The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) traces its roots to 1881, when the Branch State Normal School of California in Los Angeles was created. It later became the Southern Branch of the University of California in 1919 and has grown into one of the leading public universities in the United States.
UCLA is a popular choice for international students because of the academic experience it offers and its location in Los Angeles. However, many international students may not know UCLA’s current admission rate or how competitive admission can be. This article explains detailed information about the University of California, Los Angeles acceptance rate. Make sure to read until the end.
University of California, Los Angeles Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate for the University of California, Los Angeles is 9.4% for the Fall 2025 first-year admitted class, which means it is difficult to get admitted to this school because its admission process is highly competitive. According to the University of California, UCLA admitted 13,660 students out of 145,070 first-year applicants.
UCLA’s acceptance rate has remained very selective in recent years as the university continues to receive a high number of applications. For Fall 2024, UCLA reported a 9% first-year admit rate, and for Fall 2025, the official UC first-year admit data shows a 9.4% overall admit rate.
UCLA offers a wide range of majors, and admission competitiveness can vary by school and major. For example, UCLA’s College does not consider a first-year applicant’s major during the review process, but some schools, such as the Samueli School of Engineering, the School of Nursing, the School of the Arts and Architecture, the Herb Alpert School of Music, and the School of Theater, Film and Television, consider the school or major and may require additional review such as portfolios, auditions, or supplemental applications.
Preparing for the University of California, Los Angeles
When preparing to apply to UCLA, you should keep the acceptance rate in mind. However, several other important parts of your preparation should not be neglected. Some of them include:
Admission Requirements
This is one of the most essential parts of preparing for the University of California, Los Angeles. Failure to meet the admission requirements can hurt your chances of admission. First-year applicants to the University of California must complete the required A-G courses and earn a GPA of 3.0 or higher, or 3.4 or higher for nonresidents, with no grade lower than a C. UCLA does not consider SAT or ACT scores for admission or scholarship purposes.
International students may also need to meet English language proficiency requirements. UCLA accepts TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test scores and looks for competitive scores such as IELTS 7.5 or higher, Duolingo 135 or higher, or TOEFL scores that meet UCLA’s current guidance.
Tuition Fees
Knowing the university’s tuition and fees is also very important. UCLA’s estimated undergraduate student budget, updated in March 2026, lists the total cost per academic year for students living in UCLA residence halls as $45,353 for California residents and $84,623 for nonresidents. This estimate includes university fees, food and housing, books and supplies, transportation, personal expenses, and health insurance. Actual costs can change, so students should always check the latest official UCLA tuition and fee information before applying or enrolling.
Scholarships
Scholarships and financial aid are important to research before applying. UCLA offers scholarships and grants, but eligibility depends on the student’s status and financial aid application. U.S. citizens and permanent residents should complete the FAFSA, while eligible noncitizens who graduated from a California high school may need to file the California Dream Act Application if they meet AB540 requirements.
International undergraduate students should pay close attention to funding rules. UCLA states that it does not award scholarships or financial aid to undergraduate students who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents. International students must prove that they have enough funds to cover their educational and living expenses, so they should research external scholarships, private funding, and scholarship opportunities from their home country.
Getting accepted into the University of California, Los Angeles can be challenging, but with accurate information about its acceptance rate, admission requirements, tuition fees, and scholarship options, you can prepare a stronger application.
We hope that this article on UCLA’s acceptance rate was helpful. If you are interested in studying abroad, you can start by checking out this list of Open Courses for International Students and our Guide to Studying in the US for more study options.
