University of California, San Diego

The University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego) is a public research university in La Jolla, California, United States. It was founded in 1960 as the seventh campus of the University of California system. It was established on a 1,976-acre mesa overlooking the Pacific Ocean, on land that had previously been used as a cattle ranch and a training ground for the U.S. Marine Corps. The campus was designed by renowned architect William Pereira, and its iconic Brutalist architecture has been featured in numerous films and television shows.

UC San Diego quickly gained a reputation for its excellence in research and teaching, and it is now ranked among the top public universities in the world. The university is home to several world-renowned research institutes, including the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, the Kavli Institute for Brain and Mind, and the San Diego Supercomputer Center.

UC San Diego has also produced a notable list of alumni, including Nobel Laureates, MacArthur Fellows, and Pulitzer Prize winners. The university is committed to diversity and inclusion, and its student body represents a wide range of backgrounds and cultures.

In recent years, UC San Diego has expanded its campus and its academic offerings. The university has also launched several new initiatives, such as the Jacobs School of Engineering and the Rady School of Management. UC San Diego is a vibrant and growing institution that is committed to making a positive impact on the world.

UC San Diego is known for its strong academic programs in a variety of fields, including science, engineering, and medicine. It is also home to several world-renowned research institutes, including the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, the Kavli Institute for Brain and Mind, and the San Diego Supercomputer Center. It is a highly selective university, with an acceptance rate of 34.2% in 2021. The average GPA of admitted students is 4.23, and the average SAT score is 1450.

UC San Diego is located on a 1,976-acre campus overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The campus is known for its beautiful scenery and its modern architecture.

Based on the QS World University Rankings of 2025, University of California, San Diego is positioned as the #72 top university in the world. The rank decreased by 10 points from last year.

University Profile

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2025 Ranking	#72
University Name	University of California, San Diego
Acronym	UCSD
Year Established	1960
Motto	Fiat Lux
Motto in English	Let there be light
Governing Type	Public
Student Body	Co-education
Highest Degree	Doctorate
Campus Type	Sub-urban
Colors	Navy Blue and Gold

Location

The university is located in San Diego, California. Find the address and map of the university below.

Address	9500 Gilman Drive, San Diego, California, United States

Contact

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Phone	+1 (858) 534 2230
Fax	+1 (858) 534 1407
Website
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Admission Info

Admission to UCSD is competitive, with applicants required to apply through the University of California’s online system. For undergraduate admissions, prospective students must meet specific academic requirements, including high school performance, standardized test scores (if applicable), and personal essays. International students must demonstrate English proficiency through tests such as TOEFL or IELTS. Graduate admissions vary by program but generally require relevant academic qualifications, research experience, and letters of recommendation.

Accepts International Students	Yes
Admission Info	Click here
Graduate Admission Info	Click here

Scholarship and Financial Aids

UCSD offers a range of scholarships and financial aid options for both domestic and international students. These include merit-based scholarships, such as the Regents Scholarship, which is one of the university's most prestigious awards. Additionally, the university provides financial aid through grants, work-study opportunities, and need-based assistance. International students are eligible for some scholarships, though financial aid is more limited compared to domestic students.

Scholarship Info	Click here
Financial Aid Info	Click here

Programs and Courses

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	Bachelor's Degrees	Master's Degrees	Doctorate Degrees	Diplomas
Arts & Humanities	n/a			n/a
Business & Social Sciences	n/a			n/a
Engineering	n/a			n/a
Language & Cultural Studies	n/a			n/a
Medicine & Health	n/a			n/a
Science & Technology	n/a			n/a

Click on the following button to explore a detailed list of programs and courses of this institute.

View Course List

Global Ranking History

The following chart shows how the global ranking of this university has changed over the last 5 years.

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