Founded in 1960, the University of California, San Diego has grown to be one of the top 15 research universities in the world, celebrated for its transformative faculty that holds Nobel Prizes, Pulitzer Prizes, and MacArthur Fellowships. Overlooking the Pacific Ocean from La Jolla, California, the university’s relaxed atmosphere helps create a positive environment for learning and innovation. The sun-kissed backdrop that follows you everywhere you go also helps.
University of California, San Diego Academic Program
About the Program
Program Advisor
Your Student Counselor is your study abroad ambassador and supporter. They join your application journey when you’ve confirmed you’re interested in studying abroad. At this point, they guide you through each stage of the application, notify you of the documents you need, let you know when your admission results are in, and walk you through the next steps, including class enrollment and organizing pre-arrival tests.
At a Glance
Stay Healthy & Safe While You Study Abroad
Saya Matsuo
UCSD has so many experiences and activities available because the climate is mild, the security is good, and the sea and greenery are abundant. It's a very nice place.
University of California, San Diego SAF Alumni
About the University
University of California, San Diego
Initially the university’s marine institute, UC San Diego has grown into a world leader in its own right. In exemplary research and transformative teaching—by faculty that hold Nobel Prizes, National Medals of Science, Fields Medals, Pulitzer Prizes, MacArthur Fellowships—UCSD stands out as one of the best universities on the planet.
Overlooking the Pacific Ocean from La Jolla, California, UC San Diego has a surprisingly relaxed vibe considering the elevated academic drive in its classrooms, lecture halls, labs, and study groups. The 263 sunny days per year, long sandy beaches, and adventure-filled mountains, though, foster the perfect conditions for an active, balanced lifestyle.
Learn more at University of California, San Diego's official website.
Academics
University of California, San Diego's Academic Approach
To craft a full-time schedule of credit-bearing classes, enroll for your flexible study abroad experience at UCSD. Dive into academically rigorous classes in business, biological science, and engineering (all ranked in the top 20, nationally).
You also have complete access to the University Professional Studies Program, which lets you add specialized extension courses to your studies (these classes replicate some of the most popular courses that visiting students miss out on).
Courses
University of California schools, including UCSD, participate in a course registration process called course crashing. You attend an assortment of classes for a certain amount of time, seeking to gain admission from the professor in courses you’re interested in to enroll in the class.
For example, you may need to attend 10 courses in the first 10 days of classes to enroll in the 3 or4 courses you need full-time. This process is explained at orientation, and there are advisors available to guide you through it.
Course & Departmental Restrictions
UCSD Extension is developing specialized sections of some of the most popular courses that visiting students typically take in person on main campus.
Additionally, we will still have access to the hundreds of courses offered through Extension. This website is a great place to see the wide variety of subjects and options available (please note courses are subject to change). Look for Extension courses which are marked “In-Class.”
Limited access to visiting students:
- Economics
The following subjects are limited to courses within the Scripps Institute:
- Atmospheric Science
- Geology/Geophysical Science
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
To prove your language proficiency, you can use any of the following:
- Duolingo: 115
- IELTS: 7.0
- TOEFL iBT: 83-95
Language Pathway & Concurrent Programs
Interested in pursuing an Academic program but don't meet language requirements? Learn more about our Language Pathway and Concurrent programs that can assist you in meeting your academic goals.
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
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Fall 2024 Academic + Winter 2025 Academic
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Fall 2024 Academic + Winter 2025 Academic + Spring 2025 Academic
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Winter 2025 Academic + Spring 2025 Academic
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Spring 2025 Academic
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Housing Information
Off-Campus Apartment
The SAF program fee includes a shared room with a shared bathroom, kitchen, common area, and laundry in an apartment off-campus.
The SAF Program fee is based upon a double room in an off-campus apartment. SAF program fee does not include break stay housing or include early arrival housing.
*Housing is subject to availability. For specific questions regarding housing please contact SAF.
About San Diego
Why San Diego
Home to one of the planet's most transformative universities and most impressive zoos, San Diego, on California's Pacific coast, has a surprisingly relaxed vibe. Its near-constant sun, long sandy beaches, and adventure-filled mountains create the perfect conditions for an active, balanced lifestyle. Its diverse population and strong East Asian communities add to the SoCal welcome as do downtime excursions to Stuart Art Collections, Disneyland, and Universal Studios.
The Student Experience
Study tours: Academic excellence meets cultural experiences
Here's a recap of three SAF study tours taking place in London, Los Angeles and San Diego.
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 Studying Abroad
Commonly Asked Questions About Academic & Concurrent Programs
Student Blogs
Homestay Accomodations at DCU
Find out what a homestay is and why its a great option for studying abroad.
Staying Fit at DCU
Tips for staying all-around well while studying abroad at DCU.
Why Choose Dublin City University?
Learn what makes the Dublin City University (DCU) campus special.
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.