Guide to Applying to the University of California, Irvine as an International Student for an Undergraduate Degree
Nested in a coastal location, the University of California Irvine campus was set up in 1965 to accommodate the growing enrolments in the UC system. It was placed in the 9th position in the Top National Public Universities in the latest US News and World Report rankings. UC Irvine offers 85 Major programs in different fields. Its faculty includes Nobel Laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, and Alumni who have a remarkable impact on the world.UC Irvine’s students have won national titles in numerous individual and team sports and 56 of them competed in the Olympics too. You can explore over 600 student organizations and connect with like-minded people. To get admission to UC Irvine, you’ll have to put your heart and soul into crafting your application. We have included everything you need to know in the following article.Â
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English Proficiency Test Requirements
If English was not the primary language of instruction in your school, you’ll have to meet the English proficiency requirements laid down by the university. Fulfilling these requirements will demonstrate your ability to keep up with the rigorous academic environment at UC Irvine. Following are the different ways to show your English Proficiency-
- 24 or above in the ACT English Language Arts (ELA)
- 31 or above in the Writing and Language in the SAT
- 3, 4, or 5 on the AP examination in English Language and Composition, or English Literature and Composition
- 6 or 7 on the IB Standard Level examination in English (Language A only)Â
- 5, 6, or 7 on the IB Higher Level examination in English (Language A only)Â
- 6.5 or above in the IELTS academicÂ
- Score 6.5 or higher on the IELTS Indicator (Fall 2022 only)
- 80 or above in the TOEFL iBT or iBT Home Edition
- 60 or above in TOEFL (paper-delivered test)
- 115 or above in the Duolingo English Test (Fall 2022 only)
Note: UC Irvine doesn’t accept MyBest TOEFL; Only the highest composite score from a single sitting is permitted.Â
ACT/SAT Requirements
UC Irvine won’t consider ACT or SAT in any part of the admission process. Any scores you submit may be used for class placement or graduation requirements after your enrolment. Following are the average ACT and SAT score requirements to keep in mind as benchmarks if you decide to submit your scores-
Test | Score Range | Average Score Required |
ACT | 1-36 | 24-29 |
SAT | 400-1600 | 1180-1440 |
Tuition Fee and Cost of Living
Education at a top-ranking university like UC Irvine is certainly going to be costly for an international student. Plus, living in the state of California is going to add up to the amount. Following are the approximate costs you’ll incur. Visit the official website of the university for exact figures.   Â
Annual Cost | In US Dollars | In Indian Rupees |
Tuition Fee | $45,656 | ₹31,95,920 |
Living Expenses | $20,564 | ₹14,39,480 |
Total | $66,220 | ₹46,35,400 |
The conversion from USD to INR has been made with $1=₹70. The cost may vary with changes in the exchange rate.
Application Portal
You can apply to UC San Diego through the UC Application. Visit the given link and log in or create your account to proceed further.
Personal Insight Questions (Personal Essays)
The university asks all freshmen applicants to answer Personal Insight Questions because your response to these questions will provide the university insights into your unique personality, experiences, ambitions, and more. You’ll have to answer 4 out of the 8 Personal Insight Questions in a maximum of 350 words each.Â
Required Question:
Please describe how you have prepared for your intended major, including your readiness to succeed in your upper-division courses once you enroll at the university.
Other 7 Questions:
- Describe an example of your leadership experience in which you have positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes or contributed to group efforts over time.Â
- Every person has a creative side, and it can be expressed in many ways: problem-solving, original and innovative thinking, and art, to name a few. Describe how you express your creative side. Â
- What would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and demonstrated that talent over time? Â
- Describe how you have taken advantage of a significant educational opportunity or worked to overcome an educational barrier you have faced.
- Describe the most significant challenge you have faced and the steps you have taken to overcome this challenge. How has this challenge affected your academic achievement?
- What have you done to make your school or your community a better place? Â
- Beyond what has already been shared in your application, what do you believe makes you stand out as a strong candidate for admission to the University of California?
Application Deadlines
The application deadlines to apply to UC Irvine are following-
Application opens for admissions and scholarships | August 1 |
Transfer Application Guarantee application submission | September 1-September 30 |
Apply for Fall Term | November 1-November 30 |
Dance and Music Auditions | December 1-January 31 |
Priority TAU deadline | January 31 |
Second Baccalaureate deadline | February 16 |
First-Year Student Admission Notice | March 1-March 31 |
Priority FAFSA and CA Dream Act deadline | March 2 |
Transfer Student Admission notice | April 1-April 30 |
Conclusion
UC Irvine is one of the Top 10 Public Universities for a reason. Not only does it provide world-class education, but it also focuses on their holistic development with its brilliant athletics program. It aims to take the students beyond the classroom to help them achieve what seems impossible to others. Infinite growth opportunities await you at UC Irvine if you have the needed profile. You can talk to UniRely’s student mentors studying at UC Irvine and take their help in crafting your application. Sign Up to UniRely now and take the first step!