Welcome

You belong at the University of California

You work hard and dream big. Come to UC for a transformative education and a community where you’ll thrive.

You Belong Prepare Afford Transfer Visit

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University of California

You Belong

Achieve your potential at UC

Ready, set, apply!

UC is a place where you'll find a sense of belonging and a sense of purpose, surrounded by a community of people who are just like you: Curious, hardworking, determined to make a difference, and excited to be at the best public university in the world.

When you apply to UC, we look beyond grades to understand your whole story. We consider all you will contribute to the community we're building because we know we’re made better by having students who are as varied as California itself. In fact, this year our nine undergraduate campuses are welcoming the most diverse incoming class in UC's history.

No matter which campus you choose, you'll find that a UC education is more affordable than you might have thought: 54% of California undergraduates pay no tuition.

Since all our campuses use a single online application, you can enter your information for all just once. Applications for fall term are accepted October 1 through November 30.

Here's a final fact for you: 2 out of 3 California students who applied to UC last year got in. Read on to learn more about how you can find your place at UC.

Prepare

Get ready for greatness

Start with the basics.

Of course, earning good grades and taking challenging courses strengthen any UC application.

But beyond grades, we want to see well-rounded students who have made the most of their opportunities.

Here's what that means to us: Students should pursue their interests and explore ways to be leaders at school or in their communities. We want to know that they'll thrive at UC and contribute to our amazing community.

If this sounds like you, explore our admissions website for information about our nine campuses, majors and course requirements.

Afford

You can afford UC

We're here to help.

Here’s a fact that may surprise you: More than half of California undergrads pay no tuition.

UC has one of the strongest and most generous financial aid programs in the country. That’s because we believe that every qualified California student should have the opportunity to get a UC education.

As a result, 70% of California undergraduates receive grants and scholarships (money that doesn't have to be paid back). Most California residents whose families earn $100,000 or less have all their systemwide tuition and fees covered by financial aid. Other aid can help pay for living expenses, like food and housing.

But even if your family earns more than that, we can help. UC offers multiple types of aid to assist with the cost of attendance. Through the Tuition Stability Plan, tuition is established for each incoming class and remains flat until students graduate, for up to six years.

The bottom line is that UC will help you afford your education.

Transfer

A clear path to UC

Thinking about transfer?

For many students who want to stay close to home or save money, community college can be a good way to get ready for a UC degree.

Many classes you need for your undergraduate degree are offered at California community colleges, including courses that can count toward your major.

And for students who are ready to make the transition to UC, our doors are open.

We give California community college students first priority over other transfer applicants, and many campuses offer guaranteed admission for well-prepared transfer students.

In fact, nearly a third of UC students start at community college before graduating from a UC campus.

Visit

Come see UC for yourself

Map of California UC Campus Map A map of California with campuses flagged in blue

Whether you want to go to school in a culturally vibrant city, a redwood forest or on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, there’s a UC campus that’s right for you.

Visiting a campus is one of the best ways to experience UC and find out if it’s a good fit for you. Our campuses offer free tours led by current students who can answer your questions about what it’s really like to be a student at UC.

Campus tours happen almost every day of the year — just make sure to book a reservation ahead of time (sometimes a few weeks in advance).

If you can’t visit a campus, you have options. Many campuses have virtual tours and webinars that are easy to access online. Click on the map to find out more information or to take a campus tour.