UC San Diego Acceptance Rate for Indian Students

Established in 1960, the University of California San Diego is a public land-grant research university in California. The university is a Public Ivy and is classified among ‘R1 Doctoral Universities: high research activity’. The university is renowned for its excellent academic programs that it provides through 12UG, PG, and professional schools and eight residential colleges.

As per the unofficial sources, the university ranked #34 World University Rankings 2025 , and ranked under 50 for various academic subjects, such as Arts and Humanities; Biology and Biochemistry; Biotechnology and Applied Microbiology; Cell Biology; and more.

International students from all over the globe take the University of California San Diego admission for its reputation, excellent programs, esteemed faculties, and huge career opportunities. Also check out UCSD Rankings for 2025

University of California San Diego Acceptance Rate 2025

According to the Fall 2024 data of UC San Diego for First-Time, First-Year Students, the total applications exceeded 134,000. The number of students offered admission at UC San Diego was almost 36,000, of which only 7,300 enrolled, which implies that UCSD acceptance rate stands at 26.7%, making it a fairly competitive university to get into. A comparison of the statistics for Fall 2023 and Fall 2024 is below: 

University of California San Diego Acceptance Rate for International Students

The University of California, San Diego received almost 22,000 applications from international students for the class of 2028. The total number of international (Nonresident) undergraduate students enrolled at the UC San Diego campus amounts to over 3,800. The distribution of the international student admissions is as follows: 

UC San Diego's acceptance rate of 22.4% for international students implies that the competition for admission for international aspirants is a little tougher than the overall admission rate. The percentage of students from various ethnicities or races at the University of California, San Diego is given below: 

University of California San Diego Acceptance Rate Trends

University of California San Diego has become a popular choice amongst the students over the years. The number of applications received by UC San Diego has increased by over 30,000 since the academic session of 2020-21. As a consequence, the overall acceptance rate for the university has plummeted over the course of time by 7%. The number of students admitted each year has also decreased by over 5,000, suggesting growing competition for the students. 

University of California San Diego Requirements for International Students

The University of California San Diego requirements for international students vary by program in which applicants apply. Entry requirements for undergraduate and graduate admission is different and students can check them below:

UCSD Undergraduate Admission Requirements

• Must complete your standard XII years of education
• Achieve at least a GPA of 4.11 on a scale of 4.29
• Meet the English language requirements
• Submit additional test scores for ACT/SAT (if required)

UCSD Graduate Admission Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline
• Test scores of English Proficiency exams
• Minimum of 3, Letters of Recommendation
• Statement of Purpose
• Resume/CV
• Writing Sample

Know more about the Requirements to Study in the USA for International Students

University of California San Diego Average GPA, SAT & ACT Scores

University of California San Diego is highly selective with an acceptance rate of 25%. Students admitted to Northwestern University must have the mentioned scores:

High School GPA minimum 4.11 - 4.29

*UCSD doesn’t require SAT/ ACT.

Tips to get selected at University of California San Diego

To secure an enrollment, the candidate must be an all-rounder. Some of the best initiatives that students can take to maximise their chances of selection are given as follows:

• Don't limit your research to quick statistics like the acceptance rate at UCSD or straightforward explanations of how to apply to UCSD. Instead, familiarize yourself with the intellectual, social, and cultural offerings of UCSD. 
• Get involved in extracurricular activities that highlight your passions, capacity for leadership, and engagement with the community.
• Compose insightful and engaging essays that showcase your goals, experiences, and personality.

University of California San Diego Acceptance Rate vs University of San Diego Acceptance Rate 

University of San Diego Acceptance Rate is 47% Compared to the University of California San Diego acceptance rate of 26.7%, UCSD is considered to be more selective in its admission process as compared to the University of San Diego.

University of San Diego admissions are less selective though students must be all-rounder to get admitted for pursuing their higher studies. Candidates who are excellent in academics, as well as activities outside class, are more likely to secure admission.