University of California, San Diego (UCSD) Fees and Programs 2025-26

University of California, San Diego (UCSD) fees for international graduate students are a crucial factor to consider when planning for higher education in the U.S. For one academic year, the estimated tuition and fees total around $55,000 USD, with living expenses adding another $18,000 USD. This brings the overall yearly cost to approximately $73,000 USD, or roughly ₹60,06,000 INR at a conversion rate of 1 USD = 82.28 INR.

UC San Diego (UCSD), established in 1960, is a renowned public research university located in San Diego, California. It’s the southernmost of the ten University of California campuses and is situated close to the Pacific Ocean, occupying over 2,000 acres of land. The campus is known not only for its scenic beauty but also for its academic excellence.

UCSD offers more than 200 undergraduate and graduate programs and is home to over 40,000 students. It consistently ranks among the top universities globally. Notably, its Computer Science Master’s program is ranked #13, and Electrical Engineering is ranked #14 in the U.S. by U.S. News.

For students seeking a world-class education in a vibrant coastal city, UCSD stands out — but it’s essential to plan finances carefully given the significant cost of attendance.

For more information about University of California, San Diego (UCSD), click here.

Know in detail about University of California, San Diego (UCSD)’s popular programs

University of California, San Diego (UCSD) Acceptance Rate

For the Fall 2024 admissions cycle, UC San Diego had an overall acceptance rate of 26.8%, admitting 35,984 out of 134,444 applicants.

University of California, San Diego (UCSD) Eligibility Criteria & Admission Requirements

Freshman Admission (Undergraduate)

GPA Requirements:
- California Residents: Minimum GPA of 3.0 in A-G courses.
- Non-California Residents: Minimum GPA of 3.4 in A-G courses.
A-G Course Completion: Complete a minimum of 15 A-G courses with a grade of C or better, including:
- History/Social Science: 2 years
- English: 4 years
- Mathematics: 3 years (4 recommended)
- Science: 2 years (3 recommended)
- Language Other than English: 2 years
- Visual and Performing Arts: 1 year
- College-preparatory Elective: 1 year
Standardized Test Scores: UC San Diego does not consider SAT or ACT scores for admissions.
Average Admitted Student GPA: The middle 25%-75% GPA range for admitted students is 4.03 – 4.28.

Transfer Admission

GPA Requirements: Minimum GPA of 2.0 in UC-transferable courses.
Course Requirements: Completion of at least 60 semester units (90 quarter units) of UC-transferable coursework, including:
- English Composition
- Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning
- Arts and Humanities
- Social and Behavioral Sciences
- Physical and Biological Sciences
Minimum Grade: Grade of C or better in each course.

Graduate Admission

Degree Requirements: Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution.
GPA Requirements: A minimum GPA of 3.0 (B average) is generally required.
Departmental Requirements: Specific programs may have additional requirements, such as standardized test scores (e.g., GRE), letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose.

If you’re planning to study in United States, check out our comprehensive guide covering everything you need to know from top universities and popular programs to career prospects, tuition fees, cost of living, scholarships, visas, and more.

Planning to study abroad? Explore student life, admission requirements, and top universities in top study abroad destinations to make the best choice for your future.