Did you know that the University of California, Berkeley counts 35 alumni Nobel laureates?
Located in the United States, UC Berkeley is ranked No. 1 among public schools in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings. It is also a popular choice for international students: in fall 2025, international students made up about 16% of total enrollment.
It has 15 schools and colleges, including the School of Journalism, Haas School of Business, Engineering, Law, Letters & Science, and Computing, Data Science, and Society. These schools and colleges offer more than 300 degree programs, including well-known programs in areas such as actuarial science, Asian studies, agricultural and resource economics, biological engineering, and political science.
With over 300 degree programs offered at the institution, it can be overwhelming to pick the right program. This article lists five of the best programs for international students to study at UC Berkeley.
Recommended Study Programs at the UC Berkeley
Some of the best programs to study at the University of California, Berkeley for international students include:
1. Molecular and Cell Biology
- Study Program
- Degree/s Offered: Bachelor’s, Master of Biotechnology, Ph.D.
The demand for molecular biologists continues to make this program an excellent choice for international students at UC Berkeley. The program focuses on equipping learners with knowledge and skills related to molecular structures, cellular life, and the development of living organisms, including viruses, plants, worms, fish, and mammals.
Learners should expect to tackle specific target areas such as biochemistry, biophysics, structural biology, cell biology, development and physiology, genetics, genomics, evolution, immunology, molecular medicine, and molecular therapeutics. These learning areas also form the basis of research areas for Ph.D. students. Graduates can pursue careers as clinical research assistants in hospitals, laboratory technicians, research associates, biologists in food inspection agencies, biochemists, geneticists, and other related roles.
The Molecular and Cell Biology department also supports students through the Industrial Affiliates Program with its partners. The program connects students with partner companies, career exposure, recruiting opportunities, and access to current research and industry experience in the field.
2. Computer Science
Computer science is a strong program for international students at UC Berkeley who are interested in working in the competitive technology industry and exploring areas such as automation and robotics, telecommunications, software, hardware, and intelligent systems. This program is one of the top programs to study at UC Berkeley.
Students can pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science, where they learn about computer theory, information processing, hardware, and software design. There is also an option for a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences, which combines the fundamentals of computer science and electrical engineering. Graduate options include the M.S., M.S./Ph.D., Ph.D., and a professional Master of Engineering. The fifth-year master’s option is available only to eligible UC Berkeley undergraduate students in EECS or Computer Science who apply near the end of their bachelor’s program.
UC Berkeley’s proximity to Silicon Valley and other technology companies makes this program an excellent choice for international students. It also provides research and summer job opportunities for computer science and electrical engineering students. Graduates from this program can pursue careers in software development, autonomous systems, intelligent systems, smart homes, programming, cybersecurity, and related fields.
3. Mechanical Engineering
- Study Program
- Degree/s Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D., D.Eng.
The mechanical engineering undergraduate program at UC Berkeley is suited for students interested in energy, biomechanical engineering, robotics, manufacturing, materials, controls, design, fluids, mechanics, or ocean engineering.
The program comes as a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and seeks to provide students with an excellent foundation in scientific and engineering fundamentals. Eligible UC Berkeley mechanical engineering undergraduates can also apply to the fifth-year B.S./M.S. program. Other graduate routes include the Master of Science, Master of Engineering, M.S./Ph.D., Ph.D., and Doctor of Engineering.
The Center for Global Learning and Outreach from Berkeley Engineering (GLOBE) provides opportunities for Berkeley Engineering students, international partners, and visiting students through academic and global programs. Graduates from mechanical engineering can expect to work in areas such as manufacturing, aerospace, energy, robotics, and related industries.
4. Economics
The economics major at UC Berkeley is part of one of the top economics departments in the world. The department is consistently ranked among the leading economics departments globally and is suitable for international students interested in understanding how individuals, corporations, and nations use limited resources.
Students can pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Economics or a graduate program leading to a Ph.D. in Economics. The department does not offer a stand-alone master’s degree. International students majoring in economics in their home countries can study at UC Berkeley through the Berkeley Economics Semester Abroad Program, provided they meet the program’s requirements.
Graduates from this program can pursue careers in management consulting, investment banking, accounting, budget analysis, financial risk analysis, and other related fields.
5. East Asian Languages and Cultures
Learning about other languages and cultures helps students appreciate cultural differences and interactions with others. The East Asian Languages and Cultures program at UC Berkeley is an excellent study program for international students looking to gain a deep understanding of the languages, literature, history, religion, and cultures of East Asia.
Students can pursue a B.A. degree majoring in Chinese, Japanese, or East Asian Religion, Thought, and Culture, as well as minors in Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Tibetan. At the graduate level, the department admits students to the Ph.D. program; an M.A. may be earned while progressing toward the Ph.D. UC Berkeley also offers a separate interdisciplinary Master of Arts in Asian Studies, which allows students to customize their studies through elective courses and explore topics such as international relations and social change in Asian societies.
Graduates from this program can pursue careers in teaching, translation, international development, academic research, and related fields.
If you are an international student looking for a top-quality education, the University of California, Berkeley should be on your list. It is known for its scholars, social activism, innovation, and diverse student body. With the right attitude and preparation, you can find excellent programs to study at UC Berkeley.
We hope this article on the Best Programs to Study at UC Berkeley for International Students is informative and helpful. If you are interested, check out the Guide to Studying in the USA and Available Courses for International Students.
