Bold Hearts. Brilliant Minds.

A group of students from a variety of countries gather on the UCR campus

International

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Follow Your Dreams to California.

We know you are capable of great things, and we want to be a part of your academic and professional success. Our award-winning faculty will mentor you. Our diverse campus community will embrace you. And our international-student resources will help you build your future! Sunny Southern California invites you to make the University of California, Riverside (UCR), your home away from home.

We've been waiting for a Highlander like you. Apply to UCR today!

 

International (First Year & Transfer)

You are considered an international applicant if you are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. U.S. citizens or permanent residents, who have completed coursework outside the United States, should follow the international admissions requirements for the country in which the coursework was completed. UCR's admissions selection process is the same for both international and U.S.-educated applicants.

If you have questions about your specific situation, please contact an international admissions counselor and we will help. You can also download digital backgrounds to use for selfies or virtual meeting. Show the world that you're a UCR Highlander at heart!

International Financial Aid, Costs & Fees

The cost of attending UCR is extremely competitive with private institutions and other University of California campuses. Expenses associated with living in Riverside are considerably less than those of nearby metropolitan areas, such as Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego. Read on to learn more about the programs available to help you pay for your UCR degree and how much that degree costs.

 

University of California Tuition Stability Plan

Tuition is adjusted for each incoming undergraduate class but will subsequently remain flat until the student graduates, for up to six years. Learn more.

 

Financial Aid

Grants, scholarships, and other awards are available to qualified students to help cover some of the cost of attending UCR, including the following:

Achievement Scholarship

International first-year and transfer students will automatically receive this scholarship with their acceptance to UCR. First-year students can receive up to $54,000 for four years, and transfers can receive up to $27,000 for two years. go.ucr.edu/nrscholarship

UC Riverside Foundation Scholarships

The UC Riverside Foundation offers scholarships, fellowships, internships, prizes, awards, and loans to qualifying UCR students. Use the online database to search for aid based on your college, major, financial need, career goals, and more. scholarships.ucr.edu


 

  Estimated Costs for Undergraduates

View estimated costs for attending UCR including tuition, fees, housing, books, transportation, and more.

  UCR Net Price Calculator

Fill out the form at the UCR Net Price Calculator to get an estimate of what your full-time cost of attendance and financial aid package at UCR could be.

 

 

Psychology major, Viresha Perera in front of bike racks on the UCR campus
“I was looking for a university that had a more favorable class size. I enjoy having the opportunity to get to know my lecturers and teaching assistants, and being able to receive valuable guidance and assistance. The atmosphere here is truly amazing. [UCR] really does live up to its title of being one of the most diverse campuses in the United States.”

 

Viresha
B.A. Psychology, Class of '19
MBA Marketing and Management, Class of '22

Applying to UCR

As one of the most prestigious universities in the United States, UCR sets high admission standards. Incoming students are selected based on a wide range of criteria, including academic performance and the potential for success as an undergraduate.

Each year we celebrate the valuable perspective of over 1,700 international students at UCR. They represent more than 88 countries and enhance our campus and worldwide community.

3.4

Minimum High School Non-Resident Grade Point Average (GPA) Requirement (2.8 for transfer students)

24:1

Student-to-Faculty Ratio

4.04

Enrolled Academic Years to Degree Completion
(UCR Institutional Research Campus Statistics, 2018–19)

 

UC Riverside School Codes

Use these codes when sending exam scores to UCR:

TOEFL / AP / SAT: 004839
ACT: 0456


International First-Year Students

Along with the minimum admissions requirements that California residents must meet, international applicants must also follow these instructions that apply specifically to them.

Requirements

UC Riverside will not consider SAT or ACT test scores when making admissions decisions or awarding scholarships. If you choose to submit test scores as part of your application, they may be used as an alternative method of fulfilling minimum requirements for eligibility or for course placement after you enroll. Details regarding UC’s testing policy can be found online.

  • Comprehensive Review

    Comprehensive review is the process by which UC Riverside (UCR) evaluates first-year applicants, who meet minimum UC requirements, using multiple measures of achievement and promise, while considering the context in which each student has demonstrated accomplishment. UCR will calculate an Academic Index Score (AIS) for all first-year applicants. The faculty of UCR have designated the measures described below to be used to calculate the AIS.

    High School GPA – The strength of an applicant’s high school GPA is the strongest indicator that a student will be successful within an academically challenging UC environment. The capped GPA is calculated on the basis of all completed “a-g” courses with extra points added for UC-approved honors courses taken in grades 10 and 11, capped at 8 semesters. A capped GPA considers the extra points earned for honors-level courses and may exceed 4.0 for some students.

    Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses – AP and IB courses prepare students for college-level coursework. Therefore, students who take and do well in these courses tend to have a high probability for success within the UC environment.

    Eligibility in the Local Context (ELC) – The Eligibility in the Local Context (ELC) program recognizes the individual accomplishments of students in light of the opportunities offered by their particular high school.

    Low Family Income – Students who demonstrate high academic achievement, despite low socioeconomic status, are likely to exhibit persistence, maturity, and insight. Low family income is determined based on total family members and household income.

    First-Generation University Attendance – UC-eligible applicants who are the first in their immediate family to attend college are apt to have personal strengths that will contribute to their academic success. Students whose parents have not graduated from a four-year college or university are qualified for first-generation university attendance.

  • English Language Proficiency (International First-Year Students Only)

    You can demonstrate proficiency by meeting any of the following exam benchmarks. Keep in mind that you must complete one of these exams by December of your final year of high school/secondary school.

    • Score 24 or higher for the ACT English Language Arts (ELA)
    • Score 31 or higher on Writing and Language in the SAT 
    • Score 3, 4 or 5 on the AP examination in English Language and Composition, or English Literature and Composition
    • Score 6 or 7 on the IB Standard Level examination in English (Language A only) 
    • Score 5, 6 or 7 on the IB Higher Level examination in English (Language A only) 
    • Score 6.5 or higher on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
    • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) examination:
       - Internet-based test (iBT): Minimum score of 80 or better
       - Paper-delivered test: Minimum score of 60 or better
    • Duolingo English Test (DET): Minimum score of 115 

    Become a More Competitive Applicant
    Improve essential academic and languages skills with UCR’s Admission Preparation Program (APP) !

    Participating in this educational program does not in itself provide preference in admission to the University of California. If you're interested in applying to UCR, view the first-year student admission requirements or the transfer student admission requirements. You can also contact the UCR Undergraduate Admissions office for details about the admission process.

  • Exam Credit

    Advanced Placement
    UCR grants credit for all Advanced Placement exams on which a student scores three or higher. Units awarded toward UC graduation may be granted for specific subjects and/or for general education/breadth requirements, as determined by each campus. AP exams can also be used to meet the minimum transfer admission subject requirements in English, math, and four other courses chosen from the humanities, behavioral/social sciences, and biological/physical sciences.

    International Baccalaureate
    The IB organization awards either a diploma or a certificate for individual IB exams. Students who complete the IB diploma with a score of 30 or above will receive 30 quarter (20 semester) units toward their UC degree. Students who receive IB certificates with a score of five or higher on Higher Level exams will receive eight quarter (5.3 semester) units.

    A-Level Examinations
    UCR grants credit for the General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced Levels (A-Levels), the Cambridge International A-Levels, the Singapore-Cambridge GCE A-Levels (H2), and the previously administered Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE), in content-based subjects similar to courses offered at UC and in which grades of A*, A, B, or C are awarded. UCR grants 12 quarter (eight semester) units of credit for academic courses only for GCE, Singapore-Cambridge, and Hong Kong A-Level exams.

    Exam Credit 

    • AP exams with a score of 3 and above
    • IB HL exams with a score of 5 and above
  • High School Coursework

    You must earn a grade of C or better in all college-preparatory (“a–g”) courses:

    1. History/Social Science: 2 years
    2. English: 4 years
    3. Mathematics: 3 years, 4 recommended
    4. Laboratory Science: 2 years (3 years recommended)
    5. Language Other than English: 2 years, 3 recommended
    6. Visual and Performing Arts: 1 year
    7. College-Preparatory Elective: 1 year

    For country-specific admission requirements, visit international admissions requirements by country or educational system. For questions, visit admissions.ucr.edu/ask.

  • Academic Achievement

    To meet minimum requirements to be considered for UCR selection, you must earn a minimum GPA of 3.4 on a 4.0 scale (equivalent to an 85 percent on a 100 percent scale). The assessment of a qualifying GPA is based on “a–g” courses (required high school/secondary classes) completed in years 10 and 11. If the high school/secondary school offers a different curriculum, your academic achievement will be based on that educational system’s grading scale.

  • Visa & U.S. Entry Requirements

    International students need a valid passport, nonimmigrant visa (F-1 or J-1), and the appropriate documentation to study at an accredited university in the United States. Learn more about visa and U.S. entry requirements.

    Once you are admitted to UCR, the International Students and Scholars (ISS) office will provide support services such as visa assistance and cultural/educational programs, which will help you transition into life in America and life at UCR.

How to Apply

Featured Video

 

How to Apply to UC Riverside

Follow along as UCR students walk you through the process of filling out an admission application.

Apply by Nov. 30

International Transfer

Along with the minimum admissions requirements that California Community College transfers must meet, transfers from international colleges must also follow these instructions that apply specifically to them. UCR's admission selection process is the same for both international and U.S.-educated applicants.

Transfer applicants are registered at a college/university for a regular session after high school. Transfer applicants cannot disregard their college record and apply as a first-year student.

U.S. citizens or permanent residents, who have completed coursework outside the United States, should follow the international admissions requirements for the country in which the coursework was completed. If you are transferring from a four-year, out-of-state two-year, or UC school, please see special instructions that apply to you.

If you are transferring from a California Community College, your admission requirements are outlined below.

Requirements

  • Required Units & Minimum GPA
    • You must complete 60 semester (90 quarter) units of transferrable college credit.
    • Admission to UCR is selective, so strive to surpass the minimum.
    • Some major programs require a minimum GPA that is higher than that of basic admission.
    • No more than 14 semester (21 quarter) units may be Pass/Not Pass.
  • Required Community College Classes

    You need to complete the following seven-course pattern by the end of the spring term prior to fall enrollment at UCR (or the fall term prior to enrollment if you're applying for winter admission):

    • Two transferrable courses in English composition
    • One transferrable course in mathematical concepts and quantitative reasoning
    • Four transferred courses chosen from at least two of these subject areas: arts and humanities, social and behavioral sciences, or physical and biological sciences Each course must be transferrable and worth at least 3 semester (4–5 quarter) units.

     

    Use ASSIST.org to see if your classes will transfer before taking them.

    Students transferring from California Community Colleges can use the UC Transfer Admission Planner (UC TAP) to track your coursework and monitor your progress. You can enter your coursework (completed and planned) from the beginning of your college career (or whenever you decide to transfer to UCR). You should still meet with counselors, as this tool does not replace in-person advising. The UC TAP also serves as your Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) application.

  • Exam Credit

    Advanced Placement
    We grant credit for all Advanced Placement exams on which a student scores 3 or higher. Units awarded toward UC graduation may be granted for specific subjects and/or for general education/ breadth requirements, as determined by each campus. AP exams can also be used to meet the minimum transfer admission subject requirements in English, math and four other courses chosen from the humanities, behavioral/social sciences and biological/physical sciences.

    International Baccalaureate
    The IB organization awards either a diploma or a certificate for individual IB exams. Students who complete the IB diploma with a score of 30 or above will receive 30 quarter (20 semester) units toward their UC degree. Students who receive IB certificates with a score of 5 or higher on Higher Level exams will receive 8 quarter (5.3 semester) units.

    A-Level Examinations
    We award credit for the General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced Levels (A-Levels), the Cambridge International A-Levels, the Singapore-Cambridge GCE A-Levels (H2) and the previously administered Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE), in content-based subjects similar to courses offered at UC and in which grades of A*, A, B or C are awarded. We grant 12 quarter (8 semester) units of credit for academic courses only for GCE, Singapore-Cambridge and Hong Kong A-Level exams.

  • Visa & U.S. Entry Requirements

    International students need a valid passport, nonimmigrant visa (F-1 or J-1) and the appropriate documentation to study at an accredited university in the United States. Learn more about visa and U.S. entry requirements.

How to Get into Your Major

  • For All Majors
    • In general, each major has prerequisite (major prep) coursework that you must take before transferring in order to get into your major.
    • Take the recommended lower-division/general education/breadth classes for your major. Students who transfer from California Community Colleges can take the recommended lower-division/general education/breadth classes for your major. Some programs recommend the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC), which is a series of courses that California Community College students can complete to satisfy first- and second-year general education requirements before transferring. Some programs want you to focus on prerequisites instead of IGETC. Use ASSIST.org to see what your major program recommends or contact a UCR admissions counselor for help.
    • Each major has a minimum GPA requirement. Some majors require a GPA higher than that required for basic admission. Programs are selective. Strive to surpass your program’s minimum GPA. Remember: All transferrable coursework will be taken into account.
  • Marlan and Rosemary Bourns College of Engineering Requirements

    Breadth Requirements
    You are strongly encouraged to focus on preparatory course work (mathematics, science, and technical work) for your desired major rather than on IGETC completion. However, the Marlan and Rosemary Bourns College of Engineering (BCOE) does accept completion of IGETC as satisfying the majority of breadth requirements. Additional breadth coursework may be required after enrollment at BCOE.

    Prerequisites
    Strong technical preparation is essential for success in the admissions process and, subsequently, in all coursework at BCOE. If you intend to transfer to an engineering major, you are expected to complete the equivalent of UCR coursework required in the first two years of the programs and apply for transfer starting your junior year. Use ASSIST.org to see the prerequisites you must take for your intended major (and to make sure your classes will transfer).

    Minimum GPA
    Strive to surpass the 2.8 minimum GPA.

    Learn more about transferring to BCOE.

  • College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences Requirements

    Breadth Requirements
    Complete IGETC or the UCR breadth pattern for the College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences (CHASS). 

    Prerequisites
    Use ASSIST.org to see the prerequisites you must take for your intended major (and to make sure your classes will transfer).

    Minimum GPA
    Strive to surpass the 2.8 minimum GPA.

    Learn more about transferring to CHASS.
    Connect with the Transfers First Program for support, advocacy, planning, and more.

  • College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences Requirements

    Breadth Requirements
    You are strongly encouraged to focus on completing transferable math and science classes. IGETC is not accepted as a way to complete the required breadth classes for College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences (CNAS). However, courses taken to satisfy IGETC may also go toward completing those requirements.

    Prerequisites
    Use ASSIST.org to view the prerequisites you must take for your intended major (and to make sure your classes will transfer).

    Minimum GPA
    Strive to surpass the 2.8 minimum GPA.

    Learn more about being a CNAS student and becoming a new transfer student to CNAS.

  • Graduate School of Education Requirements

    Breadth Requirements
    Complete IGETC or the UCR breadth pattern for the Graduate School of Education (GSOE).

    Prerequisites
    Use ASSIST.org to see the prerequisites you must take for your intended major (and to make sure your classes will transfer). 

    Minimum GPA
    Strive to surpass the 2.8 minimum GPA.

    Learn more about being a GSOE student.

  • School of Business Requirements

    Breadth Requirements
    Complete IGETC or the UCR breadth pattern for the School of Business.

    Prerequisites
    Complete community college courses equivalent to seven lower division UCR business major requirements as listed on ASSIST.org.

    Minimum GPA
    Attain a minimum GPA of 2.8 in all UC-transferable coursework. These GPAs are a baseline for consideration and are not a guarantee of admission.

    Learn more about being a School of Business student.

  • School of Public Policy Requirements

    Breadth Requirements
    Complete IGETC or the UCR breadth pattern for the School of Public Policy (SPP).

    Prerequisites
    Use ASSIST.org to see the prerequisites you must take for your intended major (and to make sure your classes will transfer).

    Minimum GPA
    Strive to surpass the 2.8 minimum GPA.

    Learn more about being an SPP student.

Click here for more information on major requirements.

How to Apply

  • Gather Your Information

    Before you begin, find out what important information is needed for an accurate winter admission application.

    You will need your:

    • Transcripts
    • Test scores
    • Annual income (optional)
    • Social Security number (if you have one)
    • Citizenship status
    • Statewide student ID (optional)
    • Credit card (or check)
    • Learn more about what you will need.
  • Answer Personal Insight Questions

    Express who you are, what matters to you, and what you want to share with us by answering one required and an additional three out of seven personal insight questions.

  • Complete the UC Application

    The UC application for fall admission to UCR opens on Aug. 1, and the fall application filing period is Nov. 1–30. The UC application for winter admission opens on July 1, and the winter application filing period is July 1–31.

    The fee is $80 for each UC. You can apply for a fee waiver — provided you have your family’s income and the number of people supported by it — when you fill out the application. If you have difficulties, contact ucinfo@applyucsupport.net or call (800) 207-1710 (in the U.S.) or +1 (310) 513-2715 (outside of the U.S.).

  • After You Apply

    Now that you have applied, there are just a few more steps to complete the process. These include printing your receipt, ordering test score reports, and updating your application, if needed.

    UCR Undergraduate Admissions will email instructions on how to access your MyUCR admission portal account. Log in regularly to check your admission status, respond to messages, and track important dates and deadlines.

Become a More Competitive Applicant

Improve essential academic and languages skills with UCR’s Admission Preparation Program (APP).


Participating in this educational program does not in itself provide preference in admission to the University of California. If you're interested in applying to UCR, view the first-year student admission requirements or the transfer student admission requirements. You can also contact the UCR Undergraduate Admissions office for details about the admission process.

International Dates & Deadlines

Find the dates of instruction at registrar.ucr.edu.

 

Fall Admission: International First-Year and Transfer Students

Aug. 1

Access the UC application

Sept. 1–30

Submit your TAG application

Oct. 1–Nov. 30

Submit your UC application

Jan. 31

Deadline to complete the Transfer Academic Update for transfer students

March

Admission notifications begin
Access the next steps to UCR for admitted first-year and fall transfers

March 1

Housing contracts become available

May 10

Deadline to submit housing contract and first payment (You'll need to submit your SIR beforehand.)

May 15

First-year deadline to submit your Statement of Intent to Register (SIR)

June 1

Transfer deadline to submit your Statement of Intent to Register (SIR)

July 1

Final official transcripts, test scores and supporting documents due to Undergraduate Admissions

July 15

Test scores and supporting documents due to Undergraduate Admissions

September

Fall quarter begins

 

Winter Admissions: International Transfer Students

July 1

Access the UC application

July 1–31

Submit your UC application

September

Admission notifications begin
Access the next steps to UCR for admitted winter transfer students

September

Housing: Since campus housing is assigned first-come, first served, it is recommended that you submit your Statement of Intent to Register (SIR), housing contract or application, and first housing payment as early as possible.

Oct. 15

Deadline to submit your Statement of Intent to Register (SIR)

Nov. 1

Deadline to submit your final transcripts/documents for coursework completed through fall

Dec. 1

Deadline to register for winter Highlander Orientation

Jan. 15

Deadline to submit final transcript/document for winter

January

Winter quarter begins

 

 

Resources & Support

UCR is dedicated to your success, and offers a range of programs and resources to support you along your path to a UCR degree. Get guidance from faculty and student mentors. Excel in your courses with the help of a tutor or study group. Connect with a wellness department to take care of your physical, mental, and emotional health. Develop as a leader in a campus organization.

Meet Your Counselor

For International and Out-of-State Students


Vacant

Assistant Director of International and Out-of-State Recruitment and Evaluation
 

Max Traylor

International and Out of State Admissions Specialist, Pacific Northwest Region
(951) 827-7229
max.traylor@ucr.edu
Make an Appointment

Gabriel Hernandez

International and Out-of-State Admissions Specialist
(951) 827-5492
gabriel.hernandez3@ucr.edu
Make an Appointment
Also speaks: Spanish

David Dai

Associate Director, International Recruitment
+1 (951) 827-4896
wei.dai@ucr.edu
Also speaks: Mandarin

Aastha Chhikara

India Regional International Recruitment Advisor
+91.97177.23722
aastha.chhikara@ucr.edu
Also speaks: Hindi

Jiaxin (Jenny) Deng

International Program Specialist
+1 (951) 827-4113
jiaxin.deng@ucr.edu
Also speaks: Mandarin

Austin An

International Recruitment Specialist (Beijing, China)
Info
austin.an@ucr.edu
(+86) 15010538345
Also speaks: Mandarin

Cindy Hu

International Recruitment Specialist (Shanghai, China)
yixin.hu@ucr.edu
(+86) 18964166828
Also speaks: Mandarin

Vivian Vo

International Recruitment Specialist (Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam)
vivian.vo@ucr.edu
(+84) 768-067-024
Also speaks: Vietnamese

 

 

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