
260 Aldrich Hall, Irvine, CA 92697, USA


The University of California-Irvine is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission. This regional accreditation ensures that the institution meets rigorous standards related to educational quality and institutional effectiveness. For prospective students, accreditation by WASC validates that the university's programs, faculty, and resources align with established criteria for higher education institutions in the western United States.
In addition to institutional accreditation, specific programs at the university may hold specialized accreditations that recognize their adherence to professional standards. These attest to the quality and relevance of particular academic fields. Such programmatic accreditations can be an important consideration for students focused on careers requiring licensure or professional certification.
Admission to University of California-Irvine requires completion of a General Educational Development (GED) or equivalent. Applicants must submit a secondary school record with a required grade point average and class rank. Additionally, evidence of college preparatory coursework is mandatory.
English proficiency is validated through the TOEFL exam, which is a compulsory requirement for non-native speakers. While standardized testing scores such as the SAT or ACT are not mandatory, their submission is recommended to strengthen the application. Letters of recommendation and demonstrations of relevant competencies are also suggested but not required.
The university does not maintain an open admission policy, meaning that meeting minimum criteria does not guarantee acceptance. Dual credit or credit from external sources during high school is not accepted, though Advanced Placement (AP) credits are recognized and can be applied toward degree requirements.
Applicants face a highly competitive admissions process. In the most recent cycle, over 121,000 students applied, with an acceptance rate of approximately 26%, placing the university's admissions selectivity in a very low percentile nationally. Enrolled students numbered close to 6,800, reflecting the institution's selective standards.
The University of California-Irvine requires prospective students to pay an application fee when submitting their admissions materials. This fee is a standard component designed to cover the administrative costs associated with processing each application.
For applicants who may face financial hardship, the university offers fee waivers to reduce barriers to applying. These waivers are typically available to students who meet specific income guidelines or participate in certain assistance programs. Prospective students should check the university's official admissions resources to determine their eligibility and the application process for fee waivers.
University of California-Irvine does not host its own Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) units on campus. Instead, students interested in participating in ROTC programs typically affiliate with cooperating host institutions that provide these military training opportunities.
University of California-Irvine permits transfer students to apply for the fall term. Prospective transfer applicants can submit previous college credits, as the institution accepts transfer credits. Additionally, the university considers recommendation letters as part of its evaluation process. However, specific details regarding the acceptance of credits from standardized exams such as CLEP or DANTES are not available.
University of California-Irvine offers a diverse array of study abroad programs designed to provide students with international academic experiences across multiple disciplines. These programs include faculty-led short-term courses, summer sessions, and semester- or year-long exchanges with partner universities worldwide. Students have the opportunity to immerse themselves in different cultures while earning credits that count toward their degree requirements.
Many study abroad options focus on enhancing students' academic and personal growth by promoting cross-cultural understanding and global awareness. Programs typically encompass a range of fields such as humanities, social sciences, business, and the arts, allowing participants to tailor their experience according to their academic interests.
University of California-Irvine also supports off-campus learning through internships and research programs abroad, which enable students to gain practical experience in international settings. These programs frequently include orientation sessions, cultural excursions, and support services to help students adjust and thrive during their time overseas.
Participation in study abroad is facilitated through a centralized office that assists students with application processes, advising, and credit transfer concerns, ensuring their time abroad integrates smoothly with their academic plan.
High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
NoComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
YesSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
RequiredSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
RequiredRecommendations
RecommendedFormal demonstration of competencies
RecommendedAdmission test scores
RecommendedTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
NoAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
Data not availableDisabilities services
Data not availableOff-campus study
Data not availableROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
Data not availableStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
YesPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
Data not availableGenerally accepts credits
Data not availableAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall