Key Takeaways

The University of California, Berkeley, is a globally recognized institution famous for its legacy and alum.

The courses range from engineering, science, and mathematics to journalism and social studies, with 350 degree programs.

The university offers several research opportunities to students from all fields, providing on-site and experimental projects.

The university offers its graduates student aid, and around 27% of the freshmen receive the Pell Grant.

The University of California, Berkeley, promotes excellence with its slogan. It is the flagship campus among the research universities affiliated with the University of California, Berkley system. It was established in 1868 and is among the 14 members of the Association of American Universities. The Berkeley campus initially began only with 40 students, and it was also the first Californian University to provide a full curriculum. It grew immensely in the 1940s as more students began winning prestigious awards.
UC Berkeley is a popular option among students from various countries. The flagship programs and the successful alumni often attract students. Fall 2022 attracted 45,307 students to this university. Among them, 7968 were international students from around the globe. There are 99 Nobel Laureates, 14 Pulitzer, and 23 Turing Award winners in the UC Berkeley researchers, alumni, and faculty. Berkeley students are known as "Golden Bears". All students take immense pride in these accolades when they present their university on a global level.

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Tuition Fee & Cost of Living at University of California, Berkeley

The University of California, Berkeley, offers several undergraduate and graduate programs. The following table covers the costs involved in living on-campus and off-campus.

Charges 

Living in an apartment on campus (USD)

(2023-24)

Living in an apartment on campus (USD)

(2023-24)

Tuition 

15,444

15,444

Living expenses 

16,584

NA

Health insurance 

3858

3,858

Total 

35,886

19,302

Source: https://housing.berkeley.edu/rates-contracts-policies/rates/

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Programs Offered University of California, Berkeley

The University of California, Berkeley, offers several UG, PG, and Doctorate programs. Students can choose among them. The tuition fee varies as per the course and its specialization.

Courses 

Duration (In Years) 

Tuition Fees (First year) (USD)

Bachelor's in Science (11 courses)

4-5 

31.03 K - 41.2 K

Bachelor's in Engineering (24 courses)

31.03-41.2 K

Bachelor's in Arts (42 courses)

41.2 K

Bachelor's in Architecture (2 courses)

41.2 K - 50 K

Bachelor of Laws (1 course)

41.2 K

Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication (3 courses)

41.2 K

Bachelor's in Business Administration (2 courses)

41.2 K - 46 K

Other Undergraduate Programmes (19 courses)

31.03 K - 41.2 K

Master of Science (26 courses)

9 months- 2 years

23.69- 76.35 K

Master's in Management (8 courses)

1-4

26.54- 73.44 K

Master's in Business Administration/ PGDM (4 courses)

2-4 

26.54- 73.44 K

Master of Public Health (9 courses)

1-3 

33.38- 34.12 K

Master of Arts (9 Courses)

1-2 

26.54 K - 29.69 K

Master's in Engineering (6 Courses)

1-2 

52.09 K - 55.05 K

Master's in Architecture (6 courses)

1-3 

26.54 K - 31.92 K

Master of Law (2 courses)

9 months

66.53 K - 69.86 K

Master of Design (1 course)

1.5 

26.8 K

Master of Fine Arts (1 course)

26.8 K

Executive Master's in Business Administration/PGDM (2 courses)

2

1.09 L - 1.23 L

Master of Public Administration (1 course)

26.54 K

Master's in Agriculture (1 course)

1

26.8 K

Other Postgraduate Programmes (9 courses)

1-5

26.54 K - 44.21 K

Ph.D. (1 course)

26.32 K

Top Majors at University of California, Berkeley

Students can opt for multiple major and minor courses at UC Berkeley. The various subjects help them explore different interests and career points for the future. Read below the top choices of majors for UC Berkeley students.

Social Sciences

Social Sciences

This major details human and social behavior. It has psychology, economics, and political science studies. They understand how different groups and people interact with one another. UC Berkeley students prefer these courses.

Computer and Information Sciences

Computer and Information Sciences

Computer science majors are gaining popularity. The graduates end up in Tech roles, which they prefer because of the higher salaries. Also, technology roles offer several roles in coding, website development, cybersecurity, and cloud computing fields.

Engineering

Engineering

Chemical, materials, computer, and electrical are some engineering majors at UC Berkeley. These are popular among the students.

Biological and Biomedical
Sciences

Biological and Biomedical Sciences

These are the medical majors where biological refers to the detailed study of living beings. These are related to several topics, like humans or bacteria. Biomedical studies work on the treatment and research of diseases.

Interdisciplinary Studies

Interdisciplinary Studies

Students taking up this program work on several majors instead of one. They major in several subjects. For example, engineering majors also work on marketing subjects.

Source: https://financialaid.berkeley.edu/

Research Opportunities at University of California, Berkeley

UC Berkeley has several majors and research opportunities for its students. They can opt to join them as per their interests. It provides resources to these institutions to promote its position as a premier research institution. Learn about some famous research centers at the University of California, Berkeley.

Berkeley Center for
Law and Business

This center allows students to study business, economy, and law. They research their relationship. It is also based on experiments and proofs to understand entrepreneurship, capital markers, or venture capital. This center focused on venture capital and entrepreneurship. Students also learn the corporate social responsibility for companies. They work with projects on capital markets and mergers and acquisitions.

Berkeley Center for
Law and Technology

The technology space is available in every sphere. It applies to laws like privacy, security, and regulations. This center focuses on cybersecurity, regulations, telecommunications, crimes, etc. The students learn and research the effects of new advances in different law domains. The center's focus is also on intellectual property, biotech, and the laws for digital entertainment.

Berkeley Food
Institute

The researchers here focus on sustainable food production, the availability of jobs in this sector, and agroecology. They work on a healthy food system that is affordable. It helps with various social problems related to nutrition, food availability, hunger, etc.

Berkeley Natural
History Museums

The researchers in this center work with biodiversity. They understand and learn about their evolution as the environment changes. The center focuses on understanding morphological and genomic diversity. It reflects the response of various species to a changing environment.

Berkeley Institute for
Data Science

This center uses evolving data science technology. They provide training programs for data-intensive research and several open-source software. BIDS center provides an open source and open data resource. It supports academic research across departments.

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University of California, Berkeley University Campus - Location & Life

The University of California, Berkeley campus is spread over 8164 acres. It has a vibrant environment and provides a happening life to all its students. The students will witness a vast cultural diversity. They can communicate with students from all around the world.

The University of California, Berkeley, caters to sports and its students. The recreational sports program is for everyone. They can pursue their fitness passion and fulfill their goals. The campus has a sports stadium. Student matches happen there. It ensures that every person engages in a sports event and provides facilities. There are several athletic facilities like the Edwards Track, Spieker Pool, Memorial Stadium Fitness Center, Tennis Courts, etc., for the students.

The campus students can also join societies. They are the perfect option to socialize and get a sense of belonging. The societies follow different rules and host events and parties for new joiners. Also, they may have a separate house. The members often leave with lifelong friends and fun campus life. These include Alpha Delta Phi, Chi Psi, Kappa Alpha Order, Sigma Nu, etc.

400+ registered student organizations catering to various interests.

Application Deadline University of California, Berkeley

The university opens admissions in fall, spring, and winter sessions. Students can apply for them before the mentioned deadline for various UG and PG courses. They must send their admission well before the deadlines. Read the University of California, Berkeley deadlines here.

Timeline

The Fall quarter/semester has a timeline from Oct 1 - Nov 30

Semester Admission

The fall semester admission begins on July 1

One must visit the website to check for the deadlines of various courses. 

Source: https://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu

Application Timeline for University of California, Berkeley

One must prepare ahead for the University of California, Berkeley application process. Find below what you should do.

Students may start their UC fall application from October 1, 2023. The submission should be before November 30.

  1. Start researching

    You should check out the programs and universities a year before you want admission. It will give me enough time to learn about the structure, fees, funding, etc.

    01
  2. Start preparing

    You need good test scores on the GMAT, SAT, GRE, IELTS, etc. Your preparations should begin at least six months in advance. You can take retakes to score better if you schedule these tests in advance.

    02
  3. Request official

    Request and collect official documents and transcripts. Also, get recommendations from your previous employers and professors. You must have all the necessary documents well before the deadlines.

    03
  4. Begin drafting

    Your essay and SOP are vital. Begin writing two months in advance. It will provide time to get suggestions. You can revise and recheck before submitting.

    04
  5. Submit your application

    Prepare all the necessary documents. Submit the admission package a month before the deadline date.

    05
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University of California, Berkeley Eligibility Requirements

The applicants must be eligible to enter the University of California, Berkeley. Read below the requirements for admission.

SAT Range

660-750

ACT Range

30-35

High School GPA

4.15-4.30

SAT Mathematics

680-790

SAT Essay

16-19


The applicant must possess the test scores and the necessary documents. They also have to pay a $155 application fee.

Source: https://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu

University of California, Berkeley Ranking

UC Berkeley has always had a top position. It is a premier institution, and the rankings reflect these results. Read below the University of California, Berkeley's rankings in various measures.

Particulars

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

Times Higher Education 

15

13

17

8

QS- World University Ranking

27

28

30

32

27

US News

22

22

22

22

20

2023

QS World Rankings

University of California, Berkeley

2023 UNIVERSITY RANKING


  • #8
2023

Times Higher Education

University of California, Berkeley

2023 UNIVERSITY RANKING


  • #8
2021

US News

University of California, Berkeley

2023 UNIVERSITY RANKING


  • #20

University of California, Berkeley, Alumni Salaries

Find the range and average salaries of the University of California, Berkeley alumni below.

Profile 

Salary Ranges (USD) 

Average (USD) 

Software Engineer 

87-151K

115,632

Data Scientist 

82-158K

116,832

Data Analyst 

60-113K

78,285

Project Manager 

54-129K

85,440

Source: https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Salary

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Scholarships at University of California, Berkeley

The University of California, Berkeley, offers aid to students. Students from India can avail of them, too, once they get admission. Find the details of some scholarships by UC Berkeley.

Berkeley Undergraduate Scholarship

This program offers financial aid as per academic merit. The amount varies as per the financial need of the student. California students with a 4.1 GPA entering high school or with a 3.5 GPA entering from a community college are eligible. The same applies to AB 540-eligible UC students. Around 3,000 students receive the benefits of this scholarship every year. The funds come from several universities and private funds.

Middle-Class Scholarship

This aid is for students from middle-income families to support higher studies. The family income and assets should be up to $201,000. The aid varies as per the campus fees and number of applicants. The amount is as per the attendance cost of the student's college. The attendance cost amount will deduct any other financial aid, a student contribution amount ($7,898), and a parent contribution. This step will help arrive at the final scholarship amount.

Regents' and Chancellor's Scholarship

This aid is for UG students with excellence in creativity, service, leadership, and convictions. It is for a select group or cohort showing excellence. Around 200 faculty members of UC Berkeley are connected with this scheme. The scholars in this scheme are also eligible for $1,000 funding for their research fellowship projects. The minimum monetary award is $2,500 per year. This scholarship money is applicable for a renewal every year.

Accommodation Options at University of California, Berkeley

The University of California, Berkeley, offers various accommodation options to its students.

Source: https://housing.berkeley.edu/rates-contracts-policies/rates/

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FAQ's

This reputable university is in Berkeley, California, United States.

The University of California, Berkeley has a lot of competition. One must score well in standardized tests like the GRE, SAT, and GMAT per the course. They also need recommendations and a good college essay. The applicant should also complete the application well before time.

The university has over 120 graduate programs across 15 colleges and schools. It presents over 4000 UG and PG degrees every year.

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