet specific requirements, including adequate medical insurance and proof of sufficient funds for educational and living expenses.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate for international students | 6% for freshman admission in 2024 |
| Total number of international students | 6,347 |
| Number of countries represented | 106-107 |
| Percentage of international students in the undergraduate student body | 7.7% |
| Percentage of international students in the graduate student body | 17% |
| English proficiency requirements | TOEFL, IELTS and DET |
| SAT and ACT scores | Not required or considered for admission |
| Medical insurance requirement | International students on non-immigrant visas must have adequate medical insurance |
| Financial aid for international students | UCLA does not award scholarships or financial aid to undergraduate international students |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
UCLA's acceptance rate for international students
UCLA does accept international students, but the acceptance rate is low. In 2024, the acceptance rate for international freshman students was just 6%, compared to an average acceptance rate of 9% for in-state students. The rate is even lower for international applicants with impacted majors, as the number of spots for these students is capped.
UCLA does not consider SAT or ACT scores for admission, and students are not asked to provide these scores on their application. However, applicants must demonstrate English proficiency, usually through TOEFL, IELTS or DET exams. If English is your second language, you may be required to take UCLA's English-as-a-Second-Language Placement Examination (ESLPE). If your score shows a serious deficiency, you'll need to gain proficiency in English before starting your studies.
International students must also prove that they have sufficient funds to cover their educational and living expenses. For example, students admitted to the Fall Quarter of 2025 will need a minimum of about $80,739, with an additional $5,000 recommended for personal expenses and contingencies. UCLA also requires that all international students on non-immigrant visas have adequate medical insurance during all periods of enrollment.
Transfer applicants need to have taken college-level coursework amounting to 90-130 quarter (60-90 semester) units of credit. UCLA gives preference to students transferring from California community colleges, including international students. Three out of four admitted international transfers were attending a California community college when they applied.
International Students: Can They Start US Businesses?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Application requirements for international students
UCLA welcomes thousands of international students every year. The application requirements for international students are outlined below.
English Proficiency:
If English was not the language of instruction during your high school or secondary school education, you must demonstrate English proficiency. This can be done by taking the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing Service (IELTS), or the Duolingo English Test (DET). Competitive scores are above 100 on the TOEFL, 7 or above on the IELTS, and 130 or higher on the DET.
Academic Records:
UCLA requires records from your secondary school showing subjects taken and grades received, as well as any national or government certificates earned. If you have attended college or university, documents of all coursework must also be provided in the original language along with English translations.
Financial Requirements:
International students must prove they have sufficient funds to cover educational and living expenses. For example, students admitted for Fall 2025 needed a minimum of $80,739, with an additional $5,000 recommended for personal expenses.
Medical Insurance:
All international students on non-immigrant visas must have adequate medical insurance during their enrollment.
Visa Requirements:
The UCLA Dashew Center provides support and resources for international students, including assistance in obtaining and maintaining an F-1 visa. They also help students obtain the required I-20 form, which must be presented to the U.S. Consulate to receive the student visa.
Standard Application Requirements:
In addition to the requirements specific to international students, UCLA's standard application process includes a New Student Orientation for undergraduate applicants. UCLA does not consider SAT or ACT scores for admission and does not require official test scores to be sent with the application. However, all test information must be accurately self-reported on the application site by January.
A Guide for International Students: Locating Your I-94
You may want to see also
Explore related products
English language requirements for international students
UCLA welcomes students from all over the world. The university has a set of English language requirements that international students must meet to be eligible for admission. These requirements vary depending on the student's level of study and their chosen program.
For undergraduate students, UCLA accepts the TOEFL, IELTS, and DET exams as proof of English proficiency. While SAT or ACT scores are not considered for admission, they can be used to demonstrate English language proficiency. UCLA recommends that international applicants take one of the three common exams and achieve the recommended scores outlined in their International Admission Guide to be competitive for admission.
For graduate students, UCLA requires proof of English proficiency through either prior education or exam scores. If a student has received their bachelor's degree from an institution where English is the sole language of instruction and the primary spoken language of daily life, they are exempt from submitting English proficiency test scores. However, if the student's degree is not from an Anglophone country, they must certify their proficiency in English when applying to UCLA. The minimum scores required for admission are a TOEFL iBT score of 87 or an IELTS Academic speaking band score of 8.5. Additionally, graduate students seeking a teaching assistantship must meet specific English proficiency requirements, including a minimum TOEFL iBT speaking subsection score of 28 or a passing score on UCLA's Test of Oral Proficiency (TOP).
Upon arrival at UCLA, admitted graduate students may be required to confirm their English proficiency by taking the UCLA English as a Second Language Placement Examination (ESLPE). If their score on the TOEFL iBT is less than 100 or their IELTS Academic score is less than 7.5, they must take the ESLPE. Depending on their performance on the ESLPE, they may be required to complete English as a Second Language courses during their first term at UCLA.
International students enrolled in UCLA Extension courses must also meet English language requirements. They can satisfy the requirement through exam scores or be exempted based on academic experience, such as providing transcripts showing instruction in English within the last two years.
International Students: Buying Canadian Real Estate
You may want to see also
Explore related products
UCLA's financial aid for international students
UCLA does accept international students, but they must meet certain requirements. International students on non-immigrant visas, for instance, must have adequate medical insurance during all periods of enrolment. Additionally, if their native language is not English, they may be required to take UCLA's English-as-a-Second-Language Placement Examination (ESLPE) before starting their studies.
UCLA does not award scholarships or financial aid to undergraduate international students who are not US citizens or permanent residents. International students must prove that they have sufficient funds to cover their educational and living expenses. For example, students admitted to the Fall Quarter of 2025 will need a minimum of about $80,739, with an additional $5,000 recommended for personal expenses, contingencies, and summer expenses.
International students are typically not eligible for most financial aid from UCLA's Financial Aid Office. However, they may be eligible for scholarships, private loans, and short-term loans. Most lenders who offer loans to international students require a US citizen or permanent resident to co-sign the loan.
International students can also explore external scholarship opportunities, such as those offered by eduPASS International Education Financial Aid (IEFA) and InternationalScholarships.com. They can use scholarship databases and search engines to find opportunities specific to their needs and profile. Additionally, contacting their consulate or home country can help identify potential scholarships or grants that do not need to be paid back.
UCLA's Dashew Center for International Students & Scholars offers various resources and support services for international students seeking financial aid. The center provides information on scholarship search sites, application writing assistance, and individual mentorship opportunities. The Economic Crisis Response Team (ECRT) within the Dashew Center assists enrolled UCLA students facing financial crises that impact their academic success.
Understanding CRB Eligibility for International Students
You may want to see also
Explore related products
UCLA's popularity among international students
UCLA is a popular choice for international students, with a large number of applicants and a diverse student body. In Fall 2024, the university received over 140,000 applications from prospective undergraduate and graduate candidates worldwide, with only about 13,000 candidates enrolled, resulting in a 9% acceptance rate. Out of these, 6,347 students are international, contributing to about 11% of the total student population and representing 106-107 countries. UCLA's undergraduate student body comprises 7.7% international students, while the graduate body has a higher percentage at 17% international students.
Additionally, UCLA's location in Los Angeles, California, is a significant draw for international students. The city's cultural diversity, vibrant entertainment industry, and mild climate make it an attractive place to live and study. California is also known for its strong community college system, and UCLA gives preference to transfer students from California community colleges, including international students. This provides a pathway for international students to first study at a community college and then transfer to UCLA, increasing their chances of admission.
To cater to its international student population, UCLA has specific requirements and support systems in place. International students must meet the required Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.4 or higher and can demonstrate English proficiency through exams like TOEFL, IELTS, and DET. UCLA also requires international students on non-immigrant visas to have adequate medical insurance and proof of sufficient funds for educational and living expenses. While UCLA does not offer scholarships or financial aid to international undergraduate students, there are still opportunities for internships and research that can provide financial support and real-world experience.
International Students: Accessing US Federal Loans
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, UCLA accepts students from all around the world. In 2024, there were 6,347 international students at UCLA, making up 11% of the student population.
International students must fulfil the standard admission requirements, including a GPA of 3.4 or higher, strong letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. UCLA does not consider SAT or ACT scores for admission. Instead, international students can take exams like TOEFL, IELTS, and DET to demonstrate English proficiency. International students must also prove they have sufficient funds to cover educational and living expenses.
UCLA is very competitive, with a low acceptance rate of 9% in 2024. For international students applying for freshman admission, the acceptance rate was even lower at 6% in 2024.
UCLA does not award scholarships or financial aid to undergraduate international students who are not US citizens or permanent residents. International students must demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to cover their educational and living expenses during their time at UCLA.
