UCLA Acceptance Rate: Latest Figures for International Students
Last updated October 2026. Admission statistics, deadlines and policies change every year. Check UCLA’s admissions website and the University of California admissions site for the latest figures and requirements before you apply.
UCLA (the University of California, Los Angeles) receives more applications than any other US university campus, and it is one of the most selective public universities in the country. If you’re an Indian student thinking of applying, here’s what the published figures show and how UCLA’s process differs from other US universities.
What Is UCLA’s Acceptance Rate?
For fall 2025, UCLA received about 145,085 first-year applications and admitted about 13,659, an overall rate of about 9.4%. The rate depends heavily on where you apply from. According to University of California admissions data reported by education sites:
- Domestic out-of-state applicants: about 11.2% admitted (roughly 3,544 of 31,573).
- International applicants: about 6.3% admitted (roughly 1,526 of 24,137).
So for an Indian applicant, the relevant figure is the international rate, which is lower than the overall rate. The University of California publishes admissions data by campus, so check the UC Information Center for the latest year, and be cautious of sites quoting a single figure for “out-of-state and international”. UCLA does not publish acceptance rates for each major, so figures quoted for particular majors online are estimates at best.
How UCLA Admissions Differs From Other US Universities
- Test-blind: the University of California doesn’t consider SAT or ACT scores at all, even if you submit them. This is different from most universities, so don’t spend time on SAT or ACT preparation for UCLA specifically.
- No recommendation letters or interviews in the regular process, according to published admissions guidance. Check the current UC guidance, because policies can change.
- The UC application, not the Common App: you apply through the University of California application, using its own essay format.
- No early rounds: there is a single application window, usually from 1 October to 30 November. Check the exact dates for your intake.
- The major you choose matters: published guidance indicates that UCLA doesn’t consider alternate majors for first-year applicants, so choose carefully.
What UCLA Looks At
Grades and course rigor
Grades in demanding courses are the most important factor. The Daily Bruin reported that the average weighted GPA of admitted freshmen reached a record of about 4.23 in 2025. UC calculates its own GPA from your recorded courses, and international applicants are evaluated using the UC’s guidelines for their country. Read the UC’s international admissions guidance for the requirements for Indian boards (CBSE, ICSE/ISC, state boards or IB).
Personal Insight Questions (PIQs)
With no test scores, recommendations or interviews, your Personal Insight Questions are one of the few places to show who you are. Answer them specifically, with concrete examples of what you did and what it meant to you, and don’t repeat the same material across answers.
Activities and context
You’ll be asked to list your activities, awards and coursework. Be accurate, because the information you provide must be true, and follow the UC’s instructions for self-reporting your academic record.
Money and Costs
International students pay nonresident tuition at UCLA, and Los Angeles is expensive. Check UCLA’s cost of attendance and what financial aid, if any, is available to international undergraduates, and plan your funding without assuming aid. The UC application fee is higher for international applicants than for domestic ones, so check the current fee.
How to Strengthen Your Application
- Prioritise grades in demanding subjects throughout school.
- Write each PIQ with specific examples, and have someone who doesn’t know you well read them for clarity.
- Choose your major carefully, and read what UCLA says about your chosen college or school.
- Be accurate and complete when you enter coursework and activities.
- Apply to a range of universities, because the international admit rate is low.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is UCLA’s acceptance rate?
About 9.4% overall for fall 2025 (13,659 admitted from 145,085 first-year applicants), and reportedly about 6.3% for international applicants.
Does UCLA require the SAT or ACT?
No. The University of California is test-blind and doesn’t consider SAT or ACT scores in admissions.
Do I need recommendation letters?
Published guidance says UCLA doesn’t consider recommendation letters in the regular process. Check the current UC guidance.
Can I send a letter of continued interest?
UCLA doesn’t consider expressions of interest, so this isn’t a useful step. If you’re waitlisted, follow UCLA’s instructions.
When should I apply?
UCLA has a single application window, usually from 1 October to 30 November. Check the exact dates.
Conclusion
UCLA is very selective, particularly for international applicants, and its process rewards strong grades and thoughtful essays more than tests or recommendations. If you’d like help choosing where to apply, start with career counselling at Eduvisor, explore our Study in the USA pages, or see our Study Abroad service.
