Lana Oconnell
UCLA is a popular destination for international students, with a large international student population and a wide range of backgrounds and needs. The university is committed to supporting its international students and addressing their academic, legal, immigration/visa, personal, cultural, social, language, and other concerns. UCLA offers world-class academic opportunities, a diverse campus community, and extensive resources. The university received 146,276 applications worldwide in fall 2024, with 13,114 candidates admitted. UCLA's international student population includes students from 124 countries, with China, India, Canada, the United Kingdom, South Korea, Brazil, and Germany being the top contributors. The university ranks highly for popularity with international students, and in 2020, it was home to approximately 6,167 international students, with 3,265 undergraduates.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Total number of international students | 6,167 (2020) |
| Number of international undergraduate students | 3,265 (2020) |
| Percentage of international students out of the total student population | 13.83% (2020) |
| Number of countries represented by international students | 124 |
| Top countries of origin | China, India, Canada, United Kingdom, South Korea, Brazil, Germany |
| Most popular degrees among international students | Liberal Arts General Studies, Applied Mathematics, Economics |
| UCLA's rank for popularity with international students | 8th out of 1,279 colleges and universities (2020) |
| UCLA's rank for providing a quality educational experience to international students | 15th out of 1,232 colleges and universities |
| UCLA's rank for popularity with students from China | 8th out of 1,079 colleges and universities |
| UCLA's rank for providing value to international students | 680th out of 1,204 colleges and universities |
| UCLA's rank for popularity with students from Japan, Hong Kong, and South Korea | 1st |
| Support services for international students | Dashew Center, Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) |
| Visa services | F-1 visa, I-20 form, UC Student Health Insurance Plan (UC SHIP) |
| English language proficiency requirement for international students | TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo English Test |
| Acceptance rate | 9% (2024) |
| Number of applications received | 146,276 (Fall 2024) |
| Number of applicants admitted | 13,114 (Fall 2024) |
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What You'll Learn
UCLA's ranking for international students
UCLA is ranked 8th out of 1,279 colleges and universities for popularity with international students, according to College Factual. Out of a total of 44,589 students at UCLA, 6,167 are international, with 3,265 of those being undergraduates. UCLA is also ranked 8th out of 1,079 colleges and universities for popularity with students from China specifically. UCLA is home to approximately 3,013 Chinese students.
UCLA ranks 15th out of 1,232 colleges and universities for providing a quality educational experience to international students, according to College Factual. UCLA ranks highest for students from Japan, Hong Kong, and South Korea.
UCLA has also been recognized as the nation's top public university in Niche.com's annual "Best Colleges" rankings. The ranking is based on a thorough analysis of academic performance, admissions data, financial metrics, and student life insights.
In the 2025 edition of Best Colleges, UCLA is ranked 15th among National Universities. UCLA is one of the most applied-to universities in the US, and it is ranked #13 in Best Global Universities.
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International student population size
UCLA has a large international student population with a wide range of different backgrounds and needs. The university is committed to supporting its international students and addressing their academic, legal, immigration/visa, personal, cultural, social, language and many other issues. UCLA ranks highly for its popularity with international students, and in 2020, it was home to approximately 6,167 international students, out of a total student population of 44,589. This number included 3,265 international undergraduates.
UCLA's international student population has grown over the years. In 1997, there were 10,588 international students and scholars at UCLA, which was a 0.55% increase from the previous year. From 1991 to 1997, UCLA saw an 8.16% increase in international scholars and students.
UCLA is a popular destination for international students due to its diverse campus community and location in the global city of Los Angeles. The university offers world-class academic opportunities and understands the unique needs of international students, providing a range of dedicated programs and services. UCLA is also ranked highly for providing a quality educational experience to international students, especially those from Japan, Hong Kong, and South Korea.
The predominant region of origin for international students at UCLA is Asia, followed by Europe and the Americas. UCLA is ranked as the 8th most popular university in the US for international students from China, with approximately 3,013 Chinese students in 2020. India is the second top contributor of international students to UCLA, and other countries in the top ten include Canada, the United Kingdom, South Korea, Brazil, and Germany.
To support its international students, UCLA has established the Dashew Center, which serves as a central hub for resources, support, and advocacy. The Dashew Center provides visa services and support to international students and scholars prior to and throughout their time at UCLA. It also offers multicultural programs, student leadership roles, and language advancement programs to enhance the UCLA experience for its international community.
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International student countries of origin
UCLA is a truly international institution, with students from all over the world. In total, UCLA has around 6,167 international students out of a student population of 44,589. This includes 3,265 international undergraduates. UCLA is ranked 8th out of 1,279 colleges for popularity with international students. The university attracts students from nearly 90 countries.
UCLA is ranked 8th out of 1,079 colleges for popularity with students from China. In 2020, 3,013 Chinese students attended UCLA. UCLA is also ranked 4th out of 967 colleges for popularity with students from South Korea. In 2020, 534 South Korean students attended UCLA. The university is ranked highly for students from Japan, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, too. UCLA is ranked 11th out of 1,078 colleges for popularity with students from Canada, with 197 Canadian students in 2020.
The most popular degrees at UCLA with international students are Liberal Arts General Studies, Applied Mathematics, and Economics.
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Support for international students
UCLA is home to a diverse community of international students, with approximately 6,167 international students on campus, out of which 3,265 are undergraduates. The university ranks 8th out of 1,279 colleges for popularity with international students. UCLA is committed to fostering an inclusive environment and providing opportunities for students from all backgrounds.
The Dashew Center is the central hub for international students at UCLA, offering comprehensive support services, resources, and advocacy. The centre assists students with obtaining and maintaining their F-1 visas and provides guidance on I-20 forms required for receiving student visas. Additionally, the Dashew Center promotes global connection, international understanding, and cultural sensitivity throughout the UCLA community.
The International Student Services Office (ISS) at UCLA Extension assists students with maintaining their F-1 visa status. They review enrollment records quarterly and provide guidance on rules and regulations to ensure students remain in compliance with visa requirements. ISS advisors must be notified in advance of any changes to a student's enrollment or travel plans.
UCLA also offers new student orientation specifically for international students, helping them transition smoothly into life at UCLA. Additionally, UCLA provides access to psychological, wellness, and counselling services through the Dashew Center, ensuring that international students receive the support they need during their time at the university.
Furthermore, UCLA prioritizes the financial well-being of its international students. The university offers valuable and affordable financial products and services through Wescom Financial, helping students navigate their financial journey. The Dashew Center also provides resources and guidance to help international students avoid scams and fraud, which can disproportionately affect this community.
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International student visa requirements
UCLA is home to approximately 6,167 international students, out of a total of 44,589 students. The university is ranked 8th out of 1,279 colleges for popularity with international students. UCLA defines an international student as someone who requires an F-1 visa to study in the United States.
- International students at UCLA are typically required to obtain an F-1 visa. The university's Dashew Center provides support and resources to help students obtain and maintain their F-1 visa status throughout their time at UCLA.
- To obtain an F-1 visa, international students must first receive an I-20 form (Certificate of Eligibility) from UCLA. This form is issued to admitted applicants who are qualified for an F-1 visa after they submit a Statement of Intent to Register accepting admission to UCLA.
- Per U.S. immigration law, international students must demonstrate that they have sufficient funds available to cover all tuition, fees, transportation, and living expenses for the first year of their studies. This proof of financial resources is required before the I-20 form or Certificate of Eligibility can be issued.
- Additionally, UCLA requires all international students on non-immigrant visas to have adequate medical insurance during all periods of enrollment. Most students are automatically enrolled in the UC Student Health Insurance Plan (UC SHIP).
- International students may also be required to take the English-as-a-Second-Language Proficiency Examination (ESLPE) before enrolling at UCLA. This requirement depends on the student's country and educational system. If all of their secondary education was completed in English, they are considered proficient and exempt from this requirement.
- For graduate programs, the J-1 (exchange visitor) visa status is appropriate for students whose programs are substantially funded by the U.S. government, their home government, an international or nonprofit organization, or UCLA. Similar to the F-1 visa requirements, students must prove they have sufficient funds to cover all expenses, including tuition, fees, and living expenses.
- Students on an F-1 visa cannot accept off-campus employment during their first year in the U.S., and spouses of F-1 visa holders (F-2) are not permitted to work under any circumstances.
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Frequently asked questions
As of 2024, there are 6,167 international students at UCLA, out of a total of 44,589 students. International students make up about 24% of the total student population.
UCLA has a long history of supporting its international students and is considered a leading university worldwide for international students. The Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) was established 40 years ago to provide specialised services to international students. The UCLA Dashew Center is another hub for resources, support, and advocacy for international students.
The most popular degrees at UCLA with international students are Liberal Arts General Studies, Applied Mathematics, and Economics.
UCLA's acceptance rates have been declining in recent years. In 2024, the acceptance rate was 9%, which is unchanged from 2023 and 2022. In 2021 and 2020, the acceptance rates were 11% and 14%, respectively.
International students must meet the standard application requirements and demonstrate English proficiency if they completed their secondary education in a non-English-speaking country. They must also fulfil the required Grade Point Average (GPA), with a minimum of 3.4 on a 4.0 scale recommended. Additionally, they should submit letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and country-specific qualifications.
