University of California Merced
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University of California Merced: Overview, Rankings, Fees & Courses

  • B++ Shiksha Grade
  • Institute Icon815 acre campus
  • Estd. 2005
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About UC Merced

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Year of establishment
2005
Also known as
UC Merced
University website
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Student website
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Campus size
815 acres
No. of campus
1
Scholarships available
9
Endowment value
USD 38 million
Scholarships granted
7341
Scholarship amount granted
USD 176 million
English proficiency test
Required
Accepted exams
SAT/ACT accepted
Not required
Total faculty
547
Faculty/Student ratio
19
Male/Female ratio
1.03
UG/PG course ratio
0.58
Total criminal offences
204
Quick university statsInsights on student demographics, enrolment, and academic success
UG Race

Hispanic

55%

Asian

21%

Others

18%

Black

4%

UG Student residence

In state

99%

UG Age distribution

24 and under

97%

25 and over

2%

UG Applicant Icon

UG Number of Applicant

29920
grad RateIcon

Overall Graduation Rate

0.67
UG Enroll Icon

UG Enrollment

8343
PG Enroll Icon

PG Enrollment

760
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
On Highlights

Q:   How good of a school is UC Merced?

A: 

The University of California Merced is one of the finest institutions of higher ducation in the world. As per student reviews, admission requirements at UC Merced are less demanding, resulting in acceptance of some students who have a lower chance of handling the academic rigor. The University of California ranking in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2024 is in the range of #401-500 in the world.

Q:   Can I get into UC Merced with a 3.0 GPA?

A: 

It totally depends if the applicant is applying for UG or PG, as the university wants students to have 3.4 and above for UG and 3.0 and above for PG. To be admitted to the programme at UC Merced, it is recommended to have a strong academic profile, including competitive scores in the GMAT or GREs.  However, the admission process at UC Merced takes a holistic approach, considering 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:   Is it hard to get into the University of California Merced?

A: 

As per the US News and World Report, the UC Merced acceptance rate is 89.5%. With an acceptance rate of 89.5% we can say it is moderately selective in admission. Each year thousands of students from across the United States and around the world apply at the University of California Merced. It is not very hard to get in to the University of California Merced, however, for some popular programs UC Merced admission is very competitive.  Please note, the data on the acceptance rate given above is taken from an unofficial source, therefore, it is subject to vary. 

Q:   What is the application fees at the University of California Merced for international students?

A: 

Once the application form is filled out and submitted with all the necessary documents. Applicants are required to pay an application fee for processing their application form. The University of California Merced application fee may vary from course to course for international students. The Universtiy of California Merced application fee for international students applying ofr undergraduate programs is USD 80/INR 6,663. Whereas, the US Merced application fee for postgraduate programs is USD 150/INR 12,493.

*USD/INR = 83.29

Q:   How can I get admission into the UC Merced with free counseling?

A: 

The University of California Merced admission process may be challenging for some. However, we recommend shiksha.com for free counselling to get admissions at UC Merced. 

UC Merced Scholarship

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UC Merced Admission Dates 2024

  • Application fees :No Fees
  • Type of deadline :Regular
Document IconDocuments
Type of documentsApplicable for
SOPNeeded for all courses
LORNeeded for all courses
EssaysNot required
CVNot required
Additional documentsRequired
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Sign-up to view details
Calendar IconImportant dates
Intake seasonDeadline
Fall15ᵗʰ Jan 2024
Admission details of all coursesRight Arrow Icon
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Commonly asked questions
On Admissions

Q:   How can I apply at the University of California Merced as an international student?

A: 

The University of California Merced offers a number of undergraduate and postgraduate programs to international students. International students can apply at the University of California Merced online through their application portal. International students are advised to check the admission requirements and admission deadlines before applying at UC Merced.

Q:   Is it too late to apply to UC Merced?

A: 

The University of California Merced offers a variety of courses at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The UC Merced application deadlines for international students from course to course. International students can still apply for the undergraduate programs. First-year students and transfer students can apply to the university between Nov 1, 2024, to Nov 30, 2024.

Q:   How do I know if I got accepted to UC Merced?

A: 

To check your admission status at UC Merced, you will receive an email notification once the applicants application straus has been updated. Upon receiving this email, you’ll need to log in to connect platform at connect.ucmerced.edu/student. From there, simplu click on “My admissions” to view the decision regarding the application. Typically, the university reverts back within 2-3 weeks after sending out the email notification. Applicants must be sure to keep an eye on their inbox for updates, and if applicants have any further questions, they are suggested to call the admission office of the university to know the details. 

Q:   How do I apply to the University of California, Merced?

A: 

The University of California, Merced application process may vary depending on the course and level of study you choose. However, here is the application process for UG and  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 95 (international application fee).

Want to waive off application fee at US University?   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, Merced campus.

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 they apply to requires an application fee of USD 155 ( international students) for postgraduate programs.  

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, Merced

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

 

 

Q:   What are some useful tips for students starting their first semester at UC Merced?

A: 

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

  • Students who applied for UC Merced 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. 

UC Merced Fees & Eligibility 2024

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Courses1st Year Tuition FeesDuration & Eligibility
MS(2 courses)
INR 13 L - 24 L
Duration18 months-2 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above, GRE
B.Sc.(2 courses)
INR 38 L
Duration4 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above
Read more
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
On Fees and Eligibility

Q:   What GPA is required to get into UC Merced?

A: 

To get admission to UC Merced, undergraduate students typically need a GPA of 3.4 or higher, while graduate students typically need a GPA of 3.0 or above. These requirements ensure a competitive pool and academic preparedness to get into the university. If the students don’t have the required GPA, they must submit additional proofs demonstrating their academic records.

Q:   What is the tuition fees at the University of California Merced?

A: 

The University of California Merced is a public university, therefore, the tuition fees for domestic and international students may vary. The tuition fees for international students will also depend on the type of courses and level of study. Check below the UC Merced fees for some of its popular courses:

Courses

1st Year Tuition Fees

MS

INR 9.44 L – 21.61 L

BSc

INR 9.21 L

Masters in Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences

INR 21.61 L

Q:   What are the English language requirements at the University of California Merced for international students?

A: 

 English is the language of instruction for the majority of the programs at the University of California Merced. All international students are required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. Check below the University of California Merced English language requirements for international students are:

Exam

Score

TOEFL

80

IELTS

6.5

Q:   What are the admission requirements at the University of California Merced for international students?

A: 

International students seeking admission to the University of California Merced are required to meet the course-specific and general admission requirements. International students are advised to check for the course-specific requirements before applying. Check below UC Merced requirements for international students:

  • Class 10 and 12 boards with average marks above 70 and no below 60
  • Bachelor degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0
  • TOEFL/IELTS
  • Statement of Purpose
  • 3 Letters of Recommendations
  • GRE/GMAT
  • SAT/ACT  (Optional)
  • Essay

Q:   What are the admission requirements for UC Merced?

A: 

Below are the UC Merced admission requirements for international students:

Undergraduate requirements:

  • You must complete both year X and XII state board or CBSE examinations.

  • Applicants must have marks above 70 annd no marks below 60 is accepted.

  • Applicants must Report their subjects and marks on the International Exams page of the application, under the Test Scores tab (step 4 of 5).

  • Applicants must Graduate from secondary school and earn a certificate of completion that allows you to attend a university in your country.

  •  

English Lanuage Tests

Minimum required score

TOEFL ( PBT)

550 or better

IELTS

6.5 or better

TOEFL (iBT)

80 or better

DUOLINGO

Score of 115 or better

Graduate requirements:

  • A statement of academic purpose (SOP)

  • Applicants must have a list of all their prior colleges or universities, accompanied by unofficial transcripts from each school. However, unofficial transcripts should be uploaded with the applicant's application.

  • Three letters of recommendation, the university also  reserve the right to verify the authenticity of any and all letters of recommendation

  • Applicants must submit their Resumes and CV 

  • A USD 155 application fee for PG applicants

  • A standardised test, although the graduate school does not have tests minimum for admission, individual departments may have minimum requirements. However, they need to give IELTS or TOEFL if the applicant is from a non-English speaking native country. However, there are other standardised examinations, such as GRE and GMAT, which are compulsory, however, might vary depending on the course the applicant chooses







UC Merced Ranking 2024

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Commonly asked questions
On Rankings

Q:   Is the University of California Merced a good University?

A: 

The University of California Merced is one of the best and top rated universities in the world. The UC Merced is part of the prestigious the University of California system. The University of California Merced is consistently ranked among the top universities globally and nationally. The UC Merced ranking in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2024 is in the range of #401-500 in the world. Meanwhile, the U.S. News and World Report 2023 ranked the University of California Merced #673 among the global universities and #97 among the national universities.

Q:   Is it worth doing engineering at the University of California Merced?

A: 

The University of California Merced offers a number of engineering programs through School of Engineering. The Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2024 ranked the UC Merced #401-500 for its engineering programs in the world. The U.S. News and World Report 2023 ranked UC Merced #118 for its Biomedical Engineering programs, #128 for its Electrical Engineering programs, and #122 for its Mechanical Engineering in the United States.

Q:   How are Science courses at the University of California Merced for international students?

A: 

The School of Natural Sciences of the University of California Merced offers a number of top-rated courses. The University of California Merced is a research intensive university and is known all over the world for its academic excellence. The Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2023 ranked the UC Merced #201-250 for Life Sciences programs and #301-400 for Psychology programs in the world.

University of California Merced
College comparison

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Compare University of California Merced with other similar colleges

MS
B.Sc.
College1st Year Tuition FeesShiksha GradeRanking

University of California Merced

INR 12.57 L - 24.09 LB++#60 US News, 2024

Minnesota State University

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INR 10.72 L-/- -/-
INR 10.3 L - 12.36 L-/- -/-
INR 10.39 L - 22.72 LB++#1001 QS, 2025
INR 14.46 L - 21.81 LB+#296 US News, 2024

Cal Poly

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INR 15.18 L - 17.47 LC#1401 QS, 2025
The values are of the latest years available with Shiksha. For more details, check detailed comparison
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Q:   What is the cost of student visa for any country?

A: 

The United States of America offers three types of visas to students; F-1, J-1 and M-1. So, the cost of a student visa will depend on the type of visa you are applying for. The US visa cost for a F-1 student visa is USD 185. F-1 visa is for international students who are applying for a programme in any American university that requires more than 18 hours of study in a week. J-1 student visa is for exchange students, and M-1 student visa is for students enrolled in vocational and non-academic programs.

University of California Merced 
FAQs

Q:   Is the University of California Merced good for international students?

A: 

The University of California Merced is one of the finest institution of higher education in the United States. Its campus offers a very diverse and culturally vibrant environment for international students. The University of California Merced priorities comfort its international students at its campus. As per THE World University Rankings 2023, UC Merced has 10% international students out of the total students.

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University of California Merced

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered 9 months ago

Yes, the University of California Merced offer a variety of meal plans for international students. Actually, all students living on-campus of UC Merced are required to have a meal plan. Check below the UC Merced meal plans for international students:

Unlimited Meal Plan NameTotal Cost per Semester
Unlimited 85USD 2,710/INR 2.25 L
Unlimited 250USD 2,875/INR 2.40 L
Unlimited 400USD 3,025/INR 2.50 L
Unlimited 500USD 3,125/INR 2.60 L
Unlimited 600USD 3,225/INR 2.70 L

*USD/INR = 83.30

43282603
Anurag Pal

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 9 months ago

Yes, the University of California Merced offers a variety of accommodations and housing options for international students. The UC Merced offers traditional style and suite-style housing option for international students. The cost of living on-campus of the UC Merced may vary from individual to indi

...more

43282603
Anurag Pal

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 10 months ago

University of California Merced and University of California Riverside are renowned institutions offering unique campus cultures and various academic programs. While they share a great reputation, there are subtle differences between the two universities. The below table compares the rankings, fees

...more

53480137
sneha

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 10 months ago

UC Merced and UC Davis  are renowned institutions offering unique campus cultures and various 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 UC Merced and UC Davis .

...more

53480137
sneha

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 10 months ago

It totally depends on the convenience of the applicants. As UC Merced and San Diego State University for Masters in CS  are renowned institutions offering unique campus cultures and various academic programs. While they share a great reputation, there are subtle differences between the two universit

...more

53480137
sneha

Contributor-Level 10

About the author

author image
Anurag Pal

Study Abroad Expert

A science enthusiast, Anurag has pursued his Bachelor of Science in Physics from Delhi University and his Master of Science in Physics from Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi. Having recently entered the study abroad domain, Anurag is thorough with the ...Read Full Bio

University of California Merced

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University of California Merced
Location

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University CityMerced, California, USA

University of California Merced
Campuses

Departments Icon1   Campuses
University of California-Merced CampusUp Arrow Icon
Address

5200 Lake Rd, Merced, CA 95343, United States

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University of California Merced
Contact Information

Address

5200 Lake Rd, Merced, CA 95343, United States
Merced ( California)

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