The University of California, San Diego is one of the world's top universities for science and engineering, with a beautiful coastal campus in La Jolla and a particular strength in biology, computer science, oceanography and medicine. It is less famous than Berkeley or UCLA, which is exactly why it is worth a look: the same UC system, the same degree structure, and an acceptance rate of about 28.6% — far more forgiving than Berkeley's.
At a glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | La Jolla (San Diego), California, USA |
| Type | Public research university (founded 1960) |
| Nonresident tuition and fees (2026-27) | About $57,207–$60,517 a year, including $39,270 Nonresident Supplemental Tuition |
| Total cost of attendance (2026-27) | About $86,553 a year on campus (UC San Diego Financial Aid) |
| Acceptance rate | About 28.6% (Fall 2025) |
| Application deadline | 30 November 2026 for Fall 2027 entry (UC application) |
| Aid for international students | No need-based aid; merit scholarships are limited |
Programmes
UC San Diego is strongest in computer science, bioengineering, biology, cognitive science, economics, political science and oceanography (the Scripps Institution of Oceanography is part of the university). All undergraduate degrees run four years at the same nonresident fee. Graduate nonresident fees total about $38,087 a year. The university is also one of the biggest research spenders in the US, which means undergraduates who want research experience can usually find it.
Fees and funding
For the 2026-27 entering cohort, nonresident undergraduates pay $15,588 in systemwide fees plus $39,270 in Nonresident Supplemental Tuition — $54,858 before campus-based fees. With campus fees, tuition and fees come to about $57,207–$60,517 depending on the source and the cohort, and the full on-campus budget published by UC San Diego Financial Aid is $86,553, including a $3,195 health fee that can be waived with equivalent private insurance. UC tuition is locked by entering cohort for up to six years, so the rate you start with is the rate you keep. Need-based aid is not available to international students, so plan on paying the full nonresident cost. A one-time international visa administration fee of $150–$200 applies to first-time enrolled international students.
Admission
Applications go through the UC application, due 30 November 2026 for Fall 2027 entry. UC San Diego is test-blind, so SAT and ACT scores are not considered. Successful applicants typically have 85% or higher in Class 12 for competitive programmes such as computer science. English tests (TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo) are required unless your schooling was in English. There is no early decision round: everyone applies by 30 November and hears back in March.
Frequently asked questions
How much does UC San Diego cost for an international student? About $57,207–$60,517 a year in tuition and fees in 2026-27, and about $86,553 a year in total on campus.
Is UC San Diego easier to get into than Berkeley? Yes — its Fall 2025 acceptance rate was about 28.6%, against Berkeley's much lower rate, though computer science is far more competitive than the university average.
Does UC San Diego give aid to international students? No need-based aid. Merit scholarships exist but are limited.
When is the deadline? 30 November 2026 for Fall 2027 entry, through the UC application.
Related guides on Pakunii
Study in the USA 2027 · US University Application Deadlines 2027 · US Student Loans for International Students 2027 · UCLA Profile
Sources and verification: UC San Diego Financial Aid undergraduate cost of attendance 2026-27 (total $86,553 on campus, tuition and fees $21,519 including $3,195 health fee, NRST $39,270) and UC Office of the President 2026-27 tuition levels (systemwide $15,588 + NRST $39,270 = $54,858 before campus fees). 2027-28 rates to be confirmed on ucsd.edu.