UC Berkeley for Indian Students
Berkeley, California, USA (San Francisco Bay Area)
UC Berkeley combines elite academic reputation with unmatched technology and innovation exposure. Consistently ranked among the top universities globally in engineering, computer science, business, economics, and social sciences.
~11-15%
Acceptance Rate
#4
QS USA Ranking
45,000+
Total Students
50+
Students Guided
What Makes Berkeley Different
Silicon Valley Access
Berkeley's location near Silicon Valley gives students access to major tech companies, startups, venture capital networks, internships in product/engineering/data roles, and innovation-driven research collaborations. This is a major advantage for tech and entrepreneurship.
Public University Model
Unlike private universities, Berkeley has larger class sizes (especially early undergraduate years), admissions depend heavily on academic profile, and funding for international students is limited. Understanding this model is critical for applicants.
Academic Intensity + Innovation Culture
Berkeley combines rigorous academics with a strong history of intellectual independence and innovation. The research output is comparable to any Ivy League institution.
Dr. Karan Gupta's tip: Berkeley is often misunderstood. Students assume it works like private Ivy League admissions. It doesn't. Berkeley evaluates academic preparation, achievements within available opportunities, and readiness for a large research university. Applicants who focus only on prestige without understanding Berkeley's system often make mistakes. Talk to us about your Berkeley strategy.
Berkeley Admission Requirements for Indian Students
Undergraduate
- Strong Grades 9-12 performance (IB, CBSE, ISC, Cambridge accepted)
- UC system does NOT consider SAT/ACT scores
- English proficiency: TOEFL / IELTS / Duolingo
- Uses University of California application, NOT Common App
- Personal Insight Questions (UC essays) - shorter and more direct
- Application window: November | Results: March
- No Early Decision or Early Action
Masters / Graduate
MBA (Haas School of Business)
Haas is strong for:
- Tech leadership & product management
- Consulting and entrepreneurship
- Innovation-focused leadership
- Ethical decision-making culture
Requirements:
- GMAT or GRE required
- Several years professional experience
- Cultural fit with Haas leadership principles
- Read: MBA Admissions Strategy
Top Programs at Berkeley
Computer Science & Engineering: Among the strongest globally with deep industry collaboration
Data Science & AI: Major research and industry influence
Economics: Highly respected academically and in policy circles
Business (Haas): Strong placements in tech, consulting, and finance
Environmental Science & Public Policy: Global leader in sustainability research
Costs & Scholarships
Costs
- Undergraduate: ~$59,940/year (international — includes non-resident supplemental tuition)
- Master's: ~$39,864/year (international tuition + fees)
- MBA: ~$130,000+ total (Haas, 2-year)
- Living costs: ~$2,000–$2,500/month | ~$24,000–$30,000/year
- Total estimated annual budget: ~$70,000–$90,000/year (tuition + Bay Area living)
- Approximate for recent intake cycles — Study in USA | Cost Calculator
Scholarships
- UG: Very limited aid for international students
- Graduate: Assistantships, fellowships, stipends for research programs
- MBA: Haas offers merit-based fellowships
- Read: Scholarships Guide
KGC Students at Berkeley
Arka Ray
UC Berkeley
“Karan and his team simplified the immense work involved with the entire process especially since I didn't have time and since most top schools insist on well thought out essays and SOPs.”
Read full storyNisha Ramachandran
UC Berkeley
“Berkeley was my dream because of its CS program and Silicon Valley proximity. KGC helped me understand the UC application system, which is very different from Common App. The Personal Insight Questions required a specific approach and Dr. Gupta nailed it.”
Vikram Desai
UC Berkeley
“Applying to Haas MBA after 6 years in product management, I needed to show innovation mindset. KGC helped me connect my career narrative to Haas's leadership principles. The cultural fit angle was something I would have missed on my own.”
FAQs: Berkeley for Indian Students
Is Berkeley an Ivy League university?
Does Berkeley accept SAT/ACT?
Do Berkeley master's programs require GRE?
Is GMAT required for Haas MBA?
Is Berkeley expensive for international students?
What is Berkeley known for?
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