Welcome to The University of California, Riverside

The University of California, Riverside (UCR) welcomes UNIQUE, COMMITTED, REAL students just like you from over 80 countries. We work hard to create a safe and friendly environment that respects cultural diversity and fosters intercultural skills while providing a world-class education. No wonder over 2,000 international students currently call UCR their home-away-from-home!

Since welcoming our first class in 1954, UCR has been home to inventors and innovators, creators and community leaders, and geniuses and groundbreakers. This is a university that recognizes students’ impressive accomplishments and vigorous drive, and keeps that same energy pumping as UCR Highlanders work toward their university degrees. 

Welcome to UCR. We’ve been waiting for a Highlander just like you!

As the Princeton Review observed, “With its beautiful campus, excellent learning environment, and caring professors, the University of California, Riverside now compares quite favorably against its more famous sisters in Berkeley and Los Angeles.” 

Riverside, California

UCR is located in vibrant Riverside, a progressive city that’s central to everything that makes Southern California a magical place to live, play, and study. Riverside is known for its small-town friendliness and big-city fun. It’s ranked as No. 3 for the best weather the United States and No. 34 for safety (2021 America’s 100 Best Cities). Plus, the expenses associated with living in Riverside are considerably less than those in nearby metropolitan areas.

Facts

• Established in 1954
• 22,687 undergraduate enrollment and 3,747 graduate enrollment
• World-class faculty include Nobel Prize Winners Barry Barish (Physics 2017) and alumnus Richard R. Schrock (Chemistry 2005) 
• 150+ majors (Top majors include business, engineering, and psychology.)
• 23:1 student-to-professor ratio
• 8 Ethnic & Gender Centers 
• 500+ student organizations

Recognition

International first-year and transfer applicants are automatically considered for the Achievement Scholarship upon acceptance to UCR. Scholarship winners could receive US$4,500/quarter for a 3.9 GPA or higher OR US$1,000/quarter for a 3.5–3.89 weighted GPA.

Admission Requirements

International first-year and transfer students must complete the requirements below. International first-year students must demonstrate English Language Proficiency by meeting exam benchmarks such as a minimum score of 80 for TOEFL, 6.5 for IELTS, or 115 for Duolingo.

First Year

Coursework – Earn a grade of C or better in these courses, complete a minimum of 15 college-preparatory ("a-g") courses as outlined below, and finish 11 courses before your senior year.