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UC Berkeley Admissions 2025: Application Deadline, Requirements & Costs

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Dark Clock Icon Last updated on 5 Nov '24, by Akansha katariya (Study Abroad Expert)

UC Berkeley Admissions
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The application deadline to take University of California Berkeley admission in undergraduate and master's program are closed now.

University of California Berkeley Admissions 2025

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Commonly asked questions
On Admissions

Q:   What are the minimum requirements for the University of California Berkeley?

A: 

The University of California Berkeley offers various courses and has a specific requirements for admission. However, the requirements might vary depending on the course, and it is suggested to check the official website for more information. However, the following includes the basic requirements as follows for 

Undergraduate programes :  As an international student, you may apply to UC as either a freshman or as a transfer student, depending on your level of education. The following are the admission requirements: 

  1. Must have completed their secondary education and have earned a certificate of completion.

  2. Never enrolled as a university student

  3. The applicant must have a 15-year-long academic course with a GPA of 3.4 GPA

  4.  Indian students must complete both year X and XII state board or CBSE examinations, with average marks above 70 and no marks below 60. 

  5.  

English Language Tests accepted

Minimum score required 

IELTS

6.5 or higher (with no sub-skills less than 6.0) 

TOEFL

Minimum score of 80 or better

DUOLINGO 

Minimum score of 115 

Note: the University of California may require a score higher than the minimum for admission selection. However, some campuses may request an interview to test the applicant's English Skills during the application review process. 

  1. Score 31 or higher on writing and language in the SAT

  2. Score 24 or higher on the ACT for English language arts. 

Graduate program requirements: 

  • A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution,

  • A satisfactory average, usually a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale: and 

  • Enough UG training to do graduate work in your chosen field.

  • The applicant must have at least three letters of recommendation are required. 

  • GRE or GMAT is required for certain courses. However, there is no minimum score for those exams. The university is interested in the applicant's performance in the quantitative section. 

  • A minimum GPA of B (3.0) or better is generally the standard for consideration 

English Language Tests accepted

Minimum score required 

IELTS

A score of 7 on a scale 9 scale 

TOEFL

90 and above 

Note: the University of California may require a score higher than the minimum for admission selection. However, some campuses may request an interview to test the applicant's English Skills during the application review process. 

Q:   What is the application fee for MBA course at the University of California Berkeley?

A: 

The application fee for the MBA programme is USD 200. The MBA programme at NYU offers exceptional opportunities for its students to develop their skills. Remembering that the university may revise its fee depending on the intake is also essential. It is suggested to double-check the current fee with the specific programme you are applying to. 

Q:   What is the application fee at the University of California Berkeley?

A: 

 UG and PG applicants must note that the application fees vary based on the course level and citizenship. For the UG course,   the student is required to pay USD 70. However, international and Non- immigrant students are required to pay USD 80. 

For PG courses, the application fee might vary again depending on the program. However, the application fee for international students for the PG course is USD 155.

The University of California Berkeley will also waive application fees for qualified students or those who cannot apply for admission. The fee waiver programme is only for United States citizens and applicants eligible for AB540 benefits.

Q:   How long does it take to hear back from UC Berkeley?

A: 

UC Berkeley's admission review process takes two weeks to 1 month. However most of the applicants receive call within 6-8 weeks. The comprehensive evaluation consider academics, GPA, extracurricular activities and many more are essential for the university. Srudents should anticipate this timeframe . The students are notified via e-mail and the approximate time of the decision is said to be one month after the application submission. 

University of California Berkeley MS Admissions 2024

33 courses 9 months - 5 years
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₹ 22.4L - 54.5L

iconEligibility Criteria

  • Accepting Exams: IELTS, TOEFL, GRE
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Commonly asked questions
On MS Admissions

Q:   Is MS in computer Science course good at the University of California Berkeley?

A: 
The computer courses offered at the University of California are highly regarded and were consistently ranked among the top programs in various reputable rankings. The university has seen fluctuations from 2019 to 2023. According to THE (Times Higher Education) ranking for PG computer science, the programme has consistently secured a position in the top 10 and has seen an improvement in recent years. As per the US News and World Report, the programme consistently maintains its high standing on the graph. However, Choosing an MS course at the University of California Berkeley is a good option for students. Check out the below table and the rankings of MS Computer Science:

Ranked By

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

THE (Times Higher Education) - PG Computer Science [13]

NA

9

8

8

US News & World Report - Computer Engineering PG

2

1

2

2

US News & World Report - UG Computer Engineering

3

3

Q:   Is the MIM course good at the University of California Berkeley?

A: 

UC Berkeley offers various unique courses, Out of which MIMS is one. Graduates from this course have gone to successful careers. The graduates secured jobs in well-known companies like Google, Paypal, Twitter, Facebook, Quora and many more esteemed companies with a median salary of 1,75,000. the programme prepares students for diverse career paths, including roles such as data scientists, UX designers, product managers and technical programme managers.

Overall, the MIMS course at UC Berkeley offers an education that equips students with skills, knowledge and real time experience, which is a must before entering the real competitive world.  

View course details

University of California Berkeley Application Process 2025

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Commonly asked questions
On Application Process

Q:   What does it take for an Indian student to get into University of California Berkely?

A: 
To stand out in UC Berkely admissions for Indian student would be a little difficult but not impossible. Mainly because it has a very low acceptnce rate and hence applicants should strictly focus on presenting a postive view of themseleves, beyond just academic achievements. Students should highlight their unique experiences, interests, and perspectives which will help the examiner or the interviewer understand the potential of the applicant. Students must talk about experiences and challenges that the've overcome as that shows how the candidate takes tasks during tough times. But again, students must not over do things and boast about themselves in the mode of explaining themselves. As that gives total a negative impact on the student if done so. Below are some basic add on applicants must have:
  • A strong LOR
  • Convencing SOP
  • Work experince ( applicant should be ready to asnwer what changes he has bought to company)
  • Social Welfare practices
  • Leadership qualities.

Q:   What is the application fee for the MS in the University of California Berkeley computer Science program?

A: 

The application fee for the MBA program is USD 155. The MBA programme at NYU offers exceptional opportunities for its students to develop their skills. Remembering that the university may revise its fee depending on the intake is also essential. It is suggested to double-check the current fee with the specific programme you are applying to. 

Q:   What is the University of California, Berkeley admission process?

A: 

The application process at UC Berkeley may vary depending on the course and level of study you choose. However, here is the application process for PG courses. 

   The Undergraduate Application Process: 

Step 1: Applicants must create an account on the official website. 

Step 2: Complete the application; the applicant must fill in their details 

Step 3: Applicants must choose their interested course and be aware that each UC school they apply to requires an application fee of USD 80 (international application fee). If you can apply for Waiver, you can apply to UC Berkeley for free. 

However, you can check out: Application fee waivers for US universities 

Step 4: Ensure you meet the English language requirements for your chosen course.

Step 5: Applicants must upload their SAT/ACT scores for UG programs

Step 6: LORs, Personal insights and transcripts of the applicant's 12th marks are essential while applying to the University of California Berkeley. 

Step 7: If the applicant is selected, the university will notify the applicant through the mail they signed in. 

The Postgraduate Application Process: 

Applicants must create an account on the official website. 

Step 2: Complete the application; the applicant must fill in their details 

Step 3: Applicants must choose their interested course and be aware that each UC school they apply to requires an application fee of USD 155 ( international students) for postgraduate programs.  If you can apply for Waiver, you can apply to UC Berkeley for free. 

However, you can check out: Application fee waivers for US universities 

Step 4: Ensure you meet the English language requirements for your chosen course.

Step 5: Applicants must have completed their degrees and have their transcripts ready.

Step 6: LORs ( 3 LOR), GRE, Personal insights and work experience (Depending on the course) essential while applying to the University of California Berkeley. 

Step 7: If the applicant is selected, the university will notify the applicant through the mail they signed in. 

Q:   What is the application fee for the MIM course at the University of california berkeley?

A: 

The application fee for the MBA program is USD 155. The University of California, Berkeley's MIMS programme offers exceptional opportunities for students to develop their skills. It is essential to remember that the university may revise its fees depending on the intake. It is highly suggested to refer to the official sources to avoid confusion.

University of California Berkeley Enrollment Statistics 2025

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Commonly asked questions
On Admission

Q:   What are the University of California Berkeley application deadlines?

A: 

The applicants applying in the spring semester of 2024 at UC Berkeley must be aware of the specific application submission deadlines.  However, if you plan to enrol for the fall term, the applications are closed. UC Berkeley and UC Merced are on the semester system calendar, while all other campuses are on the quarter system calendar. The following table explains the application dates and deadlines: 

 

Intake 

Submit your application form by 

Freshman 

 closed

Fall application deadline ( MS)

Sep 2024

Fall application deadline( MBA) 

Jan 4, 2025 (Tentative)

Q:   How can I get into UC Berkeley as an average student from India?

A: 

UC Berkeley is surely one of the toughest universities to get into. The UC Berkeley has just an acceptance rate of 9%, which means only nine students can get into the university out of hundreds. Hence it could be difficult for a mediocre or an average student to get into UC Berkeley. However, it’s not impossible. The basic requirement the university asks for is a GPA of 3 - 3.5 or above from an accredited university and a good ELP score. Lastly, the UC Berkeley takes a holistic approach and doesn’t just consider marks but sees multiple factors in the student's profile. These factors include Leadership, Work experience, essays, LOR and interviews that the students give during their admission process. 

Q:   What are some helpful tips for students starting their first year at UC Berkeley?

A: 

Some of the tips for students starting their first-semester at the University of California Berkely campus are:

  • Students who applied for University of California Berkeley campus must be humble and should interact with as many people as possible. Mainly beacause, the more people you talk to the better knowledge you get. 
  • Attend as many gathering and parties as much as you can. 
  • Applicants should avoid missing classess, as 70% of learning comes from students going to classes. 
  • Students can get invovlved with extracuricular activities, i.e joing university clubs, sports etc. This will also look good on a portfolio in the longer run. 

Q:   Is getting into the University of California Berkeley hard?

A: 

Yes, it is hard to get into the University of California Berkeley, as it is renowned for its selective admission process, especially with an acceptance rate of 9%. The evaluation considers factors such as SOP, LORs, good academic background and extracurricular activities. To get admission to UC Berkeley, the individual must give their best by showcasing their talents and capabilities while competing against a high applicant pool.

UC Berkeley
Students Ratings & Reviews

4.6/5
Verified Icon4 Verified ReviewsInfo Icon
Vibe of Campus
  • Liberal
  • Stressful
  • Academically oriented
  • Multi-dimensional
Student Views
  • 50% students never faced discrimination in this university
Internships4.5
Part time work4.3
Post study jobs5
Quality of faculty4.5
Student Life5
Value for money4.3
Public transportation4.8
Safety4.3
Indian Food4.8
Permanent Immigration4.3
A
AnonymousVerified Icon
Bachelor of Arts- Computer Science - Batch of 2025
4.4
The University is collaborative and impactful. Plenty of opportunities to explore.
Tips: Before you fully commit to this university, make sure you have a word with a student representative or a former alumni who can give you a clear idea of what to expect on campus. Get an idea of what the university stands for, its history and what your inclination is towards.
Dislikes (Permanent Immigration): The USA is easily one of the most accepting and multifaceted arenas open to people from all ethnicities, races and backgrounds especially if you're starting your life like me. If given the chance, I would certainly immigrate here especially in California.
Reviewed on 12 Jun 2024Read more
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A
AnonymousVerified Icon
Master of Science in Computer Science - Batch of 2020
4.8
UC Berkeley: A Crowned Institution in United States.
Tips: Trust me, the university is more competitive than it seems. Students should be prepared to put in a lot of effort. At first glance, the university may appear overwhelming due to its vast size and atmosphere. However, students must take this as an opportunity and learn with their fellow. Also, this is an opportunity to build strong meaningful relationships with your fellow. As in top institutions, like UC Berkeley, apart from academics most of the students come to build these relationships only. I can recall how many good relationships I have built over my time at UC and I am still benefitting from them day-in and out. Students must enrol for a scholarship as the cost of living near the university is relatively high. If you are unable to get a scholarship try to find a good part-time job. About the country well US is US just be good around here don't go to shady areas. Some of the areas have high crime rates and shootings are a common sight. The country will treat you well if you do well.
Likes (Quality of faculty): University of California Berkeley is renowned for its academic excellence and this isn't something to talk about, Come on! Everyone knows it before coming here. The professors are highly knowledgeable and experienced. The professors are very helpful and have unique teaching patterns. It's more of an interaction than teaching and I believe that this is the best method of teaching. However, not every professor at UC Berkeley is exceptional, this needs to be said! At first, I thought enrolling myself at UC Berkeley would be very stressful; nevertheless, the professors do help at every stage to keep the classes interesting and engaging for the students.
Dislikes (Part time work): As I have pursued MS in Computer Science, it is a bit difficult to get a part-time job. The competition is fierce and so is the demand. Due to the high cost of living every other student wants to land on a good part-time job opportunity, therefore making it extremely competitive. However, with the assistance of one of my professors, I was able to land a part-time job. It is difficult to get a part-time job or internship in your field as the competition increases every year. So, start to visualize according. Don't expect that the university will spoon-feed you every single time. Some myths need to be busted!
Reviewed on 24 Oct 2023Read more
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I
Ishan Pathak Verified Icon
Master of Financial Engineering - Batch of 2025
4
Good career opportunities.
Tips: 1. Learn cooking, and try to be efficient in cooking as possible. This helps save lots of time 2. Take lots of layered clothing options, to make sure you don't catch cold 3. The MFE course in particular is intensive. Start your interview prep for placements/internships as early as possible before coming.
Likes (Internships): The course has wide range of career options ranging from technology to quantitative research in funds. The career path this program prepares for is quite varied, ranging from Data Science, Teaching to core-finance (which is its USP). Available internships are relevant.
Dislikes (Value for money): The MFE course in particular is expensive. The internships and placements are good but obviously, it comes at a cost. The college infrastructure is quite good though. The faculty is good overall, but MFE being a fast-paced course, they breeze through the course material quite fast.
Reviewed on 27 Mar 2024Read more
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Y
Yuvaraj Tankala Verified Icon
Bachelor of Arts- Computer Science - Batch of 2022
5
Amazing experience at University of California
Tips: First and foremost, students should find an accommodation near to the campus and knowing English is better so that you can communicate with everyone. Try to learn some technology or gain some experience in coding so that you can tutor or do part-time work as a frontend or backend Engineer.
Likes (Value for money): We had global exposure with peers coming from all over the world, different cultures and habits. Also, everyone was super helpful and many students ran organizations which were helpful to upscale ourselves. Many extra curricular activities were organized.
Dislikes (Indian Food): When I was working on a project, my professor was helpful and she also connected me with other professionals on the topic I was working on. She also explained personal branding like LinkedIn's do's and don'ts. She was kind and used to give her office hours for our benefit.
Reviewed on 8 Jun 2022Read more
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UC Berkeley Admission FAQs

Q:   Is: UCLA better than UC Berkeley?

A: 

UCLA and UC Berkeley are renowned institutes offering unique campus cultures and academic programs. While they share a great reputation, there are subtle differences between the two universities. The below table compares the rankings, fees and acceptance rate of UCLA. Overall this information could be useful for students who are considering them. Here is the comparison highlighting the differences between the Universities:

Name of The University

Ranking

Acceptance Rate

1st Year Tuition Fee

UCLA

#20

9%-International applicants


14%- US citizens 

UG course: INR 26.72 L - 36.78 L

 

PG course: INR 21.78 L - 31.35 L

UC Berkely 

# 20

14.4%- US citizens

9%-International applicants 

UG Course:  INR 33.8 L - 37.74 L

PG course: INR 19.43 L - 62.64 L

Q:   Which school is better: Stanford or UC Berkeley?

A: 

UC Berkely and Stanford University are renowned institutions offering unique and various campus cultures and academic programs. While they share a great reputation, there are subtle differences between the two universities. However, in terms of ranking Stanford University has the upper hand when compared to UC Berkeley.The table below compares the universities' rankings, fees and acceptance rates. Overall this information could be useful for students who are considering them.

Here is the comparison highlighting the differences between the Universities:

Name of The University

Ranking

Acceptance Rate

1st Year Tuition Fee

UC Berkeley

# 20

14.4%- US citizens

9%-International applicants 

UG Course:  INR 33.8 L - 37.74 L

PG course: INR 19.43 L - 62.64 L

Stanford University#5  3.68%

UG Course: INR 46 L - 51 L

PG course: INR 32 L - 1 Cr

Q:   What are the requirements for an MS in Computer Science programme at the University of California Berkeley?

A: 

The following are the requirements for an MBA course at the University of California:

  • Transcripts and Degrees: the applicant must provide the university with transcripts of their academics with degree certificates. Similarly, applying for PhD or doctoral programme may require a master’s degree and transcripts from all graduate institutions of the applicant. 

  • Resume: The University also might ask you for a CV or a resume depending on the course you choose for professional experience. 

  • Essays: A personal essay is essential for the application process for the UC Berkeley MBA course. It helps the applicant to convey their talents, Academic excellence accomplishments and personal background of applicants. 

  • Minimum three letters of recommendation: UC Berkeley asks for a LOR for MBA applicants, and with particular exceptions, such as professors or a senior position ( at the applicant's workplace), are recommended to write the LOR or experience from the experience.

  • English language proficiency: The following table explains the minimum    

English Language Tests accepted.

The minimum score required 

IELTS

score of 7 on a scale of 9 scale 

TOEFL

A minimum score of 90 for IBT,

a Minimum score of 230 for CBT

Minimum score of 570 for PBT

  • GRE/GMAT: GRE or GMAT is required for MS course However, there is no minimum score for those exams. The university is 

interested in the applicant's performance in the quantitative section.

Q:   What are the requirements for the MIM course at the University of California Berkeley?

A: 

The following are the requirements for an MBA course at the University of California:

  • Transcripts and Degrees: the applicant must provide the university with transcripts of their academics with degree certificates. Similarly, applying for PhD or doctoral programme may require a master’s degree and transcripts from all graduate institutions of the applicant. 

  • Resume: The University also might ask you for a CV or a resume depending on the course you choose for professional experience. 

  • Essays: A personal essay is essential for the application process for the UC Berkeley MBA course. It helps the applicant to convey their talents, Academic excellence accomplishments and personal background of applicants. 

  • Minimum three letters of recommendation: UC Berkeley asks for a LOR for MBA applicants, and with particular exceptions, such as professors or a senior position ( at the applicant's workplace), are recommended to write the LOR or experience from the experience.

  • English language proficiency: The following table explains the minimum.               

English Language Tests accepted.

The minimum score required 

IELTS

the score of 7 on a scale of 9 scale 

TOEFL

A minimum score of 90 for IBT,

a Minimum score of 230 for CBT

A minimum score of 570 for PBT

 Interview:  Some selected applicants will be called for an interview as a part of the application process. However, suppose the applicant is called for an interview. In that case, it is highly suggested to be prepared and focus on showcasing your skills and strong points to be accepted at the university.

Q:   What are the IELTS requirements for the University of California Berkeley?

A: 

University of California Berkeley requires English language proficiency for International applicants. While the University of California Berkeley mainly accepts the International English language testing system (IELTS), they also accept other English language proficiency tests. In addition to IELTS, the University of California Berkeley accepts other English proficiency tests such as TOEFL and Dulingo. The following table gives more details with the minimum score required from the tests for UG and PG minimum English requirements;  

UG English test requirements 

English Language Tests accepted

Minimum score required 

IELTS

6.5 or higher (with no sub-skills less than 6.0) 

TOEFL

A minimum score of 80 or better

DULINGO 

Minimum score of 115 

PG IELTS requirements: 

For PG English requirements, the university mainly accepts TOEFL from graduates. However, it also accepts IELTS only. 

English Language Tests accepted

Minimum score required 

IELTS

A score of 7 on a scale 9 scale 

TOEFL

90 and above 

Q:   What is the acceptance rate at the University of California Berkeley?

A: 

The University of Caliofrnia Berkeley Campus acceptance rate is 9% for international students, however, 14% for US citizens  at the University of California Berkeley campus, as it upholds its reputation as a highly selective institute. The university Admission process involves a thorough evaluation process, Considering academic excellence, essays, Letter of recommendation, SOP, extracurricular activities and many more. Applicants are suggested to approach the admission process with utter dedication, showcasing their strengths and talents to get into UC Berkeley. beyond the numerical, UC Berkeley is a great institution with an exceptional education and renowned faculty. 

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Akansha katariya

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Akansha katariya is a content creator at shiksha.com, creating content for study abroad. Having pursued B tech. in Electronics and communication from RGPV University, she has been creating content across diverse domains. When not guiding students, sh...Read Full Bio
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