UC San Diego for Indian Students
La Jolla (San Diego), California, USA
UC San Diego is one of the leading public universities in the United States and part of the prestigious UC system. Known for cutting-edge research, strong STEM programs, and its location near major technology and biotech hubs.
Top 30
U.S. National Ranking
UC System
University of California
Test-Blind
No SAT/ACT Required
80+
Students Guided
Tuition & Costs
- Undergraduate: $48,000–$52,000/year
- Master's: $35,000–$60,000/year
- MBA (Rady): $120,000–$135,000 total
- Living: $1,500–$2,300/month
- Study in USA | Cost Calculator
STEM Strength
- Computer Science: Highly competitive
- Engineering: Top UC program
- Data Science: Cutting-edge research
- Biology/Biotech: World-class
- Strong industry collaborations in SoCal
Key Info
- Apply via UC Application (not Common App)
- Test-blind — no SAT/ACT required
- College system for UG housing/gen-ed
- OPT: 12 months + 24-month STEM extension
- Scholarships (limited for international)
Why UCSD Is a Strong Choice for Indian Students
Top-Tier STEM Programs
UCSD is one of the strongest UC campuses for STEM, particularly in Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, and Biology. The CSE department is highly competitive and produces graduates recruited by top tech companies.
California's Innovation Ecosystem
Located in La Jolla, UCSD has direct access to Southern California's tech, biotech, and innovation ecosystem. San Diego is home to major biotech firms (Illumina, Qualcomm) and a thriving startup scene. Learn more about studying in the USA.
Research-Driven Education
UCSD is a top research university with world-class labs and faculty. Undergraduate research opportunities are abundant, especially in STEM fields — giving students a significant advantage for graduate school or industry careers.
UC System Prestige at Lower Cost
As a public university, UCSD offers world-class education at a lower cost than private institutions like Stanford or MIT. While not cheap for international students, the value proposition is strong given the research output and career outcomes.
Top Programs at UCSD
Computer Science
Highly competitive and respected. Strong research in AI, systems, and security. Excellent industry connections with San Diego and Bay Area tech companies.
Data Science
Cutting-edge program combining statistics, CS, and domain expertise. One of the first data science majors in the UC system.
Engineering (ECE, MAE, Bioengineering)
Top-ranked engineering programs across electrical, mechanical, and bioengineering. Strong industry collaborations.
Biology & Neuroscience
World-class life sciences programs with access to leading biotech firms and research institutions in San Diego.
Economics & Business Economics
Strong economics department with quantitative focus. Business Economics provides a pathway for business-minded students.
MBA (Rady School)
Technology-driven business education with innovation, analytics, and strong connections to California tech and biotech sectors.
UCSD College System: Undergrads are assigned to one of several colleges (Revelle, Muir, Warren, etc.) which affects general education requirements and housing, but not degree prestige. All colleges lead to the same UCSD degree.
UCSD Admission Requirements for Indian Students
Undergraduate (UC Application)
- CBSE / ISC / IB accepted
- Strong grades required — especially for CS and Engineering
- Apply via UC Application (not Common App)
- Essays and academic profile are important
- Test-blind — SAT/ACT not required or considered
- English: TOEFL / IELTS
Note: CS and Engineering admissions at UCSD are extremely competitive. Academic-focused with strong math/science readiness required.
Master's
- Strong bachelor's degree
- SOP, CV, recommendations
- GRE required or optional depending on program
- Research or technical alignment important
MBA (Rady School of Management)
- Undergraduate degree + work experience expected
- GMAT/GRE often required or recommended
- Essays and interview
- Tech-driven MBA with analytics and innovation focus
- MBA Admissions Strategy
Costs & Budget (International Students)
Undergraduate
$48,000–$52,000
per year (non-resident)
Annual budget: $66,000–$80,000
Planning range: ~$70,000–$85,000/year
Master's
$35,000–$60,000
per year (varies by program)
Annual budget: $53,000–$88,000
MBA (Rady School)
$120,000–$135,000
total program cost
Total budget: ~$140,000–$165,000
San Diego living: $1,500–$2,300/month. Housing varies by on/off-campus. Insurance, travel, books, personal expenses vary.
Career Outcomes After UCSD
UCSD's location supports strong recruitment in California tech and biotech industries. The USA's OPT/STEM OPT program gives STEM graduates up to 3 years of post-study work authorization.
Our Students at UCSD
80+ students guided to UC campuses over 27 years.
Rajesh Venkataraman
UC San Diego
“Dr. Gupta's California expertise helped me navigate UC applications. The UC Application is different from Common App and having KGC's guidance on the PIQs was invaluable.”
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Dr. Karan Gupta's UCSD Admission Advice
UCSD is ideal for students who want:
- A top U.S. public university with strong STEM reputation — UCSD is one of the strongest UC campuses for CS, engineering, and data science.
- Access to California's innovation ecosystem — San Diego's biotech and tech scene provides exceptional internship and career opportunities.
- Research-driven academic environment — if you want to work with leading researchers and access world-class labs, UCSD delivers.
- Career outcomes and technical depth — UCSD graduates are well-placed in California's tech industry and beyond.
It suits academically strong students who value career outcomes and technical depth.
Dr. Karan Gupta is a Harvard Business School alumnus with 27+ years guiding 160,000+ students. Book a consultation to discuss your UCSD strategy.
FAQs About UCSD for Indian Students
Is UCSD prestigious?
Is SAT required for UCSD?
Is UCSD strong for Computer Science?
Is San Diego expensive?
Do UC students get work opportunities after graduation?
Want to Study at UC San Diego?
Get expert guidance from Dr. Karan Gupta — Harvard alumnus, 80+ students guided to UC campuses, 27+ years of global admissions experience.