UC Berkeley Acceptance Rate 2025
UC Berkeley is quite competitive as well as selective, with an acceptance rate of 17.5% of international students. Therefore, if you’re a student hoping to gain admission into this prestigious University and are looking for comprehensive information, this article provides you with all the information you’ll need, ranging from admission requirements to Visa requirements and everything in between.
What’s more? Let’s dive in.
UC Berkeley Admission Requirements
For undergraduates programs:
– You have to first pay an application fee of $80.
– Your average SAT score must be 1415.
– Your GP must be an average of 3.4 out of 4.0.
– You must have your transcript and essay ready, and also get ready for an interview.
Other requirements include medical records, health insurance, letters of recommendation, SOP and an academic resume. UC Berkeley has a country specific admission requirement which you’ll see below.
UC Berkeley Country specific admission requirement.
For India: An average of 60 marks in completed X and XII state board or CBSE examination.
For Pakistan: A completed X and XII state or board examination.
For Malaysia: A complete SPM and SPTM or the SPM and at least 3 academic GCE A-level exams.
For Sri Lanka: A complete Sri Lankan GCE O&A level exam, minimum of 3 academic A level exams is required.
For Postgraduate admission requirement, the basics include:
– A degree equivalent to a US Bachelor’s Degree.
– An official transcript with a minimum of 3.0 GPA.
– A statement of purpose.
– English Language Proficiency.
– GMAT, GRE subject test, GRE General or MCAT.
– An application fee of $200.
Specific Requirement
In addition to the above, there are some specific requirements for post graduate programs in Bio-engineering and Computer Science.
For Bio-engineering, you’ll need:
– An application fee of $110.
– Transcript, which may be unofficial.
– 3 letters of recommendation.
For Computer Science, you’ll need:
– An application fee of $140.
– A transcript, which may be unofficial.
– 3 letters of recommendation.
– A statement of purpose.
– A personal history statement.
– CV/Resume.
If you’re an international student, English proficiency is a must for you, therefore, UC Berkeley has a TOEFL requirement if you must be accepted into the University.
UC Berkeley TOEFL requirement for undergraduate programs:
– IELTS – 6.5
– TOEFL iBT – 80
– Duolingo – 115
UC Berkeley TOEFL requirement for post graduate programs:
– IELTS – 7.0
– TOEFL PBT- 570
– TOEFL iBT- 90
Visa Requirements for UC Berkeley
After being accepted, international students at UC Berkeley must fill out a Non-Immigrant Information Form (NIF). The applicant’s financial sponsor must promise that there will be enough money for the first year of study. After receiving the completed NIF, Berkeley International Office will issue the papers required for the visa.
To study in the US, non-immigrant visitors must have a current visa. By completing the NIF, which is invited by the UC Berkeley department, VSIS, students can obtain the I-20 or DS-2019 from UC Berkeley. After that, students’ cities must host visa and insurance appointments. After paying the SEVIS fee, students must attend an interview at the US embassy or consulate.
The following documentation is required for students to bring to their US visa interview:
- A passport that is still valid for at least six months
- A declaration of eligibility I-20 (F-1)/ DS-2019 (J-1)
- Proof of enrolment (for current students), proof of acceptance (for new students), or a letter of appointment from UC Berkeley (for scholars)
- Proof of Financial Support (EAP/degree-seeking students enrolled)
- Evidence of financial assistance (from academics)
- Forms and costs for applying for visas
- RECEIPT FOR SEVIS FEE (ONLY FOR F-1 AND J-1)
- J-1 pupils require J-1 AT DS-2019 with a letter of employment offer or most recent employment verification.
Now, to the last point I’ll be mentioning in this article, which is UC Berkeley’s admission deadline.
Admission deadlines vary at UC Berkeley; there’s a general deadline and specific deadlines for postgraduate courses, which I’ve also mentioned in this article.
UC Berkeley’s General Admission Deadlines
– Fall quarter/Semester – November 1-30
– Winter quarter/Spring semester- July 1-31
– Spring quarter October 1-31
Specific Admission Deadlines
– M.S Computer Science – 1 December 2025 for 2026 intakes.
– M.A Statistics – 6 January, 2025.
– MBA – Round 2- 5 January, 2026 & 23 March, 2026. Round 3- 6 April 2026 & 11 May 2026.
– M.S Architecture – 15 December, 2025.
– M.Eng – 6 January, 2025.
– B.S Business Administration – 31 January, 2026 for priority application; 1 May, 2026 for decision deadline; 1 July, 2026 for official transcript submission.
– B.A psychology – 30 November, 2025.
– B.S Mechanical Engineering & Business Administration – 31 January, 2026 for priority application; 1 May, 2026 for decision deadline; 1 July, 2026 for official transcript submission deadline.
– B.A Computer Science – 30 December, 2025 for fall; 30 May, 2026 for spring; 30 August, 2021 for summer.
Conclusively, the UC Berkeley program and acceptance rate may be quite challenging and confusing. If you ever need any help with the application process or are not clear about any information, please do not hesitate to send a message and I’ll reach out to you.
Wishing you the best in your application.
FAQs
What is the UC Berkeley acceptance rate for 2025?
The UC Berkeley acceptance rate for the 2025 admission cycle is around 11–12%, making it one of the most selective public universities in the United States. The rate reflects the high number of applicants compared to available spots.
Why is the UC Berkeley acceptance rate so low?
UC Berkeley’s acceptance rate is low because it receives a very high number of applications each year from highly qualified students worldwide. With limited enrollment capacity and a reputation for academic excellence, the competition is extremely tough.
Does UC Berkeley have different acceptance rates for in-state and out-of-state students?
Yes, UC Berkeley tends to admit a higher percentage of California residents compared to out-of-state and international students. This is because the university is part of the University of California system, which prioritizes in-state applicants while still maintaining a diverse student body.
How can applicants improve their chances of getting into UC Berkeley?
Applicants can improve their chances by maintaining a strong GPA, excelling in rigorous coursework, and submitting well-written personal insight essays. Demonstrating leadership, community involvement, and unique achievements can also make an application stand out in such a competitive process.
