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University of California - San Francisco Campus: Rankings, Cost, Programs, Placements
5 Campuses- Estd. 1864
UC San FranciscoWhat's new?
The final application deadline for the School of Dentistry at the University of California San Francisco is Oct 31, 2025.
About the University of California San Francisco
The University of California San Francisco upholds the mission to go beyond San Francisco and bring about impactful change on a national and global level through innovative healthcare approaches and focus on training future Doctors, Nurses, Scientists, and Pharmacists. UCSF abides by values of Professionalism, Integrity, Respect, Diversity, and Excellence.
The University of California San Francisco is a graduate program-specific university that offers 20+ PhD programs and around 13 Master’s. The University is home to over 3,200 students enrolled in the degree program over 1,180 postdoctoral scholars and around 67,000 alumni. Some of the University of California San Francisco schools include the School of Dentistry, School of Medicine, School of Nursing, School of Pharmacy, Global Health Sciences, and many more.
Some important things to know about the University of California San Francisco are mentioned below-
| Particulars | Parameters |
|---|---|
| UCSF Acceptance Rate | 13% |
| UCSF Ranking | #15 |
| UCSF Total No. of Students | 4,000+ |
| UCSF IELTS score | 7 |
| UCSF popular programs |
|
| UCSF Public or Private | Public |
The University of California San Francisco was founded in 1864 when a South Carolina Surgeon Hugh Toland founded a private medical school in San Francisco and is recognized as one of the World’s leading Health Sciences Universities. The Parnassus campus of the university became home to the Biomedical Laboratory, Cancer Research Institute, and some other research institutes in 1958. The University offers three main campuses namely- the Parnassus, Mission Bay, and Mount Zion.
Check out the below videos of University of California San Francisco for more Information:
Commonly asked questions On Highlights
The University of California San Francisco is a major public research center established in 1864, in San Francisco, California. The university is known for its state-of-the-art research facility and high-quality education to its students.
- Variety of Courses: University of California San Francisco offers more than 50 programs in diverse areas of study like education, health sciences, and sciences.
- Campus: The campus is located in vibrant city of San Francisco, which is located in the “Silicon Valley” of the world. The city has a rich culture and is very warm and welcoming to international students.
- Student to Faculty Ratio: The University does not explicitly release this ratio. However, as per the enrollment statistics of the university, there are 3,646 academic employees on 5,883 students.
- Health Center: The University is one of the best Health Center in and around San Francisco.
The various residency halls provided by the university are:
- Academe at 198
- Aldea San Miguel
- Avenues House
- Mission Bay Housing
- Mount Zion Housing
- The Tidelands
The University of California, San Francisco does not release data about acceptance rate. However, as per some unofficial sources, University of California-San Francisco, has an acceptance rate of 18%, which means out of every 100 applications, only 18 are selected, which makes is very competitive to get selected into the university.
The university gives preference to students having higher grades or have exceptional academic or research experience. Hence, having higher grades increases your chance of getting selected at University of California San Francisco.
Here is the list of eligibility requirements to get into US Universities.
University of California - San Francisco Ranking 2026
The University of California - San Francisco is among the top universities in the USA and globally category. It ranked at #150 in the USA by Shiksha Popularity Ranking in 2025. The university is also one of the top-ranked universities in the world and it ranks #20 in the Universities Rankings by ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) in 2024.
According to US News and World Report, University of California - San Francisco ranking is #15 in 2024, which showcases an improved trend when compared with 2024.
Furthermore, the university’s courses have been ranked nationally. According to Shiksha Popularity Ranking, the University of California - San Francisco subject ranking for 2025 are given below:
| Course name | Shiksha Popularity Ranking 2025 |
|---|---|
| MS | #163 |
| Others PG | #10 |
| M.A. | #120 |
| LL.M. | #89 |
| MSN | #7 |
#36
#38
Commonly asked questions On Rankings
The University of California San Francisco is one of the top-ranking public universities in San Francisco, US. The University secured a rank of #15 in the Best Global Universities In 2024 according to the top-ranking publishers and also received an overall university grade of A+ by the Shiksha Study Abroad grading system. Some popular courses like Biology and Physics have also been graded an A+ and C respectively.
According to the top-ranking publishers, the University of California ranking for 2024 is #15 among the Best Global Universities. Moreover, the University also secured an overall university grade of A+ by the Shiksha Study Abroad grading system. Courses such as Biology and Physics offered by the university have been graded an A+ and C.
UCSF is one of the top public universities located in San Francisco, US. The University was graded an overall university grade of A+ by the Shiksha Study Abroad grading system along with a rank of #15 among the Best National Universities in 2024 according to the top-ranking publishers. Shiksha Study Abroad grading system has also been graded A+ and C to courses like Biology and Physics offered by the University of California San Francisco.
University of California San Francisco Programs
The University of California San Francisco offers over 20 PhD programs and around 13 Master’s programs. The University offers courses across multiple professional schools such as the School of Dentistry, Medicine, Nursing, and Pharmacy. Some popular graduate programs offered by UCSF are PhD in Bioengineering, Biochemistry, and Molecular Biology, Development and Stem Cell Biology, MD in Doctor of Medicine, MS in Biomedical Imaging, Genetic Counselling, Global Health Sciences, MS in Nursing, and many more.
The University of California San Francisco offers multiple courses under PhD programs, Master’s Programs, Professional Doctorates, Certificate Programs, and Non-Degree Programs.
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Commonly asked questions On Popular Programs
The University of California San Francisco is a Graduate program-centered university and does not offer a Bachelor’s degree. UCSF has over 3,200 students enrolled in the degree programme and over 1,180 postdoctoral scholars. The University offers four professional schools namely: Dentistry, Medicine, Nursing, and Pharmacy.
The UC San Francisco, offers graduate and PhD level course in pharmacy. As per QS world Ranking by Subjects 2023, Pharmacy programme at UCSF is ranked at 9 globally. The first year tuition fees for the Doctor in Pharmacy is INR 9.78L.
The University of California San Francisco offers a Nursing Master of Science programme that focuses on preparing the graduates of the course in advanced practice roles such as Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Practitioner, Nurse-Midwife, Administrators, faculty, and many more. The course aims to offer advanced knowledge, assessment skills, leadership development, clinical practice, and many more. An MSc in Nursing offered at the University of California San Francisco provides over 16 areas of specialisation and around nine minors. The Nursing graduate programs offered by UCSF are based in the Parnassus Campus of the university. The graduates of an MSc in Nursing secure employment as nurse practitioners or clinical nurse specialists or even in research and leadership positions.
University of California San Francisco Admissions 2026
Application Deadline 2025
The application deadline for students seeking admission to the School of Dentistry is Oct 31, 2025.
- Students can apply to UCSF online
- Students should hold a Bachelor’s degree to be able to pursue a graduate degree at UCSF
- Students must choose which school or program they want to apply to and follow the admission requirements of the specified program
- International students must showcase evidence of sufficient financial resources to support their studies at the University
- Submit the English Language Proficiency Test Scores
- Submit an unofficial transcript
- Students will receive an application via email after which the students can log into their application to check the admission status.
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate for students seeking admission to the University of California San Francisco is around 13%, making admissions to the university relatively selective and competitive.
Application Fees
International students seeking admission to the University of California San Francisco must pay a non-refundable application fee of USD 140 (INR 11,757).
Eligibility
The minimum English Language Proficiency Test Scores that international students seeking admission to the University of California San Francisco must obtain are mentioned below-
|
English Language Test Type |
Minimum Scores |
|---|---|
|
TOEFL |
80 |
|
IELTS |
7 |
- Application fees :USD 80
- Type of deadline :Depends on course
Commonly asked questions On Admissions
According to the University of California San Francisco admissions department, the decisions regarding the admission and selection of candidates are communicated within 2-3 weeks of receiving the duly completed application form.
The acceptance rate to the University of California San Francisco is around 13% hence making admissions to the university somewhat competitive and selective. Students must also meet other eligibility criteria stated by the university such as the minimum English Language Proficiency Test scores accepted by the university. Each graduate programme offered by UCSF has its own eligibility criteria thus, students must look into the admission requirements for the course of their preference.
The acceptance rate for international students seeking admission to the University of California San Francisco is around 13% indicating that out of 100 applicants around 13 students will be granted admission to the university thus, making admissions to the university competitive and selective. To get an admission to the University of California San Francisco students must meet the minimum English Language Proficiency test scores accepted by the university such as IELTS, and TOEFL scores. It is crucial for students to hold a bachelor’s degree as UCSF only offer graduates programs. The students must meet the programme specific admission requirements and deadlines to increase their chances of acceptance to the university.
UC San FranciscoUniversity of California San Francisco Scholarships 2025
University of California San Francisco awards merit-based scholarships to meritorious students, which are awarded as tuition fee waivers, the students are considered for the scholarships once a complete application is submitted to the university. Some of the scholarships awarded to international students are as follows:
- Regents Scholarships
- Professional School Scholarships
- Jayne M. Perkins Foundation Scholarship
- AMA Foundation Physicians of Tomorrow Scholarship
University of California San Francisco Placements
The University of California San Francisco offers multiple opportunities to the graduates of the university across multiple organizations and sectors. Some of the sectors in which the graduates of UCSF are employed include Healthcare Services, Business Development, Education, Research, Operations, and many more. Some of the organizations in which the graduates of the university are employed include Harvard Medical School, UC Davis Health, Sutter Health, and many more.
The pie chart given below offers information on the various placement opportunities offered to the graduates of the University of California San Francisco
Note: The 'Others' in the pie chart refers to some other job placements offered to the graduates of UCSF like Media and communication, Consulting, Education, Sales, etc
University of California San Francisco Cost
The University of California San Francisco tuition fee is around INR 26.62 L - 43.88 L. Some additional budgets that students need to take into consideration include the cost of housing, medical and dental expenses, expenses of books and other course-related material, food, transport expenses, and other additional personal expenses. The tuition and overall fee are specific to the graduate degree offered by the university.
| Courses | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Duration & Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
MS(4 courses) | INR 31 L - 38 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 1 year-2 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 7 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above |
MD(1 course) | INR 47 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 7 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above |
Commonly asked questions On Fees and Eligibility
The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) does not offer a BPharm program. Instead, it is a graduate health sciences campus that offers advanced biomedical research and graduate-level education in the life sciences and health professions. For admission to graduate programs at UCSF, a minimum of a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with at least a 3.0 (B) grade point average is required. Additionally, for pharmacy programs in the U.S., including those at other institutions, the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) is often a prerequisite for admission.
The tuition fee for international students pursuing their graduate degree at UCSF is around INR 26.62 L – 43.88 L. Some other expenses also need to be taken into consideration like the cost of accommodation and food, expenses of books and other course-related material, transportation expenses, and other personal expenses need to be taken into consideration.
Average cost of living on campus of University of California San Francisco is given below:
Expense | Average Monthly Living Expense |
|---|---|
Housing and Utilities | INR 1.6L |
Food and Utilities | INR 55,000 |
Commutation | INR 15,000-20,000 |
Miscellaneous* | INR 40,000-60,000 |
*Subjective and can vary.
UC San FranciscoStudent profile
PG Enrollment
University of California San Francisco Notable Alumni
The University of California Santa Cruz is home to over 67,000 alumni who stay connected with the university even after graduation. Some of the well-known alumni of the University of California San Francisco are mentioned below-
|
Notable Alumni |
Professions |
Pictures |
|---|---|---|
|
Priscilla Chan |
American Philanthropist & Pediatrician |
|
|
William R. Brody |
American Radiologist |
|
|
Tess Gerritsen |
American Novelist |
|
|
Woodger Faugas |
Author |
|
|
Lorraine Day |
American Author |
|
Commonly asked questions On Alumni
The University of California San Francisco offers a community of over 67,000 alumni and multiple well-known alumni, especially in the field of writing. Some well-known alumni authors of the University of California San Francisco are Woodger Faugas and Lorraine Day. Another well-known alumni of the University of California San Francisco is Priscilla Chan, an American Philanthropist and Pediatrician and also the wife of Mark Zuckerberg.
UC San FranciscoCollege comparison
Compare UC San Francisco with other similar colleges
| College | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| INR 31.14 L - 37.77 L | #16 US News, 2025 | |
| INR 27.66 L | -/- | |
| INR 35.49 L | -/- | |
| INR 29.74 L | -/- | |
| INR 32.59 L - 41.7 L | -/- |
CompareStudying in USA
Key Facts About USA
Insights on education, demographics & weather.
Commonly asked questions On Study in Country
International students must meet the requirements to study in USA. Students must have a required qualification as per the programme and submit the test score during the process. Check below the English language test and additional tests accepted by US Universities:
Entrance Exam | Count of Universities |
|---|---|
524 | |
500 | |
434 | |
12 |
English Language Exams | Count of Universities |
|---|---|
| TOEFL | 1032 |
960 | |
816 |
UCSF Vs UCLA Vs UCSD: Which is better?
The University of California San Francisco, the University of California Los Angeles, and the University of California San Diego are all top-ranking universities located in the United States of America. However, choosing between them can be confusing at times.
The comparison table given below may help students make a more informed decision as to which is better between the three based on some vital parameters such as: acceptance rate, courses, course fee, campus location & rankings among others.
|
Criteria |
University of California San Francisco |
University of California Los Angeles |
University of California San Diego |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Location |
San Francisco, California, USA |
Los Angeles, California |
San Diego, California |
|
Acceptance Rate |
13% |
9% |
25% |
|
Popular Programs |
Nursing, Dentistry |
Psychology, Computer Science |
Psychology, Biology |
|
Tuition Fee (MS) |
INR 29.48 L-INR 39.2 L |
INR 22.83 L-INR 60.06 L |
INR 22.5 L-INR 66.26 L |
|
Shiksha Popularity Rankings |
#150 |
#11 |
#20 |
Commonly asked questions On Others
Both UCSF & UCLA are considered among the best higher educational institutions in the US. However, admissions at both institutions are very competitive as both recieve thousands of applications for a very limited number of seats.
The University of California: San Francisco acceptance rate is 13%, while that of UCLA stands at 9%.
Though both institutions are very selective, securing a seat at the San Francisco campus is marginally easier than doing so at the Los Angeles campus.
University of California San Francisco Campus Life
The University of California San Francisco Campus offers a number of recreational opprtunities to students, maintaining a solid balance betweeen academics & fun. From well-equipped fitness centres to student clubs & societies, there's something for all members of the student community.
Athletics
The university maintains dedicated state-of-the-art fitness centres across its campuses in San Francisco, with the main attractions being the Bakar Fitness Center at UCSF Mission Bay & the Milberry Fitness Center at UCSF Parnassus.
As part of the facility, students have access to a number of world-class resources including: A fully-equipped gym with personal trainers, an indoor swimming pool, outdoor rooftop swimming pool, pilates studio, exercise terrace, NBA full-sized basketball court, Group X & F45 Classes, Locker rooms & Saunas, Squash & racquetball courts, wall climbing & towel service among others.
Student Events
UCSF students organize a number of cultural & fun activities on a regular basis, throughout the academic year. Some core student events include: Recess Time, The Chancellor's Concert Series, Fun in the Library, Block Party at Mission Bay & Staff Appreciation Breakfasts among others.
Housing
The university maintains a number of on-campus accommodation facilities, in the form of apartment & room based housing. Some key accommodation facilities include: Mission Bay Housing, The Tidelands, Aldea San Miguel, Avenue Houses & Academe at 198 among others.
For more information related to student housing at UCSF, students are advised to refer the university's official housing portal.
Commonly asked questions On Additional Details 1
Yes, the University of California San Francisco offers a safe and secure environment to student both on and off campus. The UCSF Police Department ensures the safety of the students, staff, and faculty against any crimes. Moreover, the University of California San Francisco encourages students to report any incidents they face or witness by ensuring the confidentiality of the students. UCSF also offers its annual Security Report for students to check the statistics of crime that has taken place on or around campus. Altogether, the university ensures crime prevention and suppression, infrastructure protection, traffic safety, and victim support and assistance.
UCSF is known to maintain a number of housing properties around its Mission Bay Area, Mount Zion & Parnassus campuses. Students get access to all essential facilities needed to maintain a decent student lifestyle such as bedrooms, study halls, gym, recreational halls, laundry, & bathroom facilities.
Not to forget, free-access to the UCSF shuttle service that offers a convinient mode of transport to & from the university campus. Students enrolled in a degree programme can stay for upto five years as part of campus housing facilities.
UC San Francisco
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 3 months ago
The estimated 2025-26 cost of attendance for UCSF is given below:
Particulars | Off Campus | On Campus |
|---|---|---|
Rent | USD 1,734 (INR 1.4L) | USD 1,713 (INR 1.4L) |
Utilities | USD 184 (INR 15K) | USD 86 (INR 7K) |
Food | USD 734 (INR 63K) | USD 721 (INR 62K) |
Transportation | USD 297 (25K) | USD 279 (INR 24K) |
Personal/Miscellaneous | USD 279 (INR 24K) | USD 213 (INR 18K) |
Total | USD 3,228 (INR 2.7L) | USD 3,012 (INR 2.5L) |
1 USD = INR 86.11
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 months ago
UCSF only offers gradaute degree programs to students specializing in health education. Some of the popular majors for Fall 2023 along with the percentage of degrees awarded include:
Masters's Degree | % | Research Doctorate | % |
|---|---|---|---|
Registered Nursing | 49.2% | General Biomedical Sciences | 14.9% |
Medical Scientist | 12.2% | Nursing Practice | 13% |
International Public Health | 10.9% | Molecular Biochemistry | 10.4% |
Health Care Administration & Management | 8.21% | Medicinal & Pharmaceutical Chemistry | 8.44% |
Bioengineering & Biomedical Engineering | 5.17% | Bioengineering & Biomedical Engineering | 8.44% |
Oral Biology & Maxillofacial Pathology | 4.26% | Molecular Pharmacology | 7.79% |
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 months ago
The University of Florida and UC San Francisco are both renowned universities and are ranked among the top 50 national universities. The university comparison must be based on individual preference, affordability, and the selection process. However, the ranking data, graduation rate, and acceptance
T
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 3 months ago
UC Berkeley and UC San Francisco are both renowned universities and are ranked among the top 50 national universities. The university that is better than the other depends on individual preference, affordability, and selection process. However, the ranking data, graduation rate, and acceptance rate
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 months ago
The University of California San Francisco provides a test option for GRE scores for graduate students. This means it is not necessary to submit the scores. However, some graduate programs require a GRE score just for the sake of an eligibility factor. Students can take the GRE multiple times and up
E
Contributor-Level 8
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UC San Francisco
University of California, San Francisco picture
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UC San FranciscoLocation
| University City | San Francisco, California, USA |
| Size of city | Medium |
| Population of City | 8,84,363 |
UC San FranciscoCampuses
500 Parnassus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States
Visit official site1825 Fourth St., San Francisco, CA 94158 US
Visit official site1600 Divisadero St. San Francisco, CA 94115 US
Visit official siteSan Francisco, CA 94131, United States
Visit official siteUC San FranciscoContact Information
500 Parnassus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States
San Francisco ( California)
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