University of California, Berkeley
The University of California, Berkeley—commonly known as UC Berkeley, Berkeley, Cal, or California—is a prestigious public land-grant research university. Established in 1868 and named after philosopher George Berkeley, it is the first land-grant university in the state and the founding campus of the University of California system.
With an enrollment of over 45,000 students, Berkeley comprises fifteen academic divisions, including the College of Chemistry, College of Engineering, College of Letters and Science, and the Haas School of Business. It holds the “R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity” classification and is closely affiliated with the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
As a founding member of the Association of American Universities and one of the original eight “Public Ivy” institutions, Berkeley received over $1 billion in federal research funding in 2024. Its library system, consisting of 32 libraries, ranks as the sixth largest research library in the U.S. Athletically, Berkeley’s teams—the California Golden Bears—compete in 30 varsity sports and have earned 107 national championships and 223 Olympic medals.
2025 Rankings
by U.S. News & World Report
by QS World University Rankings
by Times Higher Education
Undergraduate Admissions Process Summary
Application Deadlines
Early Decision: N/A
Regular Decision: Nov. 30
Application Portal
University of California Application
Standardized Tests
Not considered
Recommendation Letters
Not required but highly recommended
1 by teacher in core academic subject
On Campus Residence for Freshmen
Highly recommended
International Students
English Proficiency
TOEFL minimum score of 80
IELTS minimum overall score of 6.5
Duolingo English Test minimum score 115
Interview
No optional or evaluative interviews
University Specific Requests
No
Application Fee
$80
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Social Sciences 18%
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Computer and Information Sciences 15%
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Engineering 11%
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Biological and Biomedical Sciences 10%
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Mathematics and Statistics 5%
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Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies 5%
Popular
Majors
11%
Acceptance Rate
$2.9 billion endowment
Total Students
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White 30%
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African American/Black 4%
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Native American/Alaska Native 0,5%
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Pacific Islander 0,2%
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Hispanic 21%
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Asian: 41%
Campus
UC Berkeley boasts a campus that seamlessly blends historical architecture, natural beauty, and vibrant student life. Situated in the city of Berkeley, just across the bay from San Francisco, the campus offers stunning views of the Bay Area, including landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and Marin County.
Spanning approximately 1,232 acres, the campus is divided into several key areas: the central Campus Park, which houses the majority of academic and research facilities; the adjacent Hill Campus; the Clark Kerr Campus; and other university-owned properties within the city. The architectural landscape features a mix of Beaux-Arts-style buildings recognized as California Historical Landmarks and modern structures designed by renowned architects.
Notable landmarks include the Campanile (Sather Tower), one of the world’s tallest bell and clock towers, offering panoramic views of the campus and beyond. The Doe Library serves as a central hub for students, while the California Memorial Stadium stands as a testament to the university’s athletic spirit. The campus also features the UC Botanical Garden, home to over 13,000 plant species, and the Lawrence Hall of Science, providing interactive science exhibits for all ages.
Cost of Attendance
California Residents:
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Tuition & Fees $17,478
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Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) $4,858
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Living Expenses (Campus Residence Hall) $22,398
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Total Direct Costs $44,734
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Estimated Total Cost of Attendance (including personal expenses) $51,904
Non-Residents:
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Tuition & Fees: $17,478 + $34,200 (Nonresident Supplemental Tuition) $51,678
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Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) $4,858
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Living Expenses (Campus Residence Hall) $22,398
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Total Direct Costs $78,934
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Estimated Total Cost of Attendance (including personal expenses) $86,104
At UC Berkeley, 27% of undergraduates qualified for the Pell Grant
Notable Affiliations
The University of California, Berkeley has long been a powerhouse of innovation, leadership, and cultural influence, producing alumni who have left indelible marks across multiple fields. In the world of science and technology, Berkeley has fostered some of the most transformative minds of the modern era. Jennifer Doudna, Nobel Prize-winning biochemist, co-developed CRISPR gene-editing technology, revolutionizing genetics and biotechnology. Similarly, Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple Inc., helped usher in the personal computing revolution, shaping the digital world we live in today. Another technological visionary, Gordon Moore, co-founder of Intel and namesake of “Moore’s Law,” accurately predicted the rapid growth of computer power that has fueled global technological advancement.
In politics and public service, UC Berkeley alumni have had a profound influence both nationally and globally. Jerry Brown, one of California’s most recognized political figures, served an unprecedented four terms as the state’s governor, navigating through major policy changes and environmental initiatives. Robert Reich, former U.S. Secretary of Labor, continues to be a leading voice in economic policy and social equity. Janet Napolitano, who served as U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security and later as President of the University of California system, also exemplifies the kind of leadership fostered by Berkeley’s commitment to public service.
Berkeley’s contributions to entertainment and media are equally distinguished. Academy Award winner Gregory Peck, best remembered for his iconic role in To Kill a Mockingbird, began his journey at Berkeley before becoming a symbol of integrity and talent in Hollywood. Modern audiences recognize Chris Pine, the charismatic actor known for Star Trek and Wonder Woman, as another star alumnus. Actress Brenda Song, who rose to fame through roles in The Suite Life of Zack & Cody and The Social Network, also got her start with a Berkeley connection.
In the realm of sports, UC Berkeley has produced athletes who achieved excellence at the highest levels. Aaron Rodgers, the NFL superstar and Super Bowl MVP, began his path to football greatness in Berkeley’s Memorial Stadium. Jason Kidd, an NBA Hall of Famer and Olympic gold medalist, crafted his legendary basketball career starting from Cal’s hardwood courts. Meanwhile, Marshawn Lynch, beloved for his powerful “Beast Mode” runs and larger-than-life personality, first thrilled fans while wearing Berkeley’s blue and gold.
UC Berkeley is renowned for its academic excellence, particularly in the fields of science, engineering, business, law, and the humanities. It is also famous for its history of activism, prestigious faculty, and numerous Nobel laureates. The university has a strong reputation for producing groundbreaking research and has one of the largest research budgets in the U.S.
UC Berkeley has made significant contributions to a variety of fields, including the discovery of the element plutonium, the development of the atomic bomb during the Manhattan Project, and pioneering research in areas like computer science (with the development of UNIX). The university is also known for its activism, particularly during the Free Speech Movement in the 1960s.
Yes! During the stress of finals week, Berkeley often brings in therapy animals — and yes, sometimes llamas — to help students de-stress. Students can also pet puppies, goats, and bunnies on campus lawns. It’s a beloved (and very Instagrammable) tradition!
UC Berkeley offers a dynamic and diverse student life. Students have access to hundreds of clubs and organizations, ranging from academic and professional groups to cultural and recreational ones. The campus is also known for its political activism and vibrant social scene.
Yes! Beneath Berkeley’s iconic buildings lies a network of steam tunnels originally used for campus utilities. Though students have long whispered about secret adventures underground, access is now highly restricted — but the mystery lives on in Berkeley lore.
UC Berkeley is one of the top research universities in the world, offering numerous opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students to engage in groundbreaking research across disciplines. The campus is home to research centers in fields like AI, renewable energy, biomedicine, and environmental science, with funding from government agencies, private industries, and philanthropic organizations.
Legend says the Doe Library is haunted! Students have reported strange noises and ghostly sightings late at night. Whether it’s ghosts or just sleep-deprived students hallucinating, the eerie atmosphere adds a little extra thrill to late-night study sessions.