CAMPUS · LA JOLLA, CA · PUBLIC

UC San Diego

University of California-San Diego

24.5%

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

International Students at UC San Diego: By the Numbers

14.2%

International Undergrads

4,949

International Undergrad Count

4,059

International Graduate Students

20.4%

International (All Students)

Cost of Attending UC San Diego as an International Student

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

Room & Board	$17,198/yr
Estimated 4-Year Total	$68,792

Note for public universities: UC San Diego 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 San Diego 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 San Diego 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 San Diego Student Body Diversity

Diversity breakdown of UC San Diego's undergraduate student body.

White

18.5%

Black/African American

1.7%

Hispanic/Latino

23.8%

Asian

33.7%

International

14.2%

Career Outcomes for UC San Diego International Graduates

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

$84,943

Median Earnings (10yr)

$65,669

Median Salary (6yr)

$15,500

Median Debt

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

18.5%

Black/African American

1.7%

Hispanic/Latino

23.8%

Asian

33.7%

International

14.2%

UC San Diego International Student FAQs

How many international students attend UC San Diego?

14.2% of UC San Diego undergraduates are international students. That's about 4,949 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 San Diego?

International students at UC San Diego typically pay the full out-of-state sticker price of about $38,701/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 San Diego acceptance rate harder for international students?

UC San Diego's overall acceptance rate is 24.5%. 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 San Diego require for international applicants?

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

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