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University of California - San Francisco Campus: Ranking, Acceptance Rate and Eligibility
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Last updated on 4 Dec '24, by Nikita Peter (Study Abroad Expert)UCSFWhat’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
- University of California San Francisco Popular Programs
- University of California San Francisco Scholarships 2024
- University of California San Francisco Admissions 2024
- University of California San Francisco Tuition Fees
- University of California San Francisco Placements
- University of California San Francisco Rankings
- UCSF College comparison
- Studying in USA
- University of California San Francisco Notable Alumni
- UCSF Vs UCLA Vs UCSD
- University of California San Francisco Campus Life
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:
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Commonly asked questions On Highlights
Q: Is UCSF hard to get into?
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.
Q: Where is University of California San Francisco located?
University of California San Francisco is located in San Francisco, California. It is a public research university, established in 1864. The School of Medicine at the San Francisco campus is the oldest medical school in the Western United States. The University of California comprises of three main campuses, namely Parnassus, Mission Bay, and Mount Zion.
Q: What is University of California San Francisco famous for?
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.
Q: What it is like to study at University of California, San Francisco?
As per popular student opinion available online, UCSF offers:
- Cutting Edge research opportunities: Various fields of study such as neuroscience is ranked at 3rd globally and 2nd in the USA.
- City of San Francisco: The vibrant of city of San Francisco has a rich history and culture. It is ranked as one of the best cities to live globally and has one of the highest cost of living.
- Extensive PhD courses: UCSF offers PhD in more than 20 different subjects.
Q: What are the various types of residence provided by the University of California 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
University of California San Francisco Popular 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.
The pie chart given below offers information on the various popular programs offered at the University of California San Francisco
Note: The 'Others' in the pie chart refers to some other popular programs such as Bioengineering, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Anatomy, etc.
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Commonly asked questions On Popular Programs
Q: Is University of California, San Francisco's Pharmacy course good?
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.
Q: Does University of California San Francisco offer a Bachelors program?
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.
Q: Does University of California (San Francisco campus) offer M.Sc in Nursing?
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.
Q: Is pursuing a Doctor of Medicine at the University of California San Francisco a good option?
Students wishing to pursue a Doctor of Medicine can consider the University of California San Francisco as an option. The main object of MD offered at UCSF is to fulfill competencies like patient care, medical knowledge, interpersonal and communication skills, practice-based learning, system-based practice, and interpersonal collaboration. The curriculum of the Doctor of Medicine offered at the University of California San Francisco is to impart knowledge to students in basic and clinical Science primarily and then move towards advancement of students in patient care and system improvement skills and then select a scholarly project that best suits the career goals of the students.
University of California San Francisco Scholarships 2024
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 Admissions 2024
Application Deadline 2025
The application deadline for students seeking admission to the School of Dentistry is Oct 31, 2025.
Admission Requirements for International Students
- 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
Q: How long does it take to hear back from University of California San Francisco?
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.
Q: Is admission to University of California San Francisco difficult?
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.
Q: How can I get admission to University of California San Francisco?
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.
University of California San Francisco Tuition Fees
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 |
|---|---|---|
MSN(1 course) | INR 27 L | Duration: 2 years Exam Accepted: TOEFL |
MD(1 course) | INR 44 L | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 7 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above |
MS(5 courses) | INR 30 L - 39 L | Duration: 1 year-2 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 7 & Above, TOEFL: 80 - 90 |
Commonly asked questions On Fees and Eligibility
Q: Which test do I need to take for the PharmD course and what will be the expense per year at the University of California?
To apply for the PharmD programme at the University of California, you typically need to meet certain academic requirements and complete specific prerequisite courses. To pursue a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) at the University of California, the estimated annual expenses for California residents are around $17,054.46, with an additional nonresident supplemental tuition of $4,082.00. The total tuition and fees for the PharmD programme at the USC Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences are approximately $66,652 to $67,157 per year, which includes various student fees, university fees, and health insurance costs.
Q: Is there any university test for admission in the B Pharm course at the University of California - San Francisco Campus?
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.
Q: Is University of California San Francisco expensive?
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.
Q: What is the average cost of living at UC San Francisco?
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.
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 Rankings
University of California San Francisco ranking for 2024 in the Best Global Universities ranking is #15 according to the top-ranking publishers. The Shiksha Study Abroad grading system has also stated an overall university grade of A+ to the University of California San Francisco. Some of the popular programs offered by UCSF have also been graded by the Shiksha Study Abroad grading system. The grades allotted to the University of California San Francisco popular programs are mentioned below-
|
Courses Offered |
Shiksha Study Abroad Grades |
|---|---|
|
Biology |
A+ |
|
Physics |
C |
Commonly asked questions On Rankings
Q: Is University of California San Francisco a top ranking university?
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.
Q: What is the rank of University of California San Francisco?
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.
Q: Is University of California San Francisco no.1 university in the United States of America?
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.
UCSFCollege comparison
Compare UCSF with other similar colleges
| College | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Shiksha Grade | Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
UCSF | INR 26.82 L | A+ | #15 US News, 2024 |
UCLA  Compare | INR 31.98 L | A++ | #42 QS, 2025 |
University of Washington Compare | INR 28.92 L | A+ | #76 QS, 2025 |
SFSU Compare | INR 13.95 L - 14.43 L | B | #1201 QS, 2025 |
NYU Compare | INR 27.23 L - 42.79 L | A++ | #43 QS, 2025 |
SDSU Compare | INR 6.01 L | B++ | #1001 QS, 2025 |
Studying in USA
Key Facts About USA
Insights on education, demographics & weather.
Commonly asked questions On Study in Country
Q: Which are the top universities in USA for international students?
Notably, 195 of the best colleges in the United States have secured their place in the QS World University Rankings 2025. Check below the list of top universities in USA for international students by QS:
Top Universities in USA | QS Ranking 2025 |
|---|---|
1 | |
4 | |
6 | |
10 | |
11 | |
12 | |
16 | |
21 | |
22 | |
23 |
Q: What are the requirements to study in USA for international students?
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 |
|---|---|
497 | |
496 | |
431 | |
28 |
English Language Exams | Count of Universities |
|---|---|
950 | |
864 | |
434 | |
349 |
Q: What is the cost of living in USA for international students?
The average cost of living in USA is approximately INR 93,000 in a month for international students. The cost of living in USA is 224.3% higher than the cost of living in India also the rent in USA is 769.9% higher than in India. Thus, it is natural that the cost of living in the USA is very high for an Indian student. The table given below specifies the estimated student cost of living in the USA that is based on different expenses.
Expenses in USA | Average Yearly / Monthly cost |
|---|---|
Books and study material | USD 900 - USD 2,000 per year |
Travel | USD 300 - USD 700 per year |
Accommodation | USD 9,800 - USD 11,100 per year |
Electricity | USD 100 - USD 150 per month |
Food | On campus: USD 250 per month Off-campus: USD 400 - USD 600 per month |
Phone subscription | USD 50 per month |
Home Internet | USD 45 - USD 50 per month |
Health Insurance | USD 700 - USD 1,100 per year |
Clothes | USD 500 per year |
Water, Trash and Sewer | USD 50 - USD 75 per month |
(1 USD = 83.05 INR)
Note: These amounts will differ from state to state within the US. On average, the cost of Indian food in the USA is around USD 350 - USD 400 for one person.
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
Q: Who are some popular alumni of University of California San Francisco?
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.
UCSF Vs UCLA Vs UCSD
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. The University of California San Francisco ranking for 2024 among the Best National Universities is #15 according to the top-ranking publishers whereas, the University of California Los Angeles, and the University of California San Diego ranked #11 and #21 amongst the Best National Universities. Hence, amongst the three mentioned universities, the University of California Los Angeles holds a higher ranking than the other two universities. The Shiksha Study Abroad grading system has also given an overall university grade to the above-mentioned universities. The Shiksha Study Abroad grades for the University of California San Francisco, the University of California Los Angeles, and the University of California San Diego are mentioned below-
|
University Name |
Shiksha Study Abroad Grading |
|---|---|
|
University of California San Francisco |
A+ |
|
University of California Los Angeles |
A++ |
|
University of California San Diego |
A+ |
Commonly asked questions On Others
Q: Which university has a higher chance of acceptance among University of California San Francisco and University of California San Diego?
The acceptance rate at the University of California San Francisco is around 13%, hence making admissions to the university somewhat selective and competitive. On the other hand, the acceptance rate to the University of California San Diego is 24%, making admissions to the university slightly competitive and selective in comparison to the University of California San Francisco. Other eligibility criteria also need to be taken into consideration such as the English Language Proficiency Test Scores accepted by the universities. Both UCSF and UCSD accept IELTS scores obtained by the students.
Q: Which University is better among University of California (San Francisco) and University of California (Los Angeles)?
The University of California San Francisco and the University of California Los Angeles are both high-ranking universities located in the United States of America. The University of California Los Angeles ranked #15 in 2024 among the Best National Universities, whereas, the University of California Los Angeles ranked #11 according to the top-ranking publishers hence, holding a higher ranking than UCSF. According to the overall university grades by the Shiksha Study Abroad grading system, UCSF was given an overall university grade of A+ and UCLA was graded an A+. However, there are other parameters that need to be taken into consideration as well such as the tuition fees, the programs offered by the universities, scholarship and internship opportunities offered, the campus and overall student life, and many more such factors.
University of California San Francisco Campus Life
The University of California San Francisco campus life is molded with the aim to support every individual student and their needs at the university. The University focuses on four crucial pillars: community, advocacy, access, and inclusion, and data-informed decision-making. The university also ensures in fulfilling the basic needs of students both on and off campus and provides educational opportunities for students to take responsibility for their well-being by offering student food market, and skill development. The Parnassus and Mission Bay Campus offer study spaces and libraries to students. UCSF also offers multiple housing facilities to students both on and off campus while ensuring the safety of every student.
Commonly asked questions On Additional Details 1
Q: What are the housing facilities offered at University of California San Francisco?
The University of California San Francisco offers multiple housing facilities to students each providing multiple resources and facilities. Some housing option offered by the university are Academe at 198 which offers housing to UCSF students, post docs, staff, and even faculty. The accommodation offers 24-hour security, common laundry and package room, fitness center located in the building, and many more such facilities. Some other housing accommodations include the Aldea San Miguel, Avenue Houses, Mission Bay housing, Mount Zion Housing, and many more.
Q: Is University of California San Francisco safe for students?
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
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 7 months ago
The campus facilities at the University of California San Francisco are:
- Clubs and Organization: The university hosts around 180 clubs and organizations. These clubs provide opportunity to students to engage and connect with people.
- The university organizes around 1200 events and students events every
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UCSFLocation
| University City | San Francisco, California, USA |
| Size of city | Medium |
| Population of City | 8,84,363 |
UCSFCampuses
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 siteUCSFContact Information
500 Parnassus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States
San Francisco ( California)
What are the various facilities available at the campus of the UCSF?