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Are you an international student looking for a world-class university to study at? If so, you should consider UC Berkeley!
UC Berkeley International Students are a diverse and engaged cohort of students who routinely become moguls in industries and departments. Here are 5 reasons you should consider attending UC Berkeley as an international student:
#1 – UC Berkeley’s Reputation
Berkeley is consistently ranked as one of the top public universities in the world. In fact, it is currently ranked as the #2 public university in the United States by U.S. News & World Report!
This high ranking is a testament to Berkeley’s quality of education. Berkeley is notoriously known for its social life and campus culture. If you gain admission as a transfer student in the international student cohort, you will see that many activities, clubs, and organizations are available to you.
For international students, this may be daunting at first to be in an environment with so much social interaction. However, many students find their niche within the first few weeks and make life-long friends.
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Related: 11 Impacted Majors at UC Berkeley | 2022-2023 Admit Rates & Average GPA
The social scene at Berkeley comes to life during the fall quarter when students are welcomed back from summer break with a week full of events known as “Welcome Week.”
There are also a ton of social opportunities outside of school. Students can join any of the 800+ student organizations on campus, go Greek, or play intramural sports.
Many social events are also open to non-students, such as concerts and sports games. Regardless of your social preferences, there is something for everyone at Berkeley.
#2 – Berkeley Location
Where is UC Berkeley located? Berkeley is located in the San Francisco Bay Area, one of the world’s most innovative and diverse regions. This means that there are endless opportunities for learning and networking both inside and outside of the classroom.
The UC Berkeley campus is well-known for its easy access to San Francisco (typically a 20-minute drive) and its pleasant and non-intrusive campus environment.
Berkeley consistently finds campus life to be one of the hallmarks of Berkeley life, specifically in relation to other UC schools.
#3 – Student Berkeley Resources
At Berkeley, students have access to many resources that are designed to help them succeed in their academic and professional pursuits.
These include libraries with millions of books and other materials, world-class research centers, career counseling services, cultural centers, student groups, organizations, and undergraduate degree opportunities.’
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Berkeley is committed to providing a world-class education to all of its students, regardless of their background or nationality. As such, the school offers several resources specifically for UC Berkeley International Students.
These include official translations of transcripts and diplomas, help with obtaining visas and financial aid, and access to student clubs and organizations.
In addition, Berkeley offers an alternative method of admission for UC Berkeley International Students who may not meet the usual requirements. As one of the top universities in the world, Berkeley is a great choice for UC Berkeley International Students who are looking for a high-quality education.
#4 – UC Berkeley International Students Will Encounter a Diverse Campus
UC Berkeley has a very diverse student body, with students coming from all over the world. This diversity creates a unique and enriching learning environment where you will be exposed to new perspectives and ways of thinking.
If you’re considering attending UC Berkeley as an international student, you’re in for a treat. Berkeley is one of the most diverse campuses in the world, with students from all over the globe. This diversity creates a unique and enriching experience for everyone involved.
Not only will you learn about new cultures and perspectives, but you’ll also have access to some of the best resources and opportunities available.
As a public school, Berkeley is committed to providing affordable and accessible education to all California residents.
This means that you’ll be able to get a top-quality education without breaking the bank. And with over 35,000 current students, you’re sure to find others who share your interests and passions. So why not check out UC Berkeley today? You won’t regret it.
#5 – UC Berkeley International Students Benefit From World-Renowned Faculty
Berkeley has a faculty of world-renowned scholars who are leaders in their respective fields. This means that you will have access to some of the best minds in the world and be able to learn from them directly.
When it comes to academic rigor, few universities can match UC Berkeley. The school’s admissions standards are among the highest in the country, and its faculty is second to none.
Berkeley offers unparalleled learning from some of the world’s leading scholars. UC Berkeley International Students benefit from a high-class education from individuals who are experts or contemporary researchers in their field.
In some situations, your professor could be an elected official, a famous person, or some tech CEO who is nearby (which is typical considering the proximity of UCB to Silicon Valley).
Related: How Transfer Students Contribute to University Culture
In addition to receiving a top-notch education, Berkeley students also have the opportunity to build relationships with faculty members who can help them navigate the American academic system and connect with other resources on campus.
As a result, UC Berkeley International Students are some of the country’s most successful and well-rounded students.
#6 – UC Berkeley Students Engage With a Robust Alumni Network
As a Berkeley student, you will join a network of over half a million alumni who are making a difference in the world. These alumni can provide valuable mentorship and connections that can help you in your future career.
UC Berkeley International Students can benefit from the robust UC Berkeley alumni network, which can help open up opportunities both inside and outside the United States.
UC Berkeley is an excellent option for UC Berkeley International Students who want to study at a top-ranked university and gain access to invaluable resources and networks.
With its strong reputation, diverse student body, world-renowned faculty, and robust alumni network, UC Berkeley is a great choice for any international student looking to further their education.
UC Berkeley International Students Application Requirements
Like any other cohort of students, every international student must fill out a UC Berkeley application. International applicants must submit academic records to the UC system and must demonstrate English proficiency and academic excellence.
The University of California is a prestigious institution system, and it can be difficult to gain admission if you are not a qualified or competitive applicant.
Recommended Reading: UC Personal Insight Questions (PIQs) | Advice for Transfer Students
Students must answer the UC Personal Insight Questions (UC PIQs) to get into uc Berkeley as well as complete the application process early in the cycle.
Applicable test scores (i.e., SAT scores) should be submitted to the University of California Berkeley as soon as possible to avoid disruption or delay in your UC Berkeley application. There are specific admissions requirements for the UC California application process.
GPA Requirements
All potential international applicants require a minimum GPA of 3.0. Students must also meet the admissions requirements
English Language Proficiency/ English Proficiency Requirement
- TOEFL: 90
- IELTS: 7
- DAAD: C1
- TEM-4 or TEM-8:70
- Cambridge C1 Advanced
- Duolingo English Test: 115
Passport/Documentation
Foreign applicants who are submitting a college application to the University of California at Berkeley system will have to provide an official Passport and Documentation.
All documentation has to be official and cannot be copied piece. Moreover, the appropriate document submission means students have all official documents and correspondence translated into English.
Submitting an Application to UC Berkeley for International Students
UC Berkeley International Students should submit their UC Berkeley applications as early as possible to increase their admission chances.
The amount of time needed for an international student application is typically longer than that of a domestic applicant, so it is important to plan ahead and begin preparing your application materials well in advance.
Related Content: The 5 UC Application Tips You Need to Get into the University of California
Additionally, it is important to make sure that all supporting documentation is received. An international student who is interested in attending UC Berkeley should have, at a minimum, the following documentation:
- High School Coursework (or equivalent)
- Official Transcripts from previous institutions, including high school transcript.
- SAT Scores, ACT Scores, or other standardized test scores
- English Proficiency Exams
- Completion of UC Personal Insight Questions (UC PIQs)
UC Berkeley International Students Application
Like any other cohort of students, every international student must fill out a UC Berkeley application. International applicants must submit academic records to the UC system and must demonstrate English proficiency and academic excellence.
Applicable test scores (i.e., SAT scores) should be submitted to the University of California Berkeley as soon as possible to avoid disruption or delay in your UC Berkeley application.
UC Berkeley Acceptance Rate for International Students (UC Berkeley Admits)
From 2019-2021, the University of California Berkeley accepted roughly 4,500+ international applicants. The itemized UC Berkeley admits data is as follows:
| Term | Total International Student Applications | Total International Students Accepted | International Student Acceptance Rate |
| 2019 | 17,035 | 1,545 | 9 percent |
| 2020 | 17,105 | 1,467 | 9 percent |
| 2021 | 20,981 | 1,691 | 8 percent |
Related: The Conclusive List of Capped Majors at UCSD | UC Admissions Dates & Deadlines 2023
UC Berkeley International Students FAQs
What Type of Majors Does UC Berkeley Offer to International Students?
UC Berkeley International Students should make sure they select a major that gives them the greatest opportunity for admission. You can look at UC Berkeley majors in disciplines such as computer science, English language, English literature, social sciences, and physics.
Do your research on which majors are “capped” or “impacted” at UC Berkeley so that you can see how you square up against the competition of students applying for those majors.
As far as academics go, Berkeley is highly ranked globally. In the 2019 QS World University Rankings, UC Berkeley was ranked 4th in the world for Biomedical Sciences and 10th for Data Science & Information Systems.
International students come to UC Berkeley for its excellent academics and are not disappointed. With such a high reputation internationally, it’s no wonder that UC Berkeley is such a popular choice for foreign students looking to study abroad.
What is The Education Abroad Program (EAP) for UC Berkeley International Students?
Through EAP, you can spend two semesters studying at UC Berkeley while living in the International House on campus. You’ll get to take classes with other international students and have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of extracurricular activities.
Course placement in the EAP program is robust, and the acceptance rate is relatively low in comparison to other programs available at various university school systems.
In addition, you’ll have access to all the same resources and support services as regular UC Berkeley students. So if you’re looking for an immersive and educational experience, EAP is definitely worth checking out.
What Country Do UC Berkeley International Students Come From?
UC Berkeley accepts a number of international students representing a wide swath of the globe.
According to a 2022 UC Berkeley International Student Report, over 20 countries are represented in the UC Berkeley international student cohort.
The Top 5 Countries of Origin for Berkeley International Students are as follows:
China (35.5%) – A total of 2,895 Berkeley students came from China.
India (12.6%) – A total of 946 Berkeley students came from India.
Republic of Korea (7.3%) – A total of 512 Berkeley students came from the Republic of Korea.
Canada (5.9%) – A total of 465 Berkeley students came from our neighbor up north, Canada.
Taiwan (3.0%) – A total of 262 Berkeley students came from Taiwan.
When Does UC Berkeley Release Decisions 2022? UC Berkeley Decision Date?
Typically, Berkeley, like other UCs, will release admission decisions and acceptance letters by Mid-Late Mark. Ideally, students should expect a Berkeley decision on March 24th.
Conclusion
UC Berkeley is an excellent choice for international students looking for a top-ranked university with a diverse student body and faculty of world-renowned scholars. If you are looking for an enriching and transformational educational experience, Berkeley is the place for you!
The school provides abundant cultural opportunities, and every college welcomes nonresidents to enroll in their college program.
Focus on the UC Personal Insight Questions to differentiate yourself as an international applicant. The UC application is the only document the UC Berkeley’s Admissions officers will use when deciding to grant or deny you admission. English proficiency is a requirement for admission to UC Berkeley for foreign applicants,
Transfer students are also required to identify their major. They should note that certain majors at UC Berkeley (such as the HAAS School of Business) are only available to freshman applicants.
UC Berkeley’s admission requirements for foreign applicants are rigorous because the institution knows that a Bachelor’s degree awarded by Cal is extremely credible.
The UC application is relatively easy to figure out, but you can check out our various UC Application tips on our website.