CAMPUS · BERKELEY, CA · PUBLIC

UC Berkeley

University of California-Berkeley

11.7%

01Acceptance 02Tuition 03Transfer 04ROI 05AP Credit 06Majors 07Housing 08International

International Students at UC Berkeley: By the Numbers

12.9%

International Undergrads

4,436

International Undergrad Count

4,433

International Graduate Students

18.4%

International (All Students)

Cost of Attending UC Berkeley as an International Student

International students typically pay out-of-state tuition rates. Here's the full cost picture.

Room & Board	$22,692/yr
Estimated 4-Year Total	$90,768

Note for public universities: UC Berkeley is a public institution. International students pay out-of-state tuition, which is significantly higher than in-state rates. Financial aid for international students at public universities is limited.

How to Apply to UC Berkeley as an International Student

Meet English Proficiency Requirements

Most schools require TOEFL (typically 100+ iBT) or IELTS (7.0+). Some accept Duolingo English Test.

Submit Standardized Tests

Prepare Financial Documentation

You'll need proof of funds to cover tuition and living expenses.

Apply for F-1 Student Visa

After admission, UC Berkeley will issue a Form I-20. Use this to apply for an F-1 visa at your nearest U.S. embassy. Start the process 3-4 months before your program begins.

UC Berkeley Student Body Diversity

Diversity breakdown of UC Berkeley's undergraduate student body.

White

20.2%

Black/African American

2.1%

Hispanic/Latino

20.6%

Asian

34.7%

International

12.9%

Career Outcomes for UC Berkeley International Graduates

International students at UC Berkeley can work in the U.S. after graduation through OPT (Optional Practical Training). STEM majors qualify for a 3-year OPT extension.

$92,446

Median Earnings (10yr)

$74,919

Median Salary (6yr)

$13,000

Median Debt

OPT & H-1B Path: After graduating from UC Berkeley, international students get 12 months of OPT work authorization (36 months for STEM fields). Many use this time to secure H-1B visa sponsorship from employers.

Student Demographics

White

20.2%

Black/African American

2.1%

Hispanic/Latino

20.6%

Asian

34.7%

International

12.9%

UC Berkeley International Student FAQs

How many international students attend UC Berkeley?

12.9% of UC Berkeley undergraduates are international students. That's about 4,436 international undergrads. Schools with higher international shares typically have stronger ESL support, international student offices, and on-campus resources for non-US applicants.

How much is international tuition at UC Berkeley?

International students at UC Berkeley typically pay the full out-of-state sticker price of about $45,619/yr (tuition + room and board + fees). Financial aid for international students is more limited than for US citizens, though some schools offer merit scholarships.

Is the UC Berkeley acceptance rate harder for international students?

UC Berkeley's overall acceptance rate is 11.7%. International applicants typically face even more competitive admission odds because of limited international quotas. Strong test scores (TOEFL 100+/IELTS 7.0+) and clear English proficiency help.

What English test does UC Berkeley require for international applicants?

Most US colleges including UC Berkeley accept TOEFL iBT (typical minimum 80-100), IELTS (6.5-7.0), and Duolingo English Test (115-130). Highly selective schools require scores at the upper end of those ranges. Some schools waive the test if you've studied 3+ years in English.

Does UC Berkeley sponsor F-1 visas for international students?

Yes — UC Berkeley is SEVP-certified and issues I-20 forms to admitted international students. Once you're admitted and pay your enrollment deposit, UC Berkeley's international student office issues your I-20, which you use to apply for an F-1 student visa at the US embassy in your home country.