University of California, Berkeley
Berkeley, California, USA
UC Berkeley is the top public university in the USA. Its Haas School of Business and EECS program are particularly coveted by Indian students. Affordable tuition compared to Ivies.
$29K
Annual Tuition
₹24.6 L
75%
Visa Success
14%
Acceptance Rate
#10
QS Ranking
93%
Employment Rate
$110K
Avg Grad Salary
August, January
Intake
About University of California, Berkeley
University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) is one of the premier universities in USA and the world's largest higher-education market, home to eight Ivy League institutions and Silicon Valley. Founded in 1868 — over 158 years ago — UC Berkeley has established itself as a world-class institution with a QS World University Ranking of #10 in 2026.
UC Berkeley is the top public university in the USA. Its Haas School of Business and EECS program are particularly coveted by Indian students. Affordable tuition compared to Ivies. With a student community of over 45,000 students, of whom approximately 19% come from abroad, UC Berkeley offers a genuinely international learning environment. Indian students make up a significant and growing part of this international community, drawn by the university's strong academic reputation, career outcomes, and its location in USA.
Located in the heart of Berkeley, the campus benefits from excellent public transport links and proximity to industry, cultural venues, and internship opportunities. The campus is equipped with research libraries, modern computer labs, on-campus accommodation, sports and recreation facilities, an international student office, and a dedicated career and placement centre.
Graduates of UC Berkeley enjoy an employment rate of 93% within six months of graduation, with an average starting salary of $110K (approximately ₹92L per annum). Top employers recruiting from UC Berkeley include Google, Amazon, Apple, Salesforce, reflecting the institution's strong industry connections.
The university offers competitive scholarships for international students, including the Berkeley Fellowship ($25,000/year). The university accepts applications for August and January intake, with an overall acceptance rate of 14%. Students from India typically require a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 and a GPA of 8/10 for postgraduate admission.
Why Indian Students Choose UC Berkeley
USA is a top study destination for Indian students, and UC Berkeley consistently ranks among the most popular choices. Here is why:
Strong Career Outcomes
With an average graduate salary of $110K/year and an employment rate of 93%, UC Berkeley alumni are highly sought after by global employers. Top recruiters include Google, Amazon, Apple.
Most Popular Courses for Indians
MS EECS, MS Data Science, MS Business Analytics are the most commonly chosen programmes by Indian students at UC Berkeley. These courses align well with India's growing demand for internationally qualified professionals.
Post-Study Work Rights
After graduating, students can apply for OPT (Optional Practical Training) for 12 months (36 months for STEM graduates), giving them the opportunity to gain international work experience and potentially transition to permanent residency.
Scholarships Available
Berkeley Fellowship offers $25,000/year to eligible international students. The Fung Fellowship ($15,000) is also available for Innovation focus.
Visa Success Rate
Indian students applying for a USA student visa have an average approval rate of 75%. Jaivik Overseas Consultants has helped hundreds of students successfully obtain their USA student visas.
Complete Cost Breakdown for Indian Students
Annual cost of studying at UC Berkeley (2026–27)
$29,342
₹24.6 L
$23,000
₹19.3 L
$140
₹11,760
$52,342
₹44.0 L
Admission Requirements
Minimum eligibility for Indian students at UC Berkeley
6.5+
IELTS Score
90+
TOEFL Score
315+
GRE Score
Not required
GMAT Score
8/10
Min GPA (10pt)
Up to 1
Backlogs Allowed
Campus & Location
📍 Main Campus Location
Berkeley
California, USA
🏛️ Campus Type
Urban
City-centre location, great transport links
👥 Total Students
45,000+
19% international students
🌍 International Community
8,550+
international students on campus
Campus Facilities
Courses Offered at UC Berkeley
View All Courses →Scholarships for Indian Students
Berkeley Fellowship
Top 10% applicants
Fung Fellowship
Innovation focus
Top Employers of UC Berkeley Graduates
Alumni Network & Career Impact
University of California, Berkeley has produced numerous leaders across industry, academia, and government. Graduates of UC Berkeley hold prominent positions at companies including Google, Amazon, Apple, and many have gone on to found their own ventures. The UC Berkeley alumni network spans over 180 countries, and the university's Indian alumni community is particularly active, with dedicated chapters in Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Hyderabad. Many Indian graduates have returned home to build successful careers or start companies, leveraging the EECS skills and global networks gained during their time at UC Berkeley.
$110K/yr
Graduate Salary
93%
Employment Rate
Top Employer
How to Apply to UC Berkeley from India
Step-by-step application guide for Indian students
Check Eligibility
Minimum GPA 8/10, IELTS 6.5+, GRE 315+. Maximum 1 backlogs allowed.
Prepare Documents
Gather transcripts, IELTS/TOEFL scores, SOP (Statement of Purpose), LORs (Letters of Recommendation), CV/Resume, and passport copy.
Submit Application
Apply through the official University of California, Berkeley portal. Application fee: $140. Deadline is typically 4–6 months before the August and January intakes.
Receive Offer Letter
UC Berkeley typically issues conditional or unconditional offer letters within 4–8 weeks. An unconditional offer requires meeting all entry requirements.
Apply for Student Visa
With an offer letter and CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance), apply for your USA student visa. Approval rate for Indian students: 75%.
Pre-Departure Preparation
Book accommodation (on-campus or off-campus), book flights, arrange forex/education loan, and attend Jaivik Overseas pre-departure briefing.
💡 Jaivik Overseas Consultants provides end-to-end support — from shortlisting to visa — with a dedicated counsellor assigned to your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the tuition fee at University of California, Berkeley?
Annual tuition at University of California, Berkeley is $29,342 (approximately ₹24.6 L) for international students in 2026–26. This does not include living expenses of approximately $23,000/year.
Q: What is the acceptance rate at UC Berkeley?
University of California, Berkeley has an acceptance rate of approximately 14% for international students. Indian students with strong GRE/GMAT scores and GPA above 8/10 have a higher chance of admission.
Q: What are the IELTS requirements for UC Berkeley?
University of California, Berkeley requires a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 overall. TOEFL iBT minimum is 90.
Q: When is the application deadline for UC Berkeley?
University of California, Berkeley has intake in August and January. Application deadlines are typically 3–6 months before the intake. Contact Jaivik Overseas Consultants for exact deadlines and application support.
Quick Facts
Average Graduate Salary After UC Berkeley
$110K/year
Average graduate salary in USA
Employment Rate: 93%