UCLA campus
Top Public UniversityTest-BlindLA Location

UCLA for Indian Students

Los Angeles, California, USA

UCLA combines Ivy-level academics with a vibrant residential campus experience and unmatched LA industry access in tech, media, healthcare, and entertainment. Test-blind admissions (no SAT/ACT), UC application system. Compare with UC Berkeley.

~8-10%

Acceptance Rate

Top 15

QS World

46,000+

Students

60+

Students Guided

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Undergraduate (UC Application) Masters (CS, Public Health, Film) MBA (Anderson School)

What Makes UCLA Different

Balanced Academics + Campus Life

Unlike NYU's urban model, UCLA offers a traditional residential campus with housing, athletics, organizations, and research opportunities — combining top academics with a strong student experience.

UC System (Test-Blind)

Like Berkeley, UCLA uses the UC application (not Common App), does not consider SAT/ACT, and evaluates students holistically using academic and contextual achievements via Personal Insight Questions.

LA Industry Access

Proximity to Silicon Beach tech companies, Hollywood and entertainment, healthcare and biomedical research centers, startups and venture networks. Especially strong for film, media, and healthcare careers.

Dr. Karan Gupta's tip: Students assume “Public university = easier than Ivy.” Not true. UCLA rewards academic readiness, clarity of major interest, and sustained extracurricular involvement. Applicants who treat UCLA as a backup often underestimate its selectivity. Talk to us about your UCLA strategy.

UCLA Admission Requirements for Indian Students

Undergraduate

  • Strong Grades 9-12 (IB, CBSE, ISC, Cambridge accepted)
  • Test-blind — SAT/ACT not considered at all
  • English: TOEFL / IELTS / Duolingo
  • UC application (not Common App) with Personal Insight Questions
  • Competitive majors: CS, Engineering, Film, Business Economics
  • Application: November | Results: March | No ED/EA

Masters / Graduate

Strong programs:

  • Engineering & Computer Science
  • Public Health (top-ranked)
  • Film, Television & Theater
  • Economics, Data Science, Education

Requirements:

MBA (Anderson School of Management)

Anderson is strong for:

  • Consulting & tech placements
  • Entertainment & media business
  • Product management
  • Collaborative culture

Requirements:

Top Programs at UCLA

Computer Science & Engineering: Highly competitive with strong research output

Life Sciences & Medicine: Major research institution with strong healthcare connections

Film & Television: One of the most respected film schools globally — LA location advantage

Economics & Business Economics: Popular majors with strong career pathways

Public Health: Highly ranked graduate programs

Costs & Scholarships

Costs

  • Undergraduate: ~$57,242/year (international — includes non-resident supplemental tuition)
  • Master's: ~$36,891/year (international tuition + fees)
  • MBA: ~$130,000+ total (Anderson, 2-year)
  • Living costs: ~$2,000–$2,500/month | ~$24,000–$30,000/year
  • Total estimated annual budget: ~$67,000–$87,000/year (tuition + LA living)
  • Approximate for recent intake cycles — Study in USA | Cost Calculator

Scholarships

  • UG: Very limited for internationals
  • Graduate: Assistantships/fellowships for research programs
  • MBA: Anderson merit-based fellowships
  • Read: Scholarships Guide | Education Loans

KGC Students at UCLA

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Rohiny Vaze

UCLA

“The essay editing done by the KGC team was amazing. I believe it was the most key element transforming my 1200 word essay into an impactful 750 word essay.”

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Tanvi Mehta

UCLA

“UCLA was my top choice because of its film program and campus life. Dr. Gupta helped me understand the UC application is completely different from Common App. The Personal Insight Questions needed a specific approach — concise, impact-focused, no fluff. That guidance was critical.”

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Aakash Sundaram

UCLA

“Applying to Anderson MBA from a tech background, I needed to show why LA mattered for my career goals. KGC helped me connect my product management experience to Anderson's strengths in tech and entertainment. The cultural fit angle was something I would have missed.”

FAQs: UCLA for Indian Students

Is UCLA an Ivy League university?
No, UCLA is a public university in the UC system. However, it is among the top public universities globally and academically comparable to many Ivies in fields like CS, engineering, film, and life sciences.
Does UCLA accept SAT/ACT?
No. UCLA is test-blind — SAT/ACT scores are not considered for admission at all.
Do UCLA graduate programs require GRE?
Depends on department. Some require GRE, many have made it optional. Business programs may require GMAT/GRE.
Is UCLA good for film and media?
Yes. UCLA's School of Theater, Film and Television is one of the most respected film schools globally, benefiting from direct proximity to Hollywood and the entertainment industry.
Is UCLA expensive for international students?
Yes. International tuition is high and undergraduate financial aid for international students is very limited. Graduate students may find funding through research assistantships.
How is UCLA different from UC Berkeley?
Both are top UC schools. Berkeley is often stronger in STEM research and has Silicon Valley proximity. UCLA offers a stronger campus experience, better film/media programs, and LA industry access. Both are test-blind and use the UC application.

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