University of California, Berkeley

Often cited as the world's most prestigious public university. A hub of innovation, activism, and discovery just across the bay from San Francisco.

Berkeley, California, USA World Rank: #17 (QS 2026) Founded: 1868

45,000+

Students

110+

Nobel Laureates

16

Chemical Elements Discovered

#1

Public University (US News)

Why Study at UC Berkeley?

Silicon Valley Access

Located just 45 minutes from Silicon Valley, Cal graduates are the top choice for employers like Google, Apple, and Tesla. It is a startup factory.

Research Powerhouse

From discovering Vitamin E to the Flu Virus, Berkeley labs are legendary. Undergraduates often work directly alongside Nobel laureates.

Haas School of Business

One of the few top-tier US universities offering an undergraduate business degree. The Haas School is consistently ranked in the top 3 globally.

Activism & Impact

Birthplace of the Free Speech Movement. Berkeley students are known for being socially conscious, politically active, and changemakers.

EECS Prestige

The Electrical Engineering & Computer Sciences (EECS) program is arguably the best in the world, rivaling MIT and Stanford.

California Life

Enjoy the mild California weather, stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge from campus, and easy access to hiking, beaches, and the city.

Popular Programs

EECS

Electrical Eng & Computer Science

Business Admin

Haas School (Highly Competitive)

Economics

World-renowned quantitative focus

Data Science

Interdisciplinary major (CDSS)

Chemistry

College of Chemistry is #1 globally

Political Science

Focus on theory and public policy

Architecture

College of Environmental Design

Bioengineering

Applying engineering to healthcare

Psychology

Top-ranked social science major

Physics

Home to the Lawrence Berkeley Lab

MBA

Haas School of Business

Law (JD)

Berkeley Law (Top IP/Tech Law)

Master of Engineering

MEng: Tech leadership focus

Public Health (MPH)

School of Public Health

Journalism

Graduate School of Journalism

Public Policy (MPP)

Goldman School of Public Policy

MSc Data Science

MIDS (Information & Data Science)

Architecture (MArch)

Advanced studio-based design

Financial Engineering

MFE (Top quantitative finance)

PhD

Doctoral research in 100+ fields

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Public University

As a state university, UC Berkeley prioritizes California residents. Financial aid for international students is extremely limited.

Regents' Scholarship

The most prestigious merit scholarship. Awarded to the top entering undergraduates based solely on academic and personal achievement.

Fiat Lux Scholarship

Merit-based scholarships that also consider resilience and leadership. Offers financial support and faculty mentorship.

Graduate Fellowships

PhD students are typically fully funded (tuition + stipend) through research (GSR) or teaching assistantships (GSI).

Haas Scholarships

The Business School offers specific merit scholarships for MBA students, though competition is fierce.

External Funding

International undergrads must show proof of funds (~$75k/year) and should heavily rely on external/home-country scholarships.

Campus Landmarks

The Campanile

Sather Tower, the third-tallest clock and bell tower in the world, offering panoramic views of the entire Bay Area.

Doe Library

The main library with its stunning neoclassical reading room. Berkeley's library system holds over 13 million volumes.

Memorial Glade

The central green space where students relax, study, play frisbee, and hold protests or rallies.

Greek Theatre

An 8,500-seat outdoor amphitheater that hosts graduation ceremonies and concerts by world-famous bands.

LBNL

Lawrence Berkeley National Lab sits in the hills above campus, a US Department of Energy lab managed by the university.

Sather Gate

The historic entrance to the university and a key site of the 1960s Free Speech Movement.

Innovation Ecosystem

BAIR

Berkeley Artificial Intelligence Research Lab brings together researchers in computer vision, ML, and robotics.

SkyDeck

Berkeley's premier startup accelerator. It funds and mentors student startups, helping them launch into the global market.

CRISPR

Home to Jennifer Doudna and the IGI (Innovative Genomics Institute), the birthplace of CRISPR gene-editing technology.

Chemical Elements

16 chemical elements were discovered here, including Berkelium and Californium. The College of Chemistry is unrivaled.

Energy Institute

Haas Energy Institute focuses on the economic and business aspects of energy markets and sustainability.

Data Science

The new College of Computing, Data Science, and Society (CDSS) is transforming how data is used for social good.

Entry Requirements

Undergraduate Requirements

  • GPA: Minimum 3.4 for non-residents, but realistic admits have 3.9+ (unweighted) / 4.3+ (weighted).
  • Test Blind: NO SAT/ACT. UC Berkeley will not consider test scores for admission or scholarships.
  • A-G Courses: Must meet specific subject requirements (History, English, Math, Lab Science, etc.).
  • PIQs: Personal Insight Questions. You choose 4 out of 8 short essays (350 words each). No "Common App" essay.
  • English Proficiency: TOEFL (80+) or IELTS (6.5+) required for non-native speakers.
  • No Letters: Berkeley does not accept letters of recommendation for undergrads.
  • Extracurriculars: Focus on leadership, initiative, and sustained commitment.

Graduate Requirements

  • Bachelor's Degree: From an accredited institution with a high GPA (typically 3.7+).
  • GRE/GMAT: Required for many programs (e.g., Haas MBA, some Engineering), optional for others.
  • Statement of Purpose: Critical essay outlining research experience and future goals.
  • Personal History: A separate essay describing how your background contributes to diversity.
  • English Proficiency: TOEFL (90+) or IELTS (7.0+).
  • Letters of Rec: 3 letters required, preferably from academic supervisors.
  • Publications: Highly valued for PhD applications in STEM fields.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Berkeley use the Common App?
No. You must apply through the **UC Application** system. This one application covers all 9 University of California campuses (UCLA, UCSD, etc.), but it is separate from the Common App.
What does "Test Blind" mean?
It means even if you submit a perfect 1600 SAT score, admissions officers **will not look at it**. Your admission is based entirely on GPA, course rigor, essays (PIQs), and activities.
Is housing guaranteed?
Housing is generally prioritized for freshmen, but it is not 100% guaranteed for all four years. Most upperclassmen live in off-campus apartments in the city of Berkeley.
What are the Personal Insight Questions?
Unlike a long personal statement, these are 4 short (350-word) essays. You choose 4 topics from 8 options (e.g., leadership, creativity, educational barrier). They value clarity and directness over "flowery" writing.

Ready to Be a Golden Bear?

The UC Application is unique and the PIQs require a specific writing strategy. Let our experts guide you to admission.