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UC Riverside Admissions 2025: Application Deadline, Requirements & Costs

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UC Riverside Admissions
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International students can attend the University of California, Riverside Campus in four quarters. The University of California-Riverside application deadline for undergraduate and graduate programs is given below:

Undergraduate Deadline:

  • UC application: Dec 2, 2025 (Student can access the application from Aug 1, 2025)
  • FAFSA /CADAA: closed

Graduate Deadline:

  • Summer: closed
  • Spring: Dec 1, 2025 (Tentative)
  • Fall: Closed
  • Winter: Sep 1, 2025

University of California-Riverside Campus Admission Overview 2025

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Commonly asked questions
Q:   Is it hard to get into the University of California Riverside?
A: 

With a 70% acceptance rate, the University of California Riverside is comparatively easier to get into. The moderate acceptance rate demonstrates that the university is lenient and follows a holistic approach based on certain selection criteria. The university considers students who fulfill the basic eligibility and selection criteria that involve high school GPA, advanced placement or international baccalaureate course, eligibility in the local context, low family income, first-generation university attendance, and more. Students must focus on aiming high scores throughout their school or college to maintain the required GPA. Also, they must take part in extracurricular activities to stand out in the crowd.

Q:   Why choose UC Riverside?
A: 

The University of California, Riverside is one of the renowned universities in the USA. Students find the university appropriate to pursue UG or PG programs, due to the university's top rankings, wide opportunities, and affordability. In addition, there are a lot of reasons to join the UCR. Some of the best reasons to attend University of California, Riverside are discussed below:

  • Highly professional faculty: The faculty members at the University of California, Riverside are highly qualified experts who offer a wealth of information in a practical setting.
  • Opportunities: UCR offers a wide range of career and research opportunities to international students. They can even propose their ideas to actual venture capitalists and establish corporate strategies.
  • Affordability: The university provides affordable learning programs. The University of California, Riverside fees ranges between INR 35L and INR 43L for UG, and INR 6L and INR 64L for PG.
Q:   Does UCR accept international students?
A: 

The University of California Riverside Campus does accept the international students and these students can apply for the same by using the official admission portal for PG courses and UCAS for UG courses. It is crucial to meet the admission requirements in order to be a part of University of California Riverside Campus admissions.  

 

University of California-Riverside Campus Eligibility and Fees 2025

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Commonly asked questions
Q:   What is the application fee at UCR and how do I pay?
A: 

International students are required to pay an application fee at the University of California, Riverside Campus via the official application portal of the university with other important documents. The UCR Application fee is USD 80 (INR 6,860). This fee can be paid via credit card or debit card online. 

There are application fee waivers available for international students who are eligible for the same. 

Q:   What all courses are needed in 12th for admission to the University of California, Riverside?
A: 

To be a part of the University of California, Riverside admissions for UG courses, international students are required to have pursued certain subjects in high school. Below is the list of subjects with the key details: 

Subject Area (A to G)Years RequiredKey DetailsRecommended for Popular Majors
History/Social Science2 yearsCan be history from your home countryYes (all majors)
English4 yearsComposition and literature in your language of instructionYes (all majors)
Mathematics3 years (4 rec.)Must include elementary and advanced algebra, two/three-dimensional geometry; 4 years recommended for engineering/science majorsEssential for CS, Engineering, Business
Laboratory Science2 years (3 rec.)Biology, Chemistry and/or Physics (3 years recommended for STEM majors)Strongly recommended for CS, Engineering, Sciences
Language Other than English2 years (3 rec.)Same languageRecommended for all
Visual and Performing Arts1 yearArt, Dance, Drama/Theater, MusicYes
College-Preparatory Elective1 yearAdditional courses from the above areasYes
Q:   What is the eligibility requirements for international students at the University of California, Riverside?
A: 

To meet the eligibility requirements at the University of California, Riverside,  international students are required to adhere to the pointers mentioned below: 

Undergraduate Requirements: 

  • Completion of secondary education (equivalent to U.S. 12th grade)
  • A minimum GPA of 3.4 on a 4.0 scale
  • Required coursework with certain subjects 
  • Minimum grade of C in each required course
  • Proof of English language proficiency via IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo 
  • Personal Insight questions (students are required to answer at least 4 out of 8 questions)
  • Official transcripts 
  • Other documents (visa documents)

Postgraduate Requirements: 

  • A bachelor's degree relevant in the US
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
  • Transcripts (Official)
  • Proof of English language proficiency via IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo 
  • Standardized tests such as GMAT or the GRE might be required for specific programs
  • Letters of Recommendation (typically 2 to 3)
  • Statement of purpose 
  • WES evaluation 
  • Visa documentation (Passport, Certificate of Eligibility (I-20/DS-2019), SEVIS fee, financial support proof, health insurance)

 

University of California Admissions 2025

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Commonly asked questions
On Admissions
Q:   What are the selection criteria to get into the University of California, Riverside?
A: 

With a 70% acceptance rate, the University of California, Riverside is comparatively lenient than other US-based universities and considers various academic and non-academic factors while selecting candidates for its programs. One of the crucial factors includes academic GPA, which must be a minimum of 3.4 for non-residents. Some of the crucial selection criteria to get into UC Riverside, with its level of importance, is given below:

Academic/ Non-academic factors

Level of Importance

Rigor of the secondary school record

Important

Class rank

Not Considered

Academic GPA

Very Important

Application Essay

Very Important

Recommendation (s)

Not Considered

Talent/ability

Considered

Q:   Is GRE required for UCR?
A: 

The University of California Riverside temporarily waiving the GRE requirements, however, some programs still require the GRE. The graduate programs like Biophysics accept GRE scores, also courses such as MPAc, MFin, MBA, MS in Business Analytics, or PhD programs at A Gary Anderson School of Management (AGSM) of UC Riverside, accept GMAT or GRE scores taken within the last five years.

University of California-Riverside Campus MS Admissions 2025

8 courses 9 months - 2 years
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26.6L - 58.5L

iconEligibility Criteria

  • Accepting Exams: IELTS, Duolingo, GRE, TOEFL, GMAT
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Commonly asked questions
On MS Admissions
Q:   Why is UC Riverside an extremely desirable university to attend?
A: 

The University of California-Riverside, one of the most prominent and reasonably affordable members of the Association of American Universities (AAU), is committed to accelerating the audacious ideas of its new generation of thinkers which makes it desirable. To take advantage of the University of California-Riverside's outstanding academic structure, social mobility, and research opportunities, more than 26,000 students enrolled. In addition, the university offers programs in a range of specializations that can lead to high-paying careers. Biochemistry, Material Engineering, Political Science, Chemical Engineering, Mathematics, Sociology, Electrical Engineering, Biological Engineering, and more are among the most sought-after UC majors.

Q:   What undergraduate majors is the University of California, Riverside is known for?
A: 

The University of California, Riverside is popular for various majors including Social Science; Psychology; Mathematics, and Statistics; and more. Students can check the University of California, Riverside popular majors along with the graduation rates below:

UCR Majors

Graduation Rates

Social Science

18%

Biological and Biomedical Sciences

19%

Psychology

10%

Mathematics and Statistics

8%

Engineering

7%

Note: The data is taken from an unofficial source and hence subject to vary.

Q:   Does UCR require GRE for MS in CS?
A: 

The University of California Riverside  Campus requires GRE for the Biophysics graduate programme only. Other than the programme mentioned, the GRE test is optional. Although, the students are generally suggested to take GRE for making their application stronger and raising chances to be admitted to this university. 

A strong GRE score for the University of California RIverside Campus is considered above 310. However UCR does not have a sepcific cut-off for GRE. 

University of California Riverside Application Process 2025

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Commonly asked questions
On Application Process
Q:   How much is the UCR International student fee?
A: 

The University of California Riverside tuition cost ranges between INR 35L and INR 43L for UG, and INR 6L and INR 64L for PG. Along with the tuition fees, students must be ready for other expenses including housing, insurance, books and supplies, and transportation. Students can check the tuition fees for popular programs below:

Courses

1st Year Tuition Fees

MBA/PGDM (5 courses)

INR 50 L - 64 L

MS (8 courses)

INR 24 L - 57 L

B.E. / B.Tech (9 courses)

INR 36 L - 42 L

PG Diploma (6 courses)

INR 16 L - 22 L

B.Sc. (19 courses)

INR 42 L - 43 L

Q:   Does UCR accept IELTS?
A: 

The University of California, Riverside expects an IELTS score of 6 and 6.5 from graduate and undergraduate international students. Along with IELTS, students must prove their English language proficiency by submitting the scores of TOEFL and Duolingo (in UG). Students can check the English language requirements at the University of California, Riverside below:

English Language Test

UG Score

PG Score

IELTS

6.5 or above

6 or above

TOEFL iBT

80 or above

80 or above

Duolingo

115 or above

-

Q:   What are the requirements to get into the University of California, Riverside?
A: 

International students must fulfill the basic eligibility and submit the required documents asked by the University of California, Riverside for smooth admission. The acceptance rate is 70% which shows the university is lenient, however if students do not submit the required documents, they might lose the chance to take UCR admissions. The University of California, Riverside admission requirements for UG and PG programs are given below:

UG Requirements:

  • Subject-specific requirements
  • English language requirements
  • GPA scores
  • ACT/SAT (optional)
  • Transcripts

Graduate Requirements:

  • Academic transcripts
  • Resume/CV
  • Statement of purpose
  • Work experience
  • Essay
  • GPA scores
  • Letter of Recommendation
  • GRE/GMAT (optional)
  • English language requirements

University of California-Riverside Campus Enrollment Statistics 2025

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Commonly asked questions
On Admission
Q:   Does UCR accept international students?
A: 

The university creates a safe and welcoming environment that respects cultural diversity and fosters intercultural skills. As per the official fall 2023 data, over 2,300 international students enrolled, of which over 1,400 were graduates and more than 800 were undergraduates. Students can check the table below for the fall 2023 data:

Particulars

Headcounts

International UG

1,498

International PG

872

Total International

2,370

Q:   What is the GPA requirement for UC Riverside?
A: 

The University of California, Riverside expects a minimum cumulative GPA of 3 and 3.4 from international graduate and undergraduate applicants. The students must fulfill the eligibility by holding a bachelor's degree from a recognised university or equivalent or by holding proof of high school completion. Along with the eligibility, they must submit the required documents including academic transcripts, resume/CV, statement of purpose, work experience, essay, GPA scores, letter of recommendation, GRE/GMAT (optional), and English language requirements.

UC Riverside
Students Ratings & Reviews

3.7/5
Verified Icon5 Verified ReviewsInfo Icon
Vibe of Campus
  • Academically oriented
  • Easy going
  • Friendly
  • Multi-dimensional
Student Views
  • 50% students never faced discrimination in this university
Internships3
Part time work3.4
Post study jobs3.4
Quality of faculty4.6
Student Life4
Value for money3.8
Public transportation4.2
Safety3.4
Indian Food3.4
Permanent Immigration3.4
A
AnonymousVerified Icon
M.S in Computer Engineering - Batch of 2023
3.2
An average American university (Not top 50)
Tips: Scholarships are limited, you have to apply by yourself. There are a lot of international students so not much cultural shift. The course is okay and doable. Have to put in effort. The area is not such a great place. It's a college town but still, the rent is pretty high. Tuition is for 4 quarters 15 months and since it finishes early you can save on other cost. Faculty is good and all are from great universities. Teaching is also good and on par with the best universities.
Reviewed on 3 Feb 2024Read more
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S
Sai Vamsi Reddy Kinkiri Verified Icon
M.S. in Computer Science - Batch of 2025
3.6
Job market is a bit rough currently.
Tips: The studies in the university are at a satisfactory level. The research opportunities are relatively good. Students should start looking for accommodation early if they desire to stay near campus. Approach seniors in your desired course of study to enquire about how the course structure is. UCR follows the quarter system and not the semester system. So exams come and go quickly.
Likes (Public transportation): The public transport across the county is good. The bus transport is free for all UCR students and can easily be enrolled. There is also a metro system which connects Riverside to places all across the county like Los Angeles etc. The metro system is also free for all UCR students.
Dislikes (Internships): The internship market in general is not in a good state now. A lot of students from all over the United States are struggling to get internships. It is not particularly related to UCR and students should start searching early for internships. The job market might get better next year.
Reviewed on 27 Jan 2024Read more
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A
AnonymousVerified Icon
M.S. in Computer Science - Batch of 2023
3.3
Good college to study and very good experience
Tips: UCR has a quarter based system. So it will be hectic and have to put in a lot of time every week. Getting TA jobs is relatively hard for Master Students but not impossible. MS students can get Reader jobs relatively easily. The people here are friendly and the professors are very approachable.
Reviewed on 21 Jan 2024Read more
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A
AnonymousVerified Icon
M.S. in Computer Science - Batch of 2023
4.2
I'm pretty satisfied with the college
Tips: The college is a bit more inclined towards academia, where you will need to read a lot of research papers. Though it may not completely align with you if you are solely focused on getting a job, I feel being a master's student, this is one skill one should possess.
Reviewed on 16 Jan 2024Read more
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A
Aditya Srinivas Karamangala Amar Verified Icon
M.S. in Computer Science - Batch of 2023
4
Quality faculty members with supportive staff.
Tips: The college is research oriented, so many professors give research paper reading and critique as assignments. Grading is easy as long you don't cheat and submit assignments on time. The college also supports the students a lot. The recreational center is huge and is a good place to chill. Also note that it is a quarter system, so some might feel it is hectic but to be honest, it is not, you just need to plan things.
Likes (Quality of faculty): The faculty is well-qualified and explain the concepts very well. They encourage research and projects. They are very flexible and open to extending deadlines. Professors do not mind having discussions and meeting people after class hours. We can even work on projects under professors.
Dislikes (Indian Food): No tasty vegetarian Indian food. I don't eat meat so I don't know about non-veg food, but from what I have heard it is better than vegetarian food. The food was bland and I felt it was made out of cold storage stuff, which we already have at home. It doesn't taste like food back in India even though Indians are running these restaurants.
Reviewed on 7 Dec 2022Read more
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A
AnonymousVerified Icon
M.S. in Computer Science - Batch of 2023
3.6
Nice experience but too expensive
Tips: No part-time jobs are available except for teaching assistance and research assistants. I learned so much from my coursework but it is a little difficult to get scholarships. There are not many Indian restaurants so have to adapt to the culture here. You can get help from the university for groceries and basic needs.
Reviewed on 4 Feb 2024Read more
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University of California-Riverside Campus Admissions 2025 FAQs

Q:   Can I get into UC Riverside with a 2.5 GPA?
A: 

It is quite difficult to enter with a GPA of 2.5 for international applicants. International graduate and undergraduate applicants must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3 and 3.4, respectively, according to the University of California, Riverside. Students must be eligible if they have documentation of high school graduation or a bachelor's degree from an accredited university or its equivalent. Academic credentials, a CV or resume, a statement of purpose, job experience, an essay, a GPA, a letter of recommendation, the GRE or GMAT (if applicable), and English language proficiency are all required in addition to eligibility.

Q:   What is the application fee at the University of California Riverside?
A: 

The University of California Riverside application fee varies as per the programs. Students must meet the eligibility criteria and submit documents asked by the university to fill out the UC application. The University of California Riverside application fee for different programs is mentioned below:

  • UG: USD 80 (INR 6.9K)
  • PG: USD 155 (INR 13K)
  • MBA/ MPAc/MFin/Business Analytics: USD 180 (INR 15K)

(USD 1=INR 86.74)

Q:   Which is harder to get into: the University of California, Riverside (UCR) or the University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)?
A: 

According to an unofficial source, the acceptance rate of the University of California, Berkeley is 12% whereas the UCR acceptance rate is 70%. This shows that the University of California, Berkeley is harder to get into than the University of California Riverside. However, in both cases, it is not impossible to get into the university. Students must perform excellently in academics and fulfill the selection criteria to get into the university. UC Berkeley prioritizes factors like academic GPA and letter of recommendation, whereas UCR precedes factors including high school GPA, advanced placement or international baccalaureate course, eligibility in the local context, low family income, and more.

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UC Riverside
Location

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University CityRiverside, California, USA
Size of cityMedium
Population of City3,27,728

UC Riverside
Contact Information

Address

900 University Ave, Riverside, CA 92521, United States
Riverside ( California)

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