Where Global Education Meets Real-World Success

If you’re ready to study in the United States, you deserve a university that understands your goals — one that gives you the support, confidence, and opportunities to succeed. That’s what you’ll find at the University of California, Irvine (UC Ivine).

At UC Irvine, you’ll prepare for university admission, receive personalized guidance, and build your career through hands-on experience — all while studying in America’s #1 safest city and living the California lifestyle you’ve always dreamed of.

Through career-focused programs, hands-on internships, and Optional Practical Training (OPT), UC Irvine empowers international students to turn academic ambition into professional achievement — building bridges from the classroom to careers across the globe.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

UC Irvine’s Division of Continuing Education offers programs designed to prepare you for success in today’s global job market.

You can:

• Enroll in Accelerated Certificate Programs (ACPs) to gain industry-ready skills in high-demand fields such as International Finance, Digital Marketing, Data Science, and more.
   
• Apply your knowledge during a 10-week Internship Experience with the  Southern California business community.
   
• Qualify for OPT (Optional Practical Training), allowing up to one year of paid work experience in the U.S. after completion of your program.
   

Combined with UC Irvine’s academic excellence and professional coaching, these experiences give you the tools to stand out — and succeed — anywhere in the world.
 

Real Students, Real Careers

🇫🇷 Minh Thao Chan — International Finance Accelerated Certificate Program

When Minh Thao Chan from France joined the International Finance Accelerated Certificate Program at UC Irvine, he hoped to gain practical business and finance experience in the U.S. What he found was life-changing.

After completing his studies, Minh participated in UC Ivine’s Internship Experience and OPT program, which gave him the skills and connections to build his dream career.

“Without the program of UCI, I wouldn’t be here right now in a major position in a global company in engineering.” — Minh Thao Chan, France

Minh’s story is a powerful example of how UC Irvine helps students move from classroom learning to real-world impact — transforming potential into professional success.

🎥 Watch Minh’s full story:

🇪🇸 Sergio Carrallo — Digital Marketing & Media and Global Communications Accelerated Programs

For Sergio Carrallo from Spain, UC Irvine was the perfect place to reinvent himself. After leaving a professional soccer career, Sergio wanted to transition into the world of media and global business.

Through UC Irvine’s Digital Marketing & Media and Global Communications Accelerated Programs, he gained the industry experience and confidence he needed to succeed — including an internship that brought his classroom lessons to life.

“The main reason I chose UC Irvine is that it’s one of the most respected research institutions in the world — a great fit for me.” — Sergio Carrallo, Spain

Today, Sergio is thriving in digital marketing, proving that UC Irvine gives students the foundation to build meaningful, global careers.

🎥 Watch Sergio’s story

Why UC Irvine Is the Ideal Destination for International Students

• Prepare for university success — Programs like STAR (Success Through Academics and Research) help students strengthen academics, improve test scores, and earn transferable credits toward their degree.
• Personalized coaching — UCI’s advisors guide international students step by step through program selection, application prep, and career readiness.
• Career-focused learning — Students gain real-world experience through internships, OPT opportunities, and industry connections with leading companies such as Google, Blizzard, and Amazon, helping prepare them for successful global careers.
• The California advantage — Study where innovation meets sunshine — in America’s #1 safest city, minutes from beaches, culture, and global industries.

About UC Irvine

Founded in 1965, UC Irvine is a top-ranked public research university and part of the prestigious University of California system. With more than 37,000 students, 80 undergraduate degrees, and 100 graduate and professional programs, you’ll study at one of the most innovative and diverse universities in the world — known for excellence in science, business, engineering, social ecology, and the arts.

Through the Division of Continuing Education, you can expand your academic and professional experience. These programs offer accessible professional certificates, individualized study programs, and university preparation courses designed to help you prepare for academic success, advance your career, gain new skills, and stay competitive in the global workforce.

Turn Your Education Into a Global Career

At UC Irvine, international students don’t just earn certificates — they gain confidence, skills, and the experience to succeed anywhere in the world.

If you’re ready to study in California, build a global network, and start your career journey, UC Irvine is where it begins.

💡 Learn more about programs, internships, and career pathways at UC Irvine International Programs!