Savanna Hoffman
UCLA welcomes international students from all over the world, with thousands choosing the university every year. The UCLA Dashew Center is the hub for international students and scholars, providing visa services and support, as well as inclusive and multicultural programs. To apply as an international student, you must meet certain requirements, including demonstrating English proficiency if English is not your first language. You will also need to obtain an F-1 visa and complete the I-20 application process. UCLA also requires that international students have adequate medical insurance for the duration of their studies.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Application type | First-year or transfer student |
| Applicant type | Undergraduate or graduate |
| Application fee | $500 deposit |
| Application period | October 1–December 1 |
| Requirements | High school diploma, rigorous curriculum, personal insight, leadership skills, English proficiency, health insurance, visa, academic records |
| Visa support | Provided by UCLA Dashew Center |
| English proficiency tests | TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo English Test, ESLPE |
| Supporting documents format | .pdf, .jpg |
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Visa requirements
UCLA requires that all international students on non-immigrant visas have adequate medical insurance during all periods of enrolment. To obtain and maintain an F-1 visa, you can seek assistance from the supportive staff at the UCLA Dashew Center throughout your attendance at UCLA. The Dashew Center also provides visa services and support to students before their arrival and throughout their time at UCLA.
To initiate the process of obtaining an F-1 student visa, you must complete the I-20 Application. You will receive instructions to complete the I-20 Application within 3-5 business days after paying the $500 deposit. The I-20 form must be presented to the U.S. Consulate to receive your student visa.
It is important to complete the I-20 application in full and as soon as possible to allow ample time for the visa process. All supporting documents uploaded with your application must be in PDF or JPG format. You must also provide a clear, readable copy of your passport's biographic page, including your name, birth date, expiration date, and the bottom two lines filled with letters and numbers.
Additionally, you are required to have health insurance for the duration of your studies and must provide proof of coverage during check-in once you arrive on campus. Most students are automatically enrolled in the UC Student Health Insurance Plan (UC SHIP). However, you may waive this fee if you can provide equivalent private insurance.
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English proficiency
International students applying to UCLA need to demonstrate English proficiency as part of their application. This is critical to your success at UCLA. If all of your high school/secondary school education was completed in English, you are considered proficient and do not need to satisfy this requirement. However, if you've completed all or some high school in a country where English was not the language of instruction, you will be required to demonstrate English proficiency if you have had less than three years of instruction in English.
There are several ways to demonstrate English proficiency:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): UCLA accepts the Internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT). A minimum overall score of 87 on the TOEFL iBT is required. For graduate students, a minimum score of 100 is required. A minimum score of 28 on the TOEFL iBT Speaking Subsection is also required for graduate students who want to be eligible for a teaching assistantship. TOEFL scores should be sent to your major department. Be sure to list the TOEFL institution code for UCLA (4837). UCLA does not currently accept MyBest TOEFL. You may send your TOEFL scores to one UC campus, and all campuses you apply to will receive them.
- International English Language Testing Service (IELTS): A minimum overall band score of 7.0 is required for the IELTS Academic exam. For graduate students, a minimum score of 7.5 is required. A minimum score of 8.5 on the IELTS Academic Speaking Band is required for graduate students who want to be eligible for a teaching assistantship. Ask IELTS to send your scores to your major department and the Division of Graduate Education.
- Duolingo English Test (DET): A score of 130 or higher is required on the DET. DET scores must be submitted through the DET testing portal. Be sure to include your UC Application ID when sending DET scores.
- UCLA's Test of Oral Proficiency (TOP): This is UCLA's own examination designed specifically for screening the spoken English skills of international students before their appointment as teaching assistants.
- AP Examination: Score 3, 4, or 5 on the AP examination in English Language and Composition, or English Literature and Composition.
- IB Standard Level examination: Score 6 or 7 on the IB Standard Level examination in English (Language A only).
- IB Higher Level examination: Score 5, 6, or 7 on the IB Higher Level examination in English (Language A only).
- UC-transferable English composition courses: You can demonstrate English proficiency by completing the two UC-transferable English composition courses with a grade of "B" or higher for UCLA.
Please note that while official test scores are not required to be sent along with the application, all test information must be accurately self-reported on the application site no later than January. If you are admitted to UCLA and your native language is not English, you may be required to take UCLA's English-as-a-Second-Language Placement Examination (ESLPE) before starting your program. If your score on the ESLPE indicates a weakness in English, several terms of your program may include special courses in English for international students.
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Application process
The application process for international students depends on whether you are an undergraduate or graduate applicant.
Undergraduate applicants
If you are applying as an undergraduate, you may apply for admission as a first-year or a transfer student. You are a first-year applicant if you have completed secondary school and have not enrolled in any college or university courses. UCLA does not admit undergraduate students who already hold Bachelor's degrees or the equivalent of three years of transferable university work.
The University of California application opens on August 1, and the period to submit an application is October 1–December 1. UCLA requires that you submit records from your secondary school, including subjects taken and grades received, as well as any national or government certificates earned. These documents must be submitted in the original language, along with English translations. English language proficiency is critical to your success at UCLA. If your high school education was not taught in English, you will need to demonstrate proficiency through the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing Service (IELTS), or the Duolingo English Test.
Graduate applicants
If you are applying to a graduate program, you should upload unofficial transcripts from all academic institutions you attended into the Application for Graduate Admission. If you are admitted, you must submit official, final academic records in the original language with authorised English translations.
International Certificate Program applicants
If you are applying to the UCLA Extension International Certificate Program, you will need to create a UCLA Extension student account and complete the International Certificate Program Application. As part of the application process, you will need to submit a Statement of Financial Support form. You will also need to provide proof of health insurance coverage.
Visa requirements
All international students on non-immigrant visas must have adequate medical insurance during their enrollment. Students on an F-1 visa will need to obtain an I-20 form and present it to the U.S. Consulate to receive their visa. The Dashew Center provides visa services and support to students before their arrival and throughout their time at UCLA.
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Deadlines
International students applying to UCLA should also be aware of the deadlines for specific requirements. For instance, English language proficiency is critical for admission to UCLA. If English was not the language of instruction during your high school or secondary school education, you will need to demonstrate proficiency through a standardised test such as TOEFL, IELTS, or the Duolingo English Test. While official test scores do not need to be sent with the application, the test information must be accurately self-reported on the application site no later than January. Additionally, if you are applying for a UCLA Extension International Certificate program, you must complete the International Certificate Program Application by the mandated deadline.
Another important deadline to consider is for the I-20 Application, which is required for obtaining an F-1 student visa. Once you have paid the $500 deposit, you will receive instructions to complete the I-20 Application within 3-5 business days. It is recommended to complete this application as soon as possible to allow ample time for the visa process. Furthermore, UCLA requires that all international students on non-immigrant visas have adequate medical insurance during their enrollment. While this is not directly related to the application process, it is crucial to have proof of insurance when checking in on campus.
Finally, for graduate admissions, international applicants should upload unofficial transcripts with their applications. If admitted, they must then submit official academic records by the deadlines specified in the official offer of admission.
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Health insurance
All international students at UCLA must be covered by health insurance. Most students are automatically enrolled in the UC Student Health Insurance Plan (UC SHIP). This fee will appear on your tuition statement, but you may waive it if you can prove you have equivalent private insurance.
International students in F-1 status at UCLA must have health insurance, which also includes repatriation of remains and medical evacuation coverages. Students must demonstrate that they have insurance coverage each quarter by submitting documentation showing proof of coverage. This can include a copy of their insurance card, a confirmation letter from their insurance provider, etc. The insurance policy must be written in English and include the student's name and dates of coverage. It must also provide health coverage of at least $500,000 per coverage period, with a maximum benefit of no less than $150,000 per injury/illness. The policy should also include at least $25,000 for repatriation and $100,000 for medical evacuation.
UCLA Extension strongly encourages students to purchase an insurance policy that includes coverage for outpatient/mental health, behavioural health, and substance abuse conditions. Not all insurance plans include this coverage, so it is important to review the insurance policy and make an informed decision. Students are also encouraged to purchase a policy that includes coverage for pre-existing conditions, which is not always included.
If you are travelling with any dependents (spouse or children), it is highly encouraged to obtain insurance for them for the duration of your stay in the US.
ISO plans are also available and offer in-network benefits for services at the UCLA Student Health Center. These plans provide comprehensive coverage, including doctor visits, hospital stays, emergency care, prescriptions, lab work, mental health services, and more.
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Frequently asked questions
UCLA welcomes undergraduate applications from students all over the world. You may apply as a first-year student if you have completed secondary school and have not enrolled in college or university. You will need to provide records of your secondary school grades and any national or government certificates earned. If you have attended college or university, you must also submit documents of all coursework in the original language and with English translations. You will also need to demonstrate English language proficiency if English is not your first language.
If all of your high school/secondary school education was completed in English, you are considered proficient. Otherwise, you will need to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing Service (IELTS), or the Duolingo English Test.
You will need to obtain an F-1 visa and ensure you have adequate medical insurance for the duration of your studies. The UCLA Dashew Center provides visa services and support to international students and scholars.
The University of California (UC) application opens on August 1, and the period for submitting applications is October 1–December 1.
