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UC San Diego Acceptance Rate for Indian Students

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UC San Diego Acceptance Rate
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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 UCSD programs that it provides through 12 professional schools and eight residential colleges.

When it comes to UC San Diego ranking it ranked #29 in National Universities, #6 in Top Public Schools and #182 in Best Value Schools. Check details on UCSD acceptance rate below-

University of California San Diego Acceptance Rate 2025

In Fall 2024, the no. UG applications received by UC San Diego has increased by about 2.7% from previous year, whereas the no. of students admitted has gone up by 11.07%. Overall the university's acceptance rate has increased by 8.1% this year. ThUC San Diego acceptance rate is currently at 26.7%, making the admission criteria very selective. Check the enrollment stats below-

Particulars 

Class of 2027 

Class of 2028 

Student Applications Received 

130,845 

134,455 

Students Admitted 

32,403 

35,989 

Acceptance Rate 

24.76% 

26.77% 

Students Enrolled 

7,007 

7330 

Yield Rate 

21.6% 

20.4% 

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 of which 4,900 were offered admission by the uni. This makes the UC San Diego acceptance rate for international students just as selective. The distribution of the international student admissions is mentioned below-

Particulars 

Headcount 

International Student Applications 

21,821 

International Students Admitted 

4,896 

International Students Enrolled 

811 

Acceptance Rate 

22.44% 

For the Class of 2028 there were 7,428 international students admitted as per official sources. The total number of international UG students enrolled at the UC San Diego campus amounts to over 3,800. The ethnic breakdown of UCSD's UG students is given below-

Ethnic/Racial Group 

Headcount 

Native Hawaiin or other Pacific Islander, non-Hispanic 

20 

American Indian or Alaska Native, non-Hispanic 

25 

Black or African American, non-Hispanic 

569 

Race and/or ethnicity unknown 

812 

Two or more races, non-Hispanic 

2,258 

Nonresidents 

3,891 

White, non-Hispanic 

6,005 

Hispanic Latino 

9,267 

Asian, non-Hispanic 

12,108 

Total 

34,955 

University of California San Diego Acceptance Rate Trends

The no.of applications received by UC San Diego has increased by 13.5% in the last four years whereas the no. of students admitted by the university has decreased by -11.4%. As a result, the University of California San Diego acceptance rate has decreased by -22.1% since 2021. This points towards highly decreasing leniency in the admission criteria. Check the UC San Diego admission trends below-

Year 

Application Received 

Students Admitted 

Acceptance Rate 

2024-2025 

134,455 

35,989 

26.7% 

2023-2024 

130,845  

32,403 

24.76% 

2022-2023 

131,254  

31,274 

23.83% 

2021-2022 

118,410  

40,629 

34.31% 

University of California San Diego Requirements for International Students

Students need to pay the UC San Diego fees in a timely manner and fulfil the admission requirements. Entry requirements for undergraduate and graduate admission are 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

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 

The University of San Diego acceptance rate is 52% 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.

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UC San Diego 
FAQs

Q:   What GPA do you need to get into the University of California San Diego?
A: 

International students who wish to study at the University of California San Diego must have at least score of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0. for graduate admission. For undergraduate admission, students must have must earn a GPA of 3.4 (or better) with no grade lower than a "C." The UCSD GPA requirements vary by programme and applicants have to meet it to get admission to the university. 

Q:   How do I apply to UC San Diego?
A: 

International student can fill the UC Application for Admission to apply for the University of California San Diego admission. Applicants have to meet the admission requirements and submit the admission application by the deadline. There is an application fee for international students that applicants have to pay to submit the application. After successfully submitting the admission application, the university will review your application and send the offer on your registered mail.

Also read: When to Start Your Application Process to US Universities

Q:   What are the requirement for the University of California San Diego admissions?
A: 

University of California San Diego requirements for international students vary by programme in which applicants apply. Entry requirements for UG and PG admission is different and students can check it below-

Undergraduate Requirements

  • Standard XII years of education
  • A GPA of 3.4 on a scale of 4.0
  • English language requirements
  • ACT/Resume/CV

Graduate Requirements

Q:   How much is University of California San Diego tuition fee for international students?
A: 

The University of San Diego tuition fees range between INR 27L and INR 45L for undergraduate programs and INR 22L and INR 66L for postgraduate programs. The students can expect the tuition fees between INR 27 and INR 39L for B tech and INR 22L and INR 66L for MBA. International students can check the table below for tuition costs of popular programs:

Courses

1st Year Tuition Fees

B.E. / B.Tech (34 courses)

INR 27 L - 39 L

MS (39 courses)

INR 23 L - 32 L

MBA/PGDM (8 courses)

INR 29 L - 66 L

B.Sc. (62 courses)

INR 27 L - 45 L

B.E.8 (65 courses)

INR 39 L - 45 L

MIM (7 courses)

INR 29 L - 66 L

BBA (8 courses)

INR 27 L - 39 L

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