University of California, Irvine logo

University of California, Irvine

Irvine, CA, USA · Ranking #40

University of California, Irvine (UCI) is a leading public research university located in Orange County, California. It is part of the University of California system and is known for excellence in research, innovation, and interdisciplinary education. UCI offers over 80 undergraduate majors and numerous graduate programs across fields such as engineering, business, computer science, and health sciences. The university is especially strong in areas like neuroscience, environmental science, and data science. Its modern campus and strong industry connections make it a hub for innovation and career development.

University of California, Irvine logo

University of California, Irvine

About the university

University of California, Irvine (UCI) is a leading public research university located in Orange County, California. It is part of the University of California system and is known for excellence in research, innovation, and interdisciplinary education. UCI offers over 80 undergraduate majors and numerous graduate programs across fields such as engineering, business, computer science, and health sciences. The university is especially strong in areas like neuroscience, environmental science, and data science. Its modern campus and strong industry connections make it a hub for innovation and career development.

Key information

  • Location: Irvine, CA, USA
  • Ranking #40
  • QS #235
  • THE #95
  • US News #33
  • National ranking #9
  • Institution type: public

Popular faculties

  • Business
  • Engineering
  • Computer Science
  • Biological Sciences
  • Social Sciences

Programs (29)

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

Student body

  • Total students: 37,000
  • Undergraduate: 30,000
  • Graduate: 7,000
  • International students: 17%

Campus life

UCI's 1,474-acre campus features the Aldrich Park (a large central green space), the Bren Events Center, and uniquely themed residence halls (Middle Earth housing complex with Tolkien-themed names). With 600+ student organizations, a top-ranked esports program, proximity to Disneyland and beaches, and one of the safest campus environments in the nation, UCI offers a modern and welcoming experience.

Housing & accommodation

Housing cost: $1,000 - $2,200 / per month

Housing options

  • Undergraduate residence halls (Mesa Court, Middle Earth)
  • Campus Village apartments
  • Arroyo Vista apartments
  • Off-campus in Irvine
  • Graduate housing (Palo Verde, Verano Place)

Student clubs and organizations

  • New University (newspaper)
  • UCI Esports
  • Anteater Racing
  • Student Government (ASUCI)
  • Video Game Development Club
  • ZotHacks
  • Model UN

Sports

  • Basketball
  • Baseball
  • Volleyball
  • Tennis
  • Swimming
  • Water Polo
  • Soccer
  • Track & Field
  • Cross Country
  • Golf

Career & internships

Employment rate: 91%

Partner companies

  • Google
  • Amazon
  • Apple
  • Microsoft
  • Deloitte
  • Intel
  • Oracle

Internships: UCI has strong internship and career placement programs supported by partnerships with companies in Silicon Valley and Southern California. Students frequently secure internships in tech, healthcare, finance, and research sectors. The university provides career counseling, job fairs, and co-op opportunities to enhance employability.

Admission requirements

Required tests

  • SAT
  • ACT
  • IELTS
  • TOEFL
  • GRE

Required documents

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

Minimum GPA: 3.8

Tuition costs

  • $14,000 - $44,000 / per year
  • Acceptance rate: 28.00%
  • Scholarships available: UCI offers a wide range of financial aid options including merit-based scholarships, need-based grants, and federal aid programs. Around 60%+ of undergraduate students receive some form of financial aid. Scholarships such as Regents Scholarship and Chancellor’s Excellence Scholarship are highly competitive and provide significant tuition support. International students have limited access to federal aid but may qualify for institutional scholarships and external funding opportunities.

Quick facts

  • Founded: 1965
  • Teaching languages: English, english
  • Study formats: offline

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