Founded in 1868, the University of California, Berkeley is a well-known public research university in the United States. About 45,900 undergraduate and graduate students study at its Berkeley campus. UC Berkeley also has many notable alumni and faculty, including Nobel Prize winners, making it a sought-after destination for university education not just within the country, but around the world.
With such a reputation, it goes without saying that an offer to study here is not easy to come by. It is therefore important to understand the acceptance rate for students at the University of California, Berkeley. Keep reading to find out more about UC Berkeley’s acceptance rates.
University of California, Berkeley Acceptance Rate
- Acceptance Rate: 11.4% for fall 2025 first-year applicants
- Source: UC Admissions
According to the UC Admissions website, UC Berkeley’s fall 2025 first-year admitted class had an overall admit rate of 11.4%. This was from 126,836 applicants and 14,451 admits. UC notes that these numbers should be used as a general guide to selectivity, not as a predictor of a student’s chance of admission.
International demand remains high. Berkeley News reported 24,040 international first-year applicants for fall 2025, with 1,469 offered admission, which is about 19% of first-year applicants and about 10% of first-year admits.
The latest admit rate is broadly in line with the previous admission cycle, but UC Berkeley has become much more selective over the past decade. In 2013-14, UC Berkeley reported 67,665 freshman applications, 14,103 offers, and a 20.8% admissions rate. By fall 2025, the first-year applicant pool had grown to more than 126,000, while the number of admits remained around 14,500, bringing the rate to 11.4%.
Selectivity can also vary by college, school, and intended major, so students should review the latest information for their chosen program. UC Berkeley lists more than 130 academic departments and 80 interdisciplinary research units across six colleges and one school, and the admissions office cautions that campuswide figures are only a general guide.
Preparing for the University of California, Berkeley
Knowing the acceptance rate at the University of California, Berkeley is important when weighing your chances, but it is only a small step toward fulfilling your dream of higher education. Many other factors go into this, so become familiar with the admission process, the cost of studying, and possible ways to fund your study.
Admission Requirements
One of the most important things to consider in the admission process is the eligibility criteria and requirements. These will help you determine whether your qualifications are adequate and what academic, language, or other criteria you must fulfill. It is best to become familiar with the requirements well in advance so you have enough time to meet any missing requirements.
Tuition Fees
Even if you are accepted into a program, all your efforts are in vain if the cost of education is not financially feasible. Being informed about the latest tuition fees and other costs helps you know which programs are within your reach and how much of an investment your higher education will be.
Scholarships
Your dream of studying at your ideal school can feel out of reach if you do not have the required amount of money to pay for it. College is often expensive, and student loans are a serious reality, especially in the United States. Thankfully, many colleges and foundations offer scholarships to help students overcome financial hardships. If you prepare well in advance and apply for scholarships, you may have the chance to attend your dream school and graduate with less debt.
In conclusion, UC Berkeley is very competitive to get into. While the acceptance rate may seem daunting, it is important to remember that the university offers many resources and opportunities for students to thrive and succeed.
We hope that this article on the University of California, Berkeley acceptance rate was informative. To learn more about studying abroad, check out our Guide to Studying in the USA and Open Courses for International Students for more study options!
