University of California, Irvine Fees and Programs

University of California, Irvine fees for international graduate students in 2023 are approximately $61,000 USD per year. This includes around $42,000 USD in tuition and $19,000 USD for living expenses. For Indian students, this translates to about ₹50 lakhs annually (using a conversion rate of 1 USD = 82 INR), making financial planning a crucial part of the application process.

The University of California, Irvine (UCI) is a prestigious public land-grant research university and part of the ten-campus University of California system. Located in the vibrant city of Irvine, UCI hosts over 30,000 undergraduate and 6,000 graduate students. It is classified as an R1 research university, highlighting its strong focus on high-level research, with over $436 million in R&D expenditures in 2018.

Academically, UCI consistently ranks among the top U.S. universities. Notable undergraduate program rankings by U.S. News include Game Design at #7, Software Engineering at #9, and several engineering and computer science disciplines at #37. Its MBA program is also ranked #37 nationally, making UCI a well-rounded choice for students pursuing excellence across diverse fields.

UCI’s membership in the Association of American Universities and its reputation as a “Public Ivy” reflect its commitment to academic quality, research, and student success. For international students, UCI offers both a world-class education and access to one of the most dynamic regions in California.

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Know in detail about University of California, Irvine’s popular programs

• BS In Business Information Management
• BA In Business Administration
• MSBA In Business Analytics
• MPAcc In Professional Accountancy
• MIE In Innovation & Entrepreneurship
• PhD In Civil & Environmental Engineering
• PhD In Computer Science

University of California, Irvine Acceptance Rate

• Freshman admission rate: ~28.8% (35,300 admitted from ~122,700 applicants) sfchronicle.com+15admission.universityofcalifornia.edu+15collegeadvisor.com+15.

• Transfer admission rate: ~39.9% (10,000+ admitted from ~25,100 applicants) admissions.uci.edu.

• Overall acceptance hover around 26–29% depending on the source .

University of California, Irvine Eligibility Criteria

Freshman Applicants

• Must complete 15 “A–G” college-prep courses with no grade lower than a C

  • History (2 years), English (4), Mathematics (3+, 4 recommended), Lab Science (2+, 3 recommended), Language other than English (2+, 3 recommended), Visual/Performing Arts (1), College-prep Electives (1).

• Minimum GPA in “A–G”:

  • 3.0 for California residents

  • 3.4 for non-residents

• Academic rigor and personal insight responses matter — UCI uses a comprehensive review process

Transfer Applicants

• Minimum 60 semester (90 quarter) transferable units completed before fall admission

• Minimum GPA:

  • 2.4 for California community college students.

  • 2.8 for out-of-state residents

• Completion of 7 required UC-transferable courses (English composition, quantitative reasoning, plus four courses across arts/humanities, social/behavioral science, or physical/biological science)

• Major-specific prerequisites may apply, especially for specialized programs

University of California, Irvine Admission Requirements

Freshman Applicants:

1. Complete the UC Application (opens Aug 1; submission window: Oct 1–Dec 2)

2. Coursework: 15 A–G classes with required GPA

3. Answer 4 UC Personal Insight Questions

4. Official transcripts submitted after admission offer by July 1

5. SAT/ACT are optional/test-free for admission; scores may be used for placement or scholarships

6. No letters of recommendation required .

Transfer Applicants:

• Submit the UC Application by the same deadline.

• Meet unit and GPA thresholds.

• Fulfill transfer coursework requirements.

• Complete major/program-specific prerequisites, such as portfolios or auditions (for arts majors)

• Provide English proficiency scores if applicable .

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