Lori Meadows
UCLA is a popular destination for international students, with over 12,000 choosing to study there. The university offers a range of programs and services to support international students, including the Dashew Center, which provides resources, support, and advocacy for these students throughout their time at UCLA. International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency and may be required to take UCLA's English-as-a-Second-Language Placement Examination (ESLPE). Additionally, they must obtain an F-1 visa and have adequate medical insurance. Acceptance rates for international freshmen applicants are low, at 6% in 2024, making it a competitive process. However, UCLA is committed to creating a diverse and global campus community, welcoming thousands of international students each year.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of international students | 12,000+ |
| Acceptance rate for international freshmen applicants (Fall 2024) | 6% |
| Visa requirements | F-1 visa, I-20 form |
| English proficiency requirements | TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo English Test, ESLPE |
| Health insurance | Required; automatically enrolled in UC SHIP unless waived |
| Financial aid | Not available for international undergraduate students |
| Application process | No SAT or ACT scores required |
| International student resources | Dashew Center, International Student Orientation |
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What You'll Learn
- International students must arrive by 10:00 am on their session day
- Visa check-in with the Dashew Center for International Students & Scholars
- Mandatory orientation sessions for international students
- International students must prove sufficient funds for educational and living expenses
- International students must have adequate medical insurance during enrollment
International students must arrive by 10:00 am on their session day
International students starting at UCLA will need to arrive by 10:00 am on their session day. This deadline is in place for the New Student Orientation, which is mandatory for all new first-year and transfer undergraduate students. This includes international students, with two of the 12 sessions dedicated to out-of-state and international students.
The New Student Orientation is an extensive introduction to academic and campus life at UCLA. Students will connect with other new students, learn about the campus and the services available, meet with academic advisors, and enrol in their first college classes. It is an important part of the transition to university life, and failure to register for orientation by July 1 will result in a hold on the student's record, preventing course registration.
International students will also need to complete the visa check-in process with the Dashew Center for International Students & Scholars. This can be done within a 30-day window of entering the US on a visa. Students will also need to obtain and maintain an F-1 visa and health insurance for the duration of their attendance at UCLA.
There is also an International Student Orientation fee of $59, billed to the UCLA account. International students must also prove they have sufficient funds to cover their educational and living expenses.
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Visa check-in with the Dashew Center for International Students & Scholars
UCLA welcomes thousands of international students every year. The Dashew Center for International Students & Scholars acts as a central hub for international students, providing them with visa services, resources, support, advocacy, and other specialised services.
Once international students are within the 30-day window for entering the United States on their visa, they can participate in the visa check-in process with the Dashew Center. The Dashew Center also helps students obtain and maintain their F-1 visa throughout their attendance at UCLA. Additionally, the center assists students in obtaining an I-20 form, which must be presented to the U.S. Consulate to receive a student visa.
The Dashew Center also offers personal counselling on visa and immigration issues, providing appropriate forms and documents. They also support international and intercultural programs, helping students adjust to the community and understand UCLA's culture and systems.
Orientation
All new undergraduate students at UCLA, including international students, must attend a New Student Orientation. There are 12 different orientation sessions, two of which are dedicated to out-of-state and international students. During orientation, students will connect with other new students, learn about the campus, and meet with academic advisors.
English Proficiency
Incoming international applicants must demonstrate English proficiency if they completed their high school education in a non-English speaking country. They can do so by taking the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test. Additionally, UCLA requires international students to complete the ELWR writing requirement by taking UCLA composition courses.
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Mandatory orientation sessions for international students
UCLA offers a mandatory New Student Orientation for all new first-year and transfer undergraduate students, including international students. The orientation provides an extensive introduction to academic and campus life at UCLA, helping students to acclimate to their new environment. It is designed to ensure that international students get the most out of their education abroad.
The orientation sessions are typically two days long for first-year students and one day for transfer students. There are 12 sessions for first-year students, including two sessions dedicated to out-of-state and international students. Transfer students have 10 sessions available, with one session dedicated to out-of-state and international students. Students can register for any session as course availability is equitable across all orientation sessions.
The orientation sessions cover various topics to help students transition smoothly into UCLA. Students will have the opportunity to connect with other new students, meet academic advisors, learn about the campus and the range of services available, and enrol in their first college classes. International students will also undergo a visa check-in process with the Dashew Center for International Students & Scholars within a 30-day window for entering the United States on their visa.
To participate in the New Student Orientation, students must register by July 1. Failure to register by this date will result in a hold on the student's record, preventing course registration. Students are advised to refrain from making travel plans until they have reserved their orientation session. Reservations for orientation sessions can be made starting from May 15 via MyUCLA.
In addition to the New Student Orientation, UCLA also offers separate parent and family orientations, which overlap with the first day of the first-year new student orientation sessions. These sessions provide an opportunity for parents and families to learn about UCLA and the resources available to support their students.
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International students must prove sufficient funds for educational and living expenses
International students applying to UCLA must provide proof of sufficient funds to cover their educational and living expenses. UCLA does not offer financial aid or scholarships to undergraduate international students who are not US citizens or permanent residents. Therefore, it is essential for prospective international students to demonstrate their financial readiness for studying and living in the United States.
The financial requirements for international students at UCLA are set to ensure that students can cover their educational and living costs during their time at the university. These costs can include tuition fees, accommodation, textbooks, transportation, and other personal expenses. By requiring proof of sufficient funds, UCLA aims to ensure that international students have the necessary financial support to successfully complete their studies without facing financial hardships.
For students admitted to the Fall Quarter 2025, UCLA has specified a minimum requirement of approximately $80,739, with an additional recommendation of $5,000 for personal expenses, contingencies, and summer expenses. This amount is expected to increase annually to account for inflation and other factors. International students are encouraged to carefully review the estimated expenses and plan their finances accordingly, ensuring they have adequate funds for the duration of their studies.
To demonstrate sufficient funds, international students may need to provide various documents, such as bank statements, financial sponsorship letters, or other proof of income or savings. These documents are typically submitted during the admissions process and are carefully reviewed by the university to ensure they meet the required financial thresholds. It is important for international students to be transparent and provide accurate financial information to support their application.
Additionally, international students on non-immigrant visas are required to maintain adequate medical insurance coverage throughout their enrollment at UCLA. The university's health insurance requirement, known as UC SHIP, ensures that students have access to quality healthcare services during their studies. Students may waive this requirement if they can provide proof of equivalent private insurance coverage. UCLA also offers support through the Dashew Center, which assists international students in obtaining and maintaining their F-1 visas and provides guidance on other visa-related matters.
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International students must have adequate medical insurance during enrollment
UCLA welcomes thousands of international students every year. The university offers extensive resources and dedicated programs to meet the unique needs of its international student population. One crucial aspect of attending university in the United States is ensuring that international students have adequate medical insurance during their enrollment.
All students at UCLA, including international students, must be covered by health insurance. The University of California requires that all students have health insurance and be assessed for a UC Student Health Insurance Plan (UC SHIP) policy to ensure adequate coverage. UCLA automatically enrols all registered students in UCSHIP at the start of each academic year, and the associated health fee is billed through BruinBill. However, international students have the option to waive this insurance and the associated fee if they can prove they have equivalent private insurance that meets the necessary criteria.
To waive UCSHIP enrollment, international students must submit an online waiver application with supporting documentation during a designated waiver period. The minimum documentation required includes an electronic copy of the front and back of the current insurance card. It is important to note that travel plans, health care sharing ministries, county medical service plans, and SIMNSA do not meet the waiver criteria and are not eligible for waiving UC SHIP enrollment. UCLA provides detailed information on the waiver process and criteria, and students can seek support from the Ashe Center Insurance Office if they experience difficulties.
International students at UCLA must ensure that their health insurance meets specific coverage requirements. The insurance policy must be written in English and include the student's name and dates of coverage. It must provide health coverage of at least $500,000 per coverage period, with a maximum benefit of at least $150,000 per injury or illness. The deductible or out-of-pocket expense for in-network coverage should not exceed $1,500 per illness or injury. Additionally, the policy must include repatriation of remains to one's home country (minimum coverage of $25,000) and medical evacuation coverage (minimum of $100,000).
International students are encouraged to carefully review the insurance requirements and make informed decisions when purchasing a policy. UCLA provides a list of possible insurance companies offering coverage for international students but does not endorse or promote any specific company or policy. Students are solely responsible for purchasing a policy that meets the minimum requirements, and UCLA is not liable for any medical expenses incurred.
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Frequently asked questions
International students should arrive at UCLA before 10:00 am on either September 7 or September 11 for the New Student Orientation.
The New Student Orientation is an introduction to academic and campus life at UCLA. Students will connect with other new students, learn about the campus and the services available, meet with academic advisors, and enroll in their first college classes.
Yes, the New Student Orientation is mandatory for all new first-year and transfer undergraduate students. Failure to register for orientation by July 1 will result in a hold on your record, preventing course registration.
The International Student Orientation fee is $59, billed to your UCLA account.
International students on non-immigrant visas must have adequate medical insurance during all periods of enrollment. Within the 30-day window for entering the US on your visa, you will have the opportunity to participate in the visa check-in process with the Dashew Center for International Students & Scholars.
