CAMPUS · MERCED, CA · PUBLIC

UC Merced

University of California-Merced

39.2%

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

International Students at UC Merced: By the Numbers

5.0%

International Undergrads

432

International Undergrad Count

316

International Graduate Students

7.9%

International (All Students)

Cost of Attending UC Merced as an International Student

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

Room & Board	$20,293/yr
Estimated 4-Year Total	$81,172

Note for public universities: UC Merced 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 Merced 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 Merced 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 Merced Student Body Diversity

Diversity breakdown of UC Merced's undergraduate student body.

White

8.6%

Black/African American

4.8%

Hispanic/Latino

55.3%

Asian

21.2%

International

5.0%

Career Outcomes for UC Merced International Graduates

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

$64,368

Median Earnings (10yr)

$48,475

Median Salary (6yr)

$16,144

Median Debt

OPT & H-1B Path: After graduating from UC Merced, 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

8.6%

Black/African American

4.8%

Hispanic/Latino

55.3%

Asian

21.2%

International

5.0%

UC Merced International Student FAQs

How many international students attend UC Merced?

5.0% of UC Merced undergraduates are international students. That's about 432 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 Merced?

International students at UC Merced typically pay the full out-of-state sticker price of about $39,665/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 Merced acceptance rate harder for international students?

UC Merced's overall acceptance rate is 39.2%. International applicants typically face slightly tougher 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 Merced require for international applicants?

Most US colleges including UC Merced 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 Merced sponsor F-1 visas for international students?

Yes — UC Merced is SEVP-certified and issues I-20 forms to admitted international students. Once you're admitted and pay your enrollment deposit, UC Merced'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.