Founded in 1919, UCLA is the largest and most competitive institution in the University of California system. Its distinguished professors and faculty include Nobel Prize winners, Guggenheim Fellows, members of the National Academy of Sciences, and other prestigious academic organizations. UCLA has a reputation for “turning the futile into the attainable,” pushing the limits in every lecture, seminar, and discussion group to ready the next generation to continue in excellence.
University of California, Los Angeles Virtual Certificate Program in Finance







About the Program
Winter 2024 Academic
Spring 2024 Academic
Program Advisor

At a Glance
Stay Healthy & Safe While You Study Abroad
Former SAF Scholar
The professors will explain everything clearly and patiently.
University of California, Los Angeles SAF Alumni

About the University
University of California, Los Angeles
Founded in 1919, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) has its home in Westwood Village, one of the safest and most attractive neighborhoods in Los Angeles and a short bus ride from Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and the beach. The vibrant neighborhood has theaters, shops, markets, museums, and great restaurants frequented both by the student body and UCLA’s distinguished professors and faculty of Nobel Prize winners, Guggenheim Fellows, members of the National Academy of Sciences, and other prestigious academic organizations.
Beyond Westwood Village, the city of Los Angeles is world-famous film and entertainment hub, abundant in movie studios and concert venues as well as its naturally stunning beaches, mountains, and deserts.
Learn more at University of California, Los Angeles' official website.
Academics

University of California, Los Angeles' Academic Approach
In joining UCLA’s virtual certificate in finance program, you enjoy UCLA’s award-winning faculty and world-class reputation. A UCLA Extension certificate offers you in-depth study of a professional field. The coursework, developed by academic and industry experts, balances theory and real-world practice, providing you with the knowledge you need to transition from scholar to professional.
Over the course of the study, you
- Make lasting connections with faculty at one of the highest ranked public universities in the United States and be able to request recommendation letters from faculty
- Advance your post-graduate profile by earning an official transcript/certificate from a prestigious university. UCLA extension certificate courses earn a standard UCLA transcript
Explore Beyond the Classroom
SAF Beyond the Classroom is a collection of services provided to students enrolled in virtual courses with SAF. Join weekly virtual classes exclusively available to SAF students to enhance your online coursework experience.
Participate in:
- Weekly discussion groups
- Virtual campus tours
- SAF-only university-hosted private virtual events
- Western culture experiences
- Expert lectures
- Career advice
- Trivia nights
- …and more
Students who successfully complete an SAF program receive a program completion certificate from SAF, alongside their Western universities completion certificates, and potentially can receive support in obtaining any recommendation letters from their professors.
Courses
Course registration
You register for your finance courses when you enroll, using the course preference form in your application documents.
Course restrictions
You need to finish all the finance courses to earn your official UCLA transcript upon completion. If you finish all the courses in your chosen certificate program, you receive both a transcript and a certificate.
The 6 required finance courses are
- Applied Managerial Finance
- Advanced Applications of Managerial Finance
- Money, Banking, and the Financial Markets
- Financial Statement Analysis
- Fundamentals of Investing
- Ethics in Finance
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
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 Test Score Requirements
Language scores are not required to submit for the application. However, applicants are recommended to have the language proficiency as in-person students to ensure success in class. Please use the following minimum scores as your reference.
- TOEFL: 80 (iBT or Home Edition)
- IELTS: 6.5
- iTEP: 4.5
- Cambridge English Qualifications: C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency; score of 170 or above
- CEFR: C1
- CET-4 (China): 530, CET-6: 500
- DAAD: 3 or above/B2
- GEPT: High intermediate
- GRE (verbal): 140
- TOEIC: 685 (Listening & Reading or Speaking & Writing)
- Duolingo English Test (DET): 105
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.
Summer 2023
Program dates:
Application Deadline:
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Summer 2023 + Fall 2023
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Fall 2023 Academic
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Fall 2023 Academic + Winter Quarter 2024 Academic
Program dates:
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Winter 2024 Academic
Program dates:
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
Winter 2024 Academic + Spring 2024 Academic
Program dates:
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
Spring 2024 Academic
Program dates:
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
Spring 2024 Academic + Summer 2024 Academic
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Application Deadline:
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Orientation
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 Virtual Programs
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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.
