Quick Summary
University of California, Berkeley (UCB), in Berkeley, United States, is a public research university that has shaped higher education since 1868. Ranked #12 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 45307 students including 16% from outside United States. Known for strengths in Computer Science, Environmental Science, Economics, it maintains an acceptance rate of 11.5%.
01
Institutional Profile
Who they are
Consistently ranked as the world's top public university, Berkeley offers unparalleled research opportunities and a legacy of social activism and innovation.
Subject Strengths
Computer ScienceEnvironmental ScienceEconomicsChemistryPhysicsEngineeringSociology
Founded1868
TypePublic Research University
Total Students45307
Intl Students16%
Faculty Ratio19
CampusUrban
Campus Size1,232 acres
Affiliated HospitalsUCSF Medical Center (Joint Programs),University Health Services (Tang Center)
AccreditationWASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
02
Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#12
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#9
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#5
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Undergraduate,Graduate,Doctoral,Professional
Programs
105
PhD Programs
Master of Information and Data Science,Master of Information and Cybersecurity,Professional Certificates
Online Programs
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory,Space Sciences Laboratory,Blum Center for Developing Economies,Berkeley Institute for Data Science
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate11.5%
IELTS6.5
TOEFL80
Min GPA3.4
GREOptional/Department Specific
GMATRequired for Haas School of Business
SATNULL (Test-Blind)
ACTNULL (Test-Blind)
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · November 30
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Focus on Personal Insight Questions (PIQs). Berkeley seeks students who show leadership, community service, and academic resilience. Diversity of experience and persistence are highly valued.
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Cost Ledger
Annual estimate
UG Tuition
$48,500/yr
per year · USD
Living Cost
$23,500/yr
per year · USD
PG Tuition
$34,500/yr
per year · USD
Application Fee
$80
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
$72,080/yr
tuition + living + essentials · USD
Scholarships AvailableRegents' and Chancellor's Scholarship,Berkeley Undergraduate Scholarship,Middle Class Scholarship,Fiat Lux Scholarship
Avg Scholarship$12,500
Financial AidAvailable (FAFSA and CA Dream Act)
Work-StudyAvailable
06
Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Undergraduate,Graduate,Doctoral,Professional programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Economics | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Cell/Cellular and Molecular Biology | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Electrical Engineering | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Political Science | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$86,000
Average Salary After Graduation
91%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong connections with Silicon Valley firms, tech, and government agencies.
Industry Connections
GoogleAppleMetaNASAMcKinsey & Company
Notable Alumni
Steve Wozniak,Kamala Harris,Gordon Moore,Jennifer Doudna,Robert Oppenheimer
08
Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
California Memorial Stadium,Haas Pavilion,Edwards Stadium,RSF Gym
Student Clubs
1200
Library Resources
24 libraries with over 13 million volumes
Exchange Programs
UC Education Abroad Program (UCEAP)
Summer Programs
Berkeley Summer Sessions