University of California Merced
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UC Merced Admissions 2025: Application Deadline, Requirements & Costs

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  • Estd. 2005
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UC Merced Admissions
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Below are the University of California Merced application deadlines:

  • First-year and transfer students can file their applications between Nov 1 to Nov 30, 2024
 
UC Merced Admissions
Table of contents
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University of California Merced Admission Overview 2026

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University of California Merced Courses: Eligibility and Fees 2025

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University of California Merced Admission Process 2026

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Commonly asked questions
On Admissions
Q:   What are the admission requirements for UC Merced?
A: 

Below are the UC Merced admission requirements for international students:

Undergraduate requirements:

  • You must complete both year X and XII state board or CBSE examinations.

  • Applicants must have marks above 70 annd no marks below 60 is accepted.

  • Applicants must Report their subjects and marks on the International Exams page of the application, under the Test Scores tab (step 4 of 5).

  • Applicants must Graduate from secondary school and earn a certificate of completion that allows you to attend a university in your country.

  •  

English Lanuage Tests

Minimum required score

TOEFL ( PBT)

550 or better

IELTS

6.5 or better

TOEFL (iBT)

80 or better

DUOLINGO

Score of 115 or better

Graduate requirements:

  • A statement of academic purpose (SOP)

  • Applicants must have a list of all their prior colleges or universities, accompanied by unofficial transcripts from each school. However, unofficial transcripts should be uploaded with the applicant's application.

  • Three letters of recommendation, the university also  reserve the right to verify the authenticity of any and all letters of recommendation

  • Applicants must submit their Resumes and CV 

  • A USD 155 application fee for PG applicants

  • A standardised test, although the graduate school does not have tests minimum for admission, individual departments may have minimum requirements. However, they need to give IELTS or TOEFL if the applicant is from a non-English speaking native country. However, there are other standardised examinations, such as GRE and GMAT, which are compulsory, however, might vary depending on the course the applicant chooses

Q:   Should I choose University of California, Merced over San Diego State University for Masters in Computer Science?
A: 

It totally depends on the convenience of the applicants. As UC Merced and San Diego State University for Masters in CS  are renowned institutions offering unique campus cultures and various academic programs. While they share a great reputation, there are subtle differences between the two universities. The below table compares the rankings, fees and acceptance rate of UC Merced and San Diego State University. Overall this information could be useful for students who are considering them.

Name of The University

Ranking

Acceptance Rate

1st Year Tuition Fee

UC Merced

#94 ( US News)

86 %

INR 24 L

San Diego State University

#601-800 (THE)

37%

INR 12 L - 19 L

(The comparison of fees was between the MSc courses of both the universities)

 

Q:   What are some useful tips for students starting their first semester at UC Merced?
A: 

Some of the tips for students starting their first-semester at the  University of California Merced are:

  • Students who applied for UC Merced must be humble and should interact with as many people as possible. Mainly beacause, the more people you talk to the better knowledge you get. 
  • Attend as many gathering and parties as much as you can. 
  • Applicants should avoid missing classess, as 70% of learning comes from students going to classes. 
  • Students can get invovlved with extracuricular activities, i.e joing university clubs, sports etc. This will also look good on a portfolio in the longer run. 

University of California Merced MS Admissions 2026

2 courses 18 months - 2 years
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13.2L - 25.4L

iconEligibility Criteria

  • Accepting Exams: IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo, GRE

University of California Merced Application Process 2026

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Commonly asked questions
On Application Process
Q:   What is your review of University of California, Merced?
A: 

UC Merced is surely a good option for international students mainly beacuse of a diverse range of excellent academic programs across its 11 professional schools and colleges. Notable programs include the film, television and digital media school which has produced countless successful alumni in the entertainment industry.

Here are the reasons why you should go for UC Merced:

Academics:  The University of California Merced offers a number of undergraduate and postgraduate programs to international students. The University of California Merced offer more than 60 undergraduate programs and 18 graduate programs to international students.

Location of the university - The Universit of California Los Angeels is in a location where arts & culture, technology industry and entertainment industry providing endless internship. International Students have access to beaches, outdoor activities, live music/performances and attractions which makes their make campus life more enjoyable. The location gives UC Merced students an additional mark to study at UC Merced. 

Ranking: University of California-Merced ranking is among the top universities in the world in the latest rankings. According to THE (Times Higher Education), University of California-Merced ranks at 301-350 in 2023 among University Rankings. University of California-Merced has been consistently ranking in the top universities in the world in THE (Times Higher Education) since the past few years.

Fees: The cost of attending UC Merced for Indian students can vary depending on several factors. Tuition fees for international students at UC Merced are typically higher than for US citizens. However, it is important that the tuition fee can change over time, and it is recommended to visit the official website to recheck the fees and accommodation. Indian students should also consider other costs such as housing, health insurance, meals and transportation attending UC Merced. 

Q:   Is it too late to apply to UC Merced?
A: 

The UC Merced is closed for 2024 admissions. However, The University of California application for the fall semester opens Aug. 1. First year and transfer students can file their application between Nov. 1 and 30. Below are the tentative dates for international students for the next year:

Application Deadline

Intake

First week of august

Fall

Early Nov

Transfer students

Q:   Does UC Merced require GRE?
A: 

UC Merced does not have a set score requirement. The university totally takes a holistic admissions approach, valuing every aspect of an applications for potential success. GRE scores constitute one element among many that contribute to the comprehensive assessment process. 

Q:   How can an Indian student stand out to get an admission at UC Merced?
A: 

To stand out in UC Merced admissions, applicants should strictly focus on presenting a positive view of themselves, beyond just academic achievements. Students should highlight their unique experiences, interests, and perspectives to help the examiner or the interviewer understand the applicant's potential. Students must talk about experiences and challenges that they've overcome, as that shows how the candidate takes on tasks during tough times. But again, students must not overdo things and boast about themselves in the mode of explaining themselves. Applicants are also suggested to have strong SOPs and LOR which can persuade the examiner to give them admission atUC Merced.

University of California-Merced Admission FAQs

Q:   Is UC Merced better than UCR?
A: 

University of California Merced and University of California Riverside are renowned institutions offering unique campus cultures and various academic programs. While they share a great reputation, there are subtle differences between the two universities. The below table compares the rankings, fees and acceptance rate of University of California Merced and University of California Riverside . Overall this information could be useful for students who are considering them.

Here is the comparison highlighting the differences between the Universities:

Name of The University

Ranking

Acceptance Rate

1st Year Tuition Fee

UC Merced

#301-350

86 %

  UG course: INR 9 L 

  PG course: INR 24 L

UC riverside 

#251-300 

70.5%

UG Course:  INR 30 L

PG course:  INR 23 L - 24 L

(The comparison of fees was between the B.Sc course for UG and the Ms course for PG)

Q:   What are the admission requirements for UC Merced?
A: 

Below are the UC Merced admission requirements for international students:

Undergraduate requirements:

  • You must complete both year X and XII state board or CBSE examinations.

  • Applicants must have marks above 70 annd no marks below 60 is accepted.

  • Applicants must Report their subjects and marks on the International Exams page of the application, under the Test Scores tab (step 4 of 5).

  • Applicants must Graduate from secondary school and earn a certificate of completion that allows you to attend a university in your country.

  •  

English Lanuage Tests

Minimum required score

TOEFL ( PBT)

550 or better

IELTS

6.5 or better

TOEFL (iBT)

80 or better

DUOLINGO

Score of 115 or better

Graduate requirements:

  • A statement of academic purpose (SOP)

  • Applicants must have a list of all their prior colleges or universities, accompanied by unofficial transcripts from each school. However, unofficial transcripts should be uploaded with the applicant's application.

  • Three letters of recommendation, the university also  reserve the right to verify the authenticity of any and all letters of recommendation

  • Applicants must submit their Resumes and CV 

  • A USD 155 application fee for PG applicants

  • A standardised test, although the graduate school does not have tests minimum for admission, individual departments may have minimum requirements. However, they need to give IELTS or TOEFL if the applicant is from a non-English speaking native country. However, there are other standardised examinations, such as GRE and GMAT, which are compulsory, however, might vary depending on the course the applicant chooses

Q:   Does UC Merced accept Duolingo?
A: 

Yes it does accept UC Merced for international students. International students must submit a proof of English Language proficiency to be considered for Columbia University admission ( especially non-english speaking countries). Students can demonstrate that they are proficient in English by submitting the English proficiency test scores.

Want to have a good score in IELTS? then check out : Free IELTS classes  

English Lanuage Tests

Minimum required score

TOEFL ( PBT)

550 or better

IELTS

6.5 or better

TOEFL (iBT)

80 or better

DUOLINGO

Score of 115 or better

Q:   Which is better, UC Merced or UC Davis?
A: 

UC Merced and UC Davis  are renowned institutions offering unique campus cultures and various academic programs. While they share a great reputation, there are subtle differences between the two universities. The below table compares the rankings, fees and acceptance rate of UC Merced and UC Davis . Overall this information could be useful for students who are considering them.

Here is the comparison highlighting the differences between the Universities:

Name of The University

Ranking

Acceptance Rate

1st Year Tuition Fee

UC Merced

#301-350

86 %

  UG course: INR 9 L 

  PG course: INR 24 L

UC Davis

 

41%

 

(The comparison of fees was between the B.Sc course for UG and the Ms course for PG)

Q:   Should I choose University of California, Merced over San Diego State University for Masters in Computer Science?
A: 

It totally depends on the convenience of the applicants. As UC Merced and San Diego State University for Masters in CS  are renowned institutions offering unique campus cultures and various academic programs. While they share a great reputation, there are subtle differences between the two universities. The below table compares the rankings, fees and acceptance rate of UC Merced and San Diego State University. Overall this information could be useful for students who are considering them.

Name of The University

Ranking

Acceptance Rate

1st Year Tuition Fee

UC Merced

#94 ( US News)

86 %

INR 24 L

San Diego State University

#601-800 (THE)

37%

INR 12 L - 19 L

(The comparison of fees was between the MSc courses of both the universities)

 

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UC Merced

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered 10 months ago

To enroll students at University of California Merced the institution selects students who exhibit persistent academic success together with leadership characteristics and volunteer community work. Freshman applicants who attend the University of California Merced usually maintain an average GPA of

...Read more

K

Kapil Lalwani

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a year ago

 English is the language of instruction for the majority of the programs at the University of California Merced. All international students are required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. Check below the University of California Merced English language requirements for international

...Read more

43282603
Anurag Pal

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a year ago

Yes, the University of California Merced offer a variety of meal plans for international students. Actually, all students living on-campus of UC Merced are required to have a meal plan. Check below the UC Merced meal plans for international students:

Unlimited Meal Plan NameTotal Cost per Semester
Unlimited 85USD 2,710/INR 2.25 L
Unlimited 250USD 2,875/INR 2.40 L
Unlimited 400USD 3,025/INR 2.50 L
Unlimited 500USD 3,125/INR 2.60 L
Unlimited 600USD 3,225/INR 2.70 L

*USD/INR = 83.30

43282603
Anurag Pal

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a year ago

The University of California Merced offers a variety of courses at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The UC Merced application deadlines for international students from course to course. International students can still apply for the undergraduate programs. First-year students and transfer

...Read more

43282603
Anurag Pal

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a year ago

The University of California Merced is a public university, therefore, the tuition fees for domestic and international students may vary. The tuition fees for international students will also depend on the type of courses and level of study. Check below the UC Merced fees for some of its popular cou

...Read more

43282603
Anurag Pal

Contributor-Level 10

About the author

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Akansha katariya

Study Abroad Expert

Akansha katariya is a content creator at shiksha.com, creating content for study abroad. Having pursued B tech. in Electronics and communication from RGPV University, she has been creating content across diverse domains. When not guiding students, sh...Read Full Bio
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UC Merced
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University CityMerced, California, USA

UC Merced
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Address

5200 Lake Rd, Merced, CA 95343, United States
Merced ( California)

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