The University of California, Irvine was founded in 1965 with a mission to enhance lives through education, research, and public service. International students are welcome to apply to this institution, which offers academic programs, research opportunities, and a supportive campus environment in Irvine, California.
Before applying to this school, make sure you understand its acceptance rate and how selective admission can be. This article contains important information about UC Irvine, so read it carefully.
University of California, Irvine Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate for the University of California, Irvine was 28.94% for the 2025 admitted first-year class, based on 35,954 admits from 124,232 first-year applicants. The figures were listed by UC Irvine as of September 2025.
UC Irvine remains a selective university. The acceptance rate should be used only as a general guide to selectivity, not as a prediction of any individual applicant’s chance of admission.
Admission can also vary by year, applicant pool, and academic program. Applicants should do more than meet the minimum admission requirements; they should submit a strong, complete application that shows their academic preparation, achievements, activities, talents, and potential contributions to the campus community.
Preparing for the University of California, Irvine
Aside from the acceptance rate, a prospective international learner should consider several factors before applying to UCI, including admission requirements, tuition and cost of attendance, and scholarship options.
Admission Requirements
Meeting the minimum admission requirements makes you eligible for review, but it does not guarantee admission. UC Irvine uses comprehensive review for first-year applications, including required college-preparatory coursework, academic achievement, activities, talents, skills, and personal insight responses. First-year applicants must meet UC’s A-G subject requirements and GPA requirements; non-California residents, including most international applicants, generally need a 3.4 GPA or higher in the required courses. International students may also need to demonstrate English-language proficiency.
Tuition Fees
The cost of studying at UC Irvine varies by residency status, housing choice, and entering cohort. For 2026-27 new undergraduates, UCI estimates total annual costs of $35,938 for students living at home, $46,007 for students living on campus, and $49,755 for students living off campus. Nonresidents of California should add $39,270 in nonresident tuition and fees to those estimates. Because fees can change, always check UC Irvine’s current tuition and cost pages before applying.
Scholarships
Scholarships can help reduce the cost of studying at UC Irvine. UCI uses ScholarshipUniverse to match students with campuswide and external scholarship opportunities. International students may apply for scholarships, but they are not eligible for federal or state financial aid and generally do not qualify for need-based scholarships; they may still qualify for merit-based scholarships.
The University of California, Irvine‘s acceptance rate shows how competitive and selective the school is. However, admission is based on more than the overall acceptance rate. If you meet the admission requirements, prepare a strong application, and show how you can contribute to the campus community, you can improve your chances of being admitted.
We hope this article on the University of California, Irvine’s acceptance rate was helpful. Make sure to also check out the Guide to Studying in the USA and browse the Open Courses for International Students to learn more about studying in the United States!
