University of California, Berkeley Academic Program in Physics

Academic
Times Top 10
Delivery Method:
In-Person
Duration:
Multi Term, Single Term

About the Program

Founded in 1868 and the oldest of the University of California’s 10 research institutions, Berkeley values innovative thinking, top-quality research, and public service above all else. One of the most prestigious state universities in the country, it has a deeply motivated academic population committed to excellence and celebrates community in the urban, eclectic greater San Francisco Bay Area. There’s something special about UC Berkeley.

A solid foundation for your move into graduate study in physics

A third of the Berkeley Nobel Prize winners are from the physics department

Top resources: Designated advisors, faculty lunches, 8 science libraries

Hit the wooded Berkeley Hills trails in the great Californian outdoors

At a Glance

Language of Instruction:
English
Language Prerequisite Level:
Advanced
GPA Requirements:
3.00
Academic Level:
Undergraduate
Academic Strengths:
Biological & Physical Sciences, Chemistry, Business, Economics & Finance, Computer Science, Engineering
Housing:
Off-campus apartment
Visa Required:
Maybe
Credits:
12 units

Stay Healthy & Safe While You Study Abroad

WHAT STUDENTS SAY

Former SAF Scholar

The lecturers are fascinating—their depth of knowledge is exceptional and they share their enthusiasm for physics with the students.

University of California, Berkeley SAF Alumni

University of California, Berkeley Content 024

About the University

University of California, Berkeley

There’s something special about UC Berkeley. One of the most prestigious state universities in the country, it is home of the Free Speech Movement, a hotbed of student activism, and with a deeply motivated academic population committed to excellence, it celebrates diversity and community in the urban, eclectic greater San Francisco Bay Area.

Opportunity, here, feels endless. Immerse yourself in a shared student experience both on campus and on the trails of wooded Berkeley Hills, the colorful San Francisco streets, and in the great Californian outdoors.

Learn more at University of California, Berkeley's official website.

Academics

University of California, Berkeley's Academic Approach

Berkeley Physics is an elite program ranking #3 in the world (US News). Approximately one-third of the Nobel Prize recipients associated with Berkeley come from the physics department.

As an SAF Scholar in this program, you will have access to exclusive resources, such as designated advising with professional advisors, lunch with faculty to learn about academic and research experience, access to a total of eight science libraries on campus and hands-on experience in the student machine shop that has been the mainstay for over 100 years.

Courses

You will be contacted by the department before the beginning of the semester with a list of possible courses available for the upcoming semester. You have the opportunity to register for courses prior to arrival and may be approved for courses up until the beginning of the term. 

Course & Departmental Restrictions

You are guaranteed 12 course units (three courses) in one term in the Physics Department.

Major courses:

* Courses may be limited and may change by semester

* Atomic Physics and Non-linear Optics alternate every other spring.

  • Atomic physics *
  • Quantum and Non-linear Optics *
  • Solid state physics
  • Analytic Mechanics
  • Electromagnetism and Optics
  • Quantum mechanics
  • Biophysics
  • String theory
  • Relativistic Astrophysics & Cosmology
  • Thermal and statistical physics
  • Data science
  • Special and General Relativity
  • Special Topics
  • Quantum Information Science and Technology
  • Computational Techniques in Physics
  • Mathematical Physics
  • Particle Physics (only offered in Fall semester)
  • Bayesian Data Analysis and Machine Learning for Physical Sciences (only offered in Fall semester)

Get To Know Our Application Process

From academics to visa requirements, our structured process helps you choose the right program and university for your goals. Complete a strong application, and prepare for success abroad.

Personalize Your Study Abroad Plan With Your SAF Counselor

Each student has unique academic goals for a study abroad experience. As you think about studying abroad, your SAF Counselor will help you plan for success and support you every step of the way.

Application Requirements

When applying to study abroad, you must meet the entry requirements set by the host university—and SAF is here to set you up for success.

The requirements outlined in this section include the language proficiency scores you may need to demonstrate your language skills, a guide to the GPA range and other academic prerequisites required by your host university, and a list of documentation and other application materials you will need to finalize your application. You may need to supply additional information throughout the process, and you will be alerted through your emails and SAF Student Portal if this is the case for you.
  • Language Proficiency
  • Academics & GPA
  • Application Documents & Materials

Language Test Score Requirements

To prove your language proficiency, you can use any of the following:

  • IELTS: 7.0
  • TOEFL iBT: 90 (Home Edition accepted)
  • DAAD: C1
  • TEM-4: 70
  • TEM-8: 70
  • Cambridge C1: Advanced
  • Duolingo: 125
  • The application process includes a WeChat/Skype interview

Learn More About Language Requirements

Program Dates

When studying abroad, you will want to consider the time of year and how long you are away. Most programs follow the host university's academic calendar.

The dates shown below are general estimates, and as you get closer to the start of the term, you will get more detailed information from SAF. If you have any questions, your Student Counsellor and Program Specialist are always here to support you and point you to the correct information.

Fall 2024 Academic (Physics)

Program dates:
Late August - Mid December
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
$
38,220

Fall 2024 Academic (Physics) + Spring 2025 Academic (Physics)

Program dates:
Late August - Mid May
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
$
71,730

Spring 2025 Academic (Physics)

Program dates:
Mid January - Mid May
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
$
37,600

Housing Information

University of California, Berkeley housing 1

Off-campus apartment

The SAF program fee covers a shared room in an off-campus apartment. Alongside local students, you build a study abroad family in the communal living space and over meals you cook in your shared kitchen. The residence building may have a front desk and laundry.

*Housing is subject to availability. For specific questions regarding housing please contact SAF.

About Berkeley

Why Berkeley

The wooded Berkeley Hills, the Golden Gate Bridge, the great Californian outdoors, colorful San Francisco - Berkeley is an unforgettable destination. Neighbor to Silicon Valley, Berkeley is an inspirational place to study, and downtime might mean hopping on the free transit to see San Francisco’s famous sights, heading for a hike or bike in the Berkeley Hills, or enjoying waterfront views at the Berkeley Marina. 

Learn more about Berkeley

The Student Experience

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Orientation

On Arrival

Your SAF pre-departure process will arm you with all the information you need for a smooth arrival to your new campus, city, and country.

To Housing

Your SAF program will include a safe transfer from your arrival airport to your new study abroad housing. We'll even provide you with top tips to make the most of your new city!

Home Sweet Home

Your SAF Program Specialist will coordinate with you to ensure you have arrived safely and settled into your new secure housing.

Keeping You Safe

As you settle in, you will learn about the SAF emergency alert system, our 24/7 phone support, and any safety concerns relevant to you.

Get Social

Your new university and SAF will arrange social and cultural events so that you can meet other study abroad and local students. Make the most of your adventure!

Advising and Support

The process of studying abroad could quickly feel overwhelming, but we have been doing this for decades and do everything we can to support you through it. 

Many SAF staff are alumni and have walked this path. They have real-life experience to draw on as they advise and support you through every step of our comprehensive services. They’re in your corner, taking care of all the details and explaining what you need to do next.

Take the first step in your study abroad journey by scheduling a consultation with your closest Student Counselor. You can discuss your for-credit academic courses and language programs and explore internships, research programs, and study tours. When you know what you want to do, we guide you through the pre-program steps, help you arrange your visa and transport, and finalize your accommodation or digital experience.

Get To Know Our Application Process

From academics to visa requirements, our structured process helps you choose the right program and university for your goals. Complete a strong application, and prepare for success abroad.

Personalize Your Study Abroad Plan With Your SAF Counselor

Each student has unique academic goals for a study abroad experience. As you think about studying abroad, your SAF Counselor will help you plan for success and support you every step of the way.

Commonly Asked Questions About Studying Abroad

Commonly Asked Questions About Academic & Concurrent Programs

Student Blogs

Fit

Staying Fit at DCU

Tips for staying all-around well while studying abroad at DCU.

Informational

Why Travel With SAF?

Studying abroad is an unforgettable experience, one that stays with you in your career, your contacts, your future. It can define you. At any of our prestigious university partners, you can build personalized for-credit programs that can last up to a whole year.

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