University of California, Berkeley logo

University of California, Berkeley

Berkeley, CA, USA · Ranking #13

University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) is one of the world’s leading public research universities, located in the San Francisco Bay Area. Founded in 1868, it is the flagship campus of the University of California system and consistently ranks among the top universities globally. Berkeley is renowned for its academic excellence, rigorous programs, and groundbreaking research across disciplines such as engineering, computer science, economics, political science, and natural sciences. The university has produced numerous Nobel laureates, Turing Award winners, and influential leaders. Its proximity to Silicon Valley fosters strong ties with the tech industry, enabling innovation, entrepreneurship, and career opportunities. Berkeley emphasizes critical thinking, social impact, and interdisciplinary collaboration, making it a hub for global talent.

University of California, Berkeley logo

University of California, Berkeley

About the university

University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) is one of the world’s leading public research universities, located in the San Francisco Bay Area. Founded in 1868, it is the flagship campus of the University of California system and consistently ranks among the top universities globally. Berkeley is renowned for its academic excellence, rigorous programs, and groundbreaking research across disciplines such as engineering, computer science, economics, political science, and natural sciences. The university has produced numerous Nobel laureates, Turing Award winners, and influential leaders. Its proximity to Silicon Valley fosters strong ties with the tech industry, enabling innovation, entrepreneurship, and career opportunities. Berkeley emphasizes critical thinking, social impact, and interdisciplinary collaboration, making it a hub for global talent.

Key information

  • Location: Berkeley, CA, USA
  • Ranking #13
  • QS #12
  • THE #9
  • US News #15
  • National ranking #1
  • Institution type: public

Popular faculties

  • Computer Science
  • Engineering
  • Economics
  • Business Administration
  • Political Science

Programs (37)

  • Medicine
  • Nursing
  • Pharmacy
  • Dentistry
  • Veterinary Science
  • Psychology
  • Computer Science
  • Civil Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Architecture
  • Telecommunications
  • Business Administration
  • Economics
  • Public Health
  • Biochemistry
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Mathematics
  • Environmental Science
  • Law
  • Political Science
  • International Relations
  • Sociology
  • Anthropology
  • Education
  • Engineering
  • Finance and Accounting
  • Marketing
  • Tourism and Hospitality
  • Philosophy
  • History
  • Linguistics
  • Fine Arts
  • Music

Student body

  • Total students: 47,000
  • Undergraduate: 33,469
  • Graduate: 14,000
  • International students: 15%

Campus life

UC Berkeley's 1,232-acre campus at the foot of the Berkeley Hills features the iconic Campanile (Sather Tower), Sproul Plaza, and 178-acre Strawberry Canyon Recreation Area. With 1,000+ student organizations, a legacy of free speech activism, and proximity to San Francisco, Cal offers an intellectually charged and diverse campus experience.

Housing & accommodation

Housing cost: $1,100 - $2,600 / per month

Housing options

  • Residence halls (Unit 1-3, Clark Kerr, Blackwell)
  • University apartments (Wada, Channing-Bowditch)
  • Berkeley Student Cooperative (co-ops)
  • Off-campus in Berkeley/Oakland

Student clubs and organizations

  • Daily Californian
  • CalHacks
  • Berkeley Forum
  • ASUC Student Government
  • Cal Robotics
  • Habitat for Humanity
  • SkyDeck Startup Accelerator

Sports

  • Football
  • Basketball
  • Swimming
  • Rugby
  • Rowing
  • Soccer
  • Tennis
  • Track & Field
  • Water Polo
  • Volleyball

Career & internships

Employment rate: 93%

Partner companies

  • Google
  • Apple
  • Meta
  • Amazon
  • Microsoft
  • Goldman Sachs
  • McKinsey
  • Tesla

Internships: UC Berkeley provides exceptional internship and career opportunities благодаря близькості до Silicon Valley та партнерствам із провідними компаніями світу. Students regularly secure internships in technology, finance, consulting, public policy, and research. The Career Center offers career coaching, resume workshops, networking events, and on-campus recruiting. Many programs integrate internships or co-op experiences into the curriculum, enhancing employability and practical skills.

Admission requirements

Required tests

  • SAT
  • ACT
  • TOEFL
  • IELTS

Required documents

  • Application Form
  • Academic Transcripts
  • GPA
  • Personal Insight Questions
  • Extracurricular Activities
  • English Proficiency Test (TOEFL/IELTS)

Minimum GPA: 3.9

Tuition costs

  • $16,000 - $50,000 / per year
  • Acceptance rate: 11.00%
  • Scholarships available: UC Berkeley offers a comprehensive financial aid system including need-based grants, merit scholarships, work-study programs, and federal aid. Over 65% of undergraduate students receive some form of financial assistance. Prestigious awards such as the Regents’ and Chancellor’s Scholarship provide significant support, including tuition coverage and academic enrichment opportunities. International students have limited access to federal funding but may qualify for departmental scholarships, private grants, and external funding sources. Berkeley also supports students through emergency funds and financial counseling services.

Quick facts

  • Founded: 1868
  • Teaching languages: English, english
  • Study formats: offline, hybrid

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