Overview: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is a premier public research university, established in 1919 and located in Los Angeles, California, USA. As part of the renowned University of California system, UCLA operates as a research-intensive and comprehensive institution. It serves around 47,000 students across undergraduate and graduate levels, supported by over 4,300 faculty members. The 419-acre main campus in Westwood positions UCLA as a major academic hub on the U.S. West Coast, contributing significantly to global higher education and research.
UCLA’s academic profile is distinguished by excellence across diverse fields, including engineering, biological and health sciences, the humanities, social sciences, and the arts. The Samueli School of Engineering and the David Geffen School of Medicine offer signature programs recognized worldwide. With a strong interdisciplinary ethos, UCLA encourages collaborative inquiry and flexible curricula that enable cross-disciplinary study. Ranked consistently among the world’s top 20 universities (QS, THE), UCLA produces high-impact research, securing over $1.7 billion annually in extramural funding. The university leads numerous international collaborations, joint research centers, and academic consortia, driving innovation and scholarly exchange. Numerous Nobel laureates, Fields medalists, and MacArthur fellows count among its faculty and alumni.
Student life at UCLA is vibrant and multifaceted. The university supports over 1,000 student organizations, including academic societies, cultural clubs, and service groups, fostering a dynamic extracurricular culture. The campus is celebrated for its commitment to diversity and inclusion, with students representing over 100 countries and a comprehensive range of backgrounds. On-campus housing accommodates nearly all first-year undergraduates, and extensive student support services ensure holistic development. UCLA’s spirit is further enriched by NCAA Division I athletics, world-class arts venues, research symposia, and numerous community engagement projects, contributing to a holistic and globally connected educational experience.
UCLA’s mission is to create, disseminate, preserve, and apply knowledge for the betterment of global society. The university is unwavering in its commitment to research, innovation, equity, sustainability, and the preparation of students for leadership in an increasingly interconnected world.
