University of California, Berkeley Admission Requirements 2027

University of California, Berkeley is a public research university in Berkeley, California, and one of the nine University of California undergraduate campuses. It applies through the single UC application, with test scores optional and English proficiency required from every applicant whose first language is not English.

Requirements

Bachelor

International first-year applicants must complete secondary school and hold, or be completing, a certificate that allows admission to a university in their home country. Applicants use the same University of California application as domestic students and are evaluated through the same comprehensive review, which reads coursework rigor, grades, personal insight responses and context together. Berkeley does not consider SAT or ACT scores in admission decisions. English proficiency is required unless exempted, with score reports due by the end of January before the fall term begins.

Documents

Completed UC application, with coursework and grades self-reported rather than uploaded
Four personal insight question responses
English proficiency test score (TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo English Test) unless exempt
Proof of secondary school completion or an expected completion certificate
Official final academic records, sent directly from each school attended, requested only after admission

How to apply

Create a UC application account and complete the application between 1 August and 30 November for fall entry.
Self-report coursework, grades and, optionally, test scores; pay the USD 95 application fee for each UC campus selected.
Submit English proficiency scores directly from the testing agency so they arrive by the end of January.
Wait for Berkeley's admission decision, typically released by the end of March.
If admitted, send official final academic records, confirm enrollment and request the I-20 needed to apply for an F-1 student visa.

English test waiver

Applicants with three or more years of full time instruction in English, or a qualifying score on the AP English Language or English Literature exam, may meet the requirement without a test. Score reports must reach the Office of Undergraduate Admissions by the end of January before the fall term.