Overview: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is a premier public research university, established in 1919 in Los Angeles, California, USA. As a flagship campus of the University of California system, UCLA boasts a vibrant urban setting close to the Pacific Coast. It serves over 46,000 students (approximately 32,000 undergraduates and 14,000 graduate students) and encompasses 12 professional schools across a single, integrated campus. UCLA has consistently earned a reputation for its comprehensive approach, excelling in both teaching and research at a global scale.
UCLA’s academic strengths span diverse fields, with top-ranked programs in engineering, life sciences, health sciences (notably its medical and public health schools), and the humanities. The university is distinguished by its interdisciplinary education model, promoting collaboration across departments and real-world problem-solving. UCLA is recognized as one of the top public universities globally, consistently ranked in the world’s top 20 by QS and Times Higher Education. Its annual research expenditure exceeds $1.5 billion, and UCLA faculty and alumni claim 16 Nobel Prizes, 17 MacArthur Fellowships, and over 250 National Academy memberships. Strategic alliances with institutions worldwide, including dual degree programs and research consortia, drive innovative discovery and education.
Student life at UCLA is dynamic and inclusive, offering over 1,200 student organizations, extensive leadership and volunteer opportunities, and campus traditions such as Bruin Bash and Spring Sing. The university upholds a commitment to diversity and internationalization, reflected in a student population representing over 100 countries and robust support for international scholars. On-campus housing is home to about 14,000 students, while state-of-the-art athletic facilities host 25 NCAA Division I teams. The renowned UCLA School of the Arts and Architecture and numerous cultural centers contribute to a vibrant, artistic campus environment, supporting well-rounded student development.
UCLA’s mission is to advance knowledge and serve society by fostering innovation, equity, and global citizenship. The university aspires to empower students and faculty to address grand challenges, embracing sustainability, diversity, and open inquiry as core institutional values.
