Study Abroad Study in USA University University of California, Berkeley (UCB): Ranking, Courses, Admission, Fees, Scholarship & Placements

University of California, Berkeley (UCB): Ranking, Courses, Admission, Fees, Scholarship & Placements

Study Abroad Team 03/09/2024

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University of California, Berkeley Highlights

The University of California, Berkeley (UCB) is a prestigious higher education institution. This renowned public research university started its journey in 1868. Out of all other UC campuses, it is the oldest. Many students from India and other nations secure admission to this reputed university. 

Every year, many Indian students get a chance to pursue a bachelor’s or master’s program. The university offers over 350 courses and has 184 academic programs and departments. UC Berkeley is one of the founding members of AAU, a well-known part of American public research universities. 

In the list of the latest QS rankings, this prominent university has attained the 27th position, and 4th is the US News and World Report ranking. It is one of the US universities with over 12 percent of international students, including Indians. The Western Association of Schools and Colleges has accredited the University of California, Berkeley.

Here’s what compels international students to choose University of California, Berkeley.

Reputed Public University: The University of California, Berkeley, is the world’s best public university. This higher education institute is popular for offering STEM programs. Pursuing a course in this institution is affordable as it’s a public university. 
Safest for International Students: Every student who secures admission to this reputed university feels the utmost safety on the campus. California is well-known as the US’s Golden State, and this higher education institute is ideal for international students.
Pleasant Weather: Every person in California strongly believes that the nice weather of this state makes it stand out. International students can enjoy beautiful weather all year round. Summers are comfortable in Berkeley, and winters are short and not harsh.
State-of-the-Art Infrastructure: It is one of the universities in the US that boasts state-of-the-art infrastructure, which facilitates the teaching faculty and students immensely. Students have access to well-equipped labs and the library at the university.

University of California, Berkeley Rankings

National Rankings: UC Berkeley consistently ranks among the top public universities in the United States, often placing within the top 5 in national rankings such as those by U.S. News & World Report.

U.S. News & World Report (2024)

National Universities: UC Berkeley is ranked 20th among National Universities in the United States. This ranking reflects Berkeley's academic excellence, research output, and overall institutional reputation.
Forbes (2023): UC Berkeley is ranked 2nd among all U.S. universities, demonstrating its strength in academics, student experience, and alumni success.
Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education (2024): UC Berkeley is ranked 13thin the U.S., focusing on outcomes like graduate salaries and academic resources.

World Rankings: Globally, UC Berkeley is frequently listed in the top 30 universities worldwide, with strong positions in rankings like QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education.

QS World University Rankings (2024)

Global Ranking: UC Berkeley is ranked #10 in the world, known for its research impact, academic reputation, and employer reputation.
Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings (2024): UC Berkeley is ranked 8th globally. The rankings highlight Berkeley’s outstanding performance in teaching, research, and international outlook.
Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) (2023: UC Berkeley is ranked #5 worldwide, recognized for its academic and research excellence, particularly in science and engineering disciplines.
U.S. News & World Report Best Global Universities (2024): UC Berkeley is ranked #4 globally, emphasizing its broad impact across a wide range of academic disciplines.

To know more about other universities in the USA, click here.

University of California, Berkeley Admission

Every year, the University of California, Berkeley gives admission to a considerable number of international students. It is known for housing more than forty thousand students every year. However, it is a pretty competitive higher education institute, as the acceptance rate of it is only 15%. 

Undergraduate Admission to UC Berkeley

Any student willing to study in the USA can apply for an undergraduate course through the official website of this university.
An applicant needs to obtain a minimum 3.4 GPA, which means scoring at least 85-90%
Appearing for English proficiency examinations such as IELTS or TOEFL is a must. An applicant needs to score at least 80 in TOEFL IBT. If an aspirant appears for IELTS, obtaining 6.5 is necessary.
Applicants need to take standardized examinations and score between 650 and 750 on the SAT or 29 and 32 on the ACT. 
Apart from fulfilling all the aforementioned requirements, providing a letter of recommendation, academic resume, and statement of purpose is necessary. An applicant has to appear for an interview.

Postgraduate Admission to UC Berkeley

A student who aspires to pursue a postgraduate course at UC Berkeley has to apply through the university’s official portal.
An applicant must secure at least a 3.0 GPA to become eligible for a PG program. 
One has to appear for an English proficiency test such as TOEFL or IELTS. Scoring 90 in TOEFL IBT or 7 in IELTS can help increase an applicant’s chances of securing admission to UC Berkeley. 
A GRE is not required, but obtaining 700-760 in GMAT is requisite.
Aside from those mentioned above, an applicant must furnish 2-3 recommendation letters, an updated curriculum vitae, and a statement of purpose. Also, appearing for an interview is a must for a student who wants to pursue a postgraduate course at this university.

Eligibility Criteria

The application process is pretty hassle-free once an applicant understands all the requirements. It is necessary to meet the criteria to become eligible for admission. One must check the university portal thoroughly to gain clear knowledge of the admission requirements. Checking the course for which one is applying is necessary, as different degree courses have a set of additional requirements.

Applicants must have a higher secondary result or equivalent when applying for an undergraduate degree course. 
A bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a well-recognized institute is a must for students applying for PG programs.
On a scale of 4.0, obtaining at least a Grade-Point Average of 3.0 is necessary for applicants.
Sufficient undergraduate training, internship, or professional experience is essential for graduate work in the select field of study.
Applicants have to submit official and valid evidence of their English language proficiency.
Various undergraduate and postgraduate degree courses require applicants to take a standardized test.
Moreover, providing a statement of purpose and letters of recommendation is a must for applicants.
The application fee for a US student or permanent citizen is 135 US Dollars. International students must pay 155 US Dollars when applying for a course of study.

University of California, Berkeley Top Programs  

The University of Berkeley offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Here are some most sought-after UG and PG courses at UV Berkeley.

Bachelor of Science
Computer Science
Electrical Engineering
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Business Administration
Master of Business Administration
Master of Law
Master of Engineering
Master of Science

University of California, Berkeley Intakes

UC Berkeley primarily offers one intake per year for most programs, with applications due in the Fall for admission in the following Fall semester.
Some graduate programs may have additional intakes, but these are less common and specific to certain fields.

University of California, Berkeley Acceptance Rate

UC Berkeley is highly selective, with an overall acceptance rate of around 15-18%. The university's rigorous admissions process considers academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, personal statements, and letters of recommendation. Applicants need to demonstrate strong academic performance and a well-rounded profile to be competitive.

Trends in the University of California, Berkley Acceptance rate

Over the past few years, UC Berkeley's acceptance rate has steadily declined due to an increase in the number of applications and the university’s commitment to maintaining a small, elite student body. Here’s a brief look at the acceptance rates over recent years:

2019: 16.4%
2020: 15.1%
2021: 14.8%
2022: 14.5%
2023: 14.5%

Factors Affecting Acceptance Rate

Holistic review of applications: Berkeley practices a holistic admissions process, considering not only academic achievements but also extracurricular involvement, leadership, personal essays, and letters of recommendation.
Academic Excellence: Applicants are expected to have high GPAs, strong standardized test scores, and a robust academic record, particularly in challenging courses.
Diversity and Inclusion: UC Berkeley values a diverse student body and seeks students from a variety of backgrounds, talents, and perspectives.

University of California, Berkeley Accommodation

A student willing to study in the USA who meets all the entry requirements and secures admission to UC Berkeley can choose from three main accommodation options. 

One can live on the university campus housing easily with or without roommates
Reside in university-owned housing that’s outside the campus
Stay off-campus

More than ninety-six percent of the students choose to live in the university-owned and operated accommodation, and the rest live off-campus. 

University of California, Berkeley Cost

The average fee for an undergraduate program at UC Berkeley is 47 700 US Dollars (around 36.55 lakhs INR), and 35 400 USD (around 27 lakhs INR) for a postgraduate program. 

Course Cost

LLM – 69,500 USD
Bachelor of Science – 41,200 USD
BBA – 41,500 USD
MBA – 71,420 USD
M.Eng – 26,000 USD
Master of Science – 12,230 USD

Cost of Living in Berkeley

Both on-campus and off-campus accommodation expenses are higher in Berkeley. The cost varies depending on the accommodation type.

On-Campus Housing

Single room – 17,210 USD
Double room – 14,280 USD
Triple room – 12,240 USD

Off-Campus Training

2-Beds Studio Apartment – 1800-4680 USD
3-Beds Studio Apartment – 3290 – 6150 USD
4-Beds Studio Apartment – 4488 – 7250 USD

University of California, Berkeley Scholarships

International students can apply for one of the available scholarships to pursue a coveted course at UC Berkeley for free. The scholarship application filing procedure is extensive, which is why it seems overwhelming for many applicants. Here are some popular scholarships that this prestigious university offers.

The Indian Trust Fellowship
Standford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowships for International Students
Inlaks Scholarship
Fulbright-Nehru Research Fellowship

To know about the USA study visa requirements, click here.

University of California, Berkeley Placements

Every student lands a job or internship after completing a UG or PG course at UC Berkeley. Leading companies across the United States look for qualified students who pass out from one of the renowned universities in the US. The graduates get placement opportunities in diverse sectors. The average salary that top US employers offer graduates for specific roles is mentioned below.

Corporate Role – 134,500 USD
Operations – 135,300 USD
Marketing – 140,000 USD
Financial Role – 151,250 USD
Technical – 146,400 USD

FAQs About University of California, Berkeley

1. What are the minimum GPA requirements for admission to UC Berkeley?
A competitive GPA for UC Berkeley is typically above 3.8, though the exact requirement varies by program.

2. How much does it cost to attend UC Berkeley as an undergraduate?
For California residents, the cost is approximately $14,000 per year, while out-of-state and international students pay around $44,000 annually.

3. Does UC Berkeley offer financial aid?
Yes, UC Berkeley provides a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs.

4. Can international students apply for undergraduate programs at UC Berkeley?
Yes, international students are welcome to apply, and they must meet the same rigorous admission criteria as domestic applicants.

5. What housing options are available for UC Berkeley students?
UC Berkeley offers a range of on-campus housing options, including residence halls, apartments, and themed living communities.

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