University of California, Irvine
Irvine, United States • Founded 1965 • World Rank #132
Updated Jun 2026
Overview
Established in 1965, the University of California, Irvine is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Irvine (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), California.
This institution also has branch campuses in Berkeley, Davis, Los Angeles, Merced, Riverside, San Diego, San Francisco, Santa Barbara and Santa Cruz. Officially accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission, University of California, Irvine (UCI) is a very large-sized coeducational US higher education institution.
University of California, Irvine (UCI) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. This 59-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades.
The acceptance rate range is 20-29% making this US higher education organization a very selective institution.
International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment. UCI also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Where to find University of California, Irvine, plus its phone, email, website, and social media links. Confirm the published channels here are current before sending application materials.
Academic Details
Enrolment, faculty headcount, and accreditation data for University of California, Irvine — the academic basics in one place. Cross-reference these against programme-specific data when finalising your shortlist.
Academic Structures
Below: how University of California, Irvine organises its faculties and constituent units. Distance learning programmes often sit in a separate division from on-campus teaching, with different administration.
Unit 14 items
- Claire Trevor School of The Arts
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Division of Undergraduate Education
- Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Sciences
- Paul Merage School of Business
- School of Biological Sciences
- School of Education
- School of Humanities
- School of Law
- School of Physical Sciences
- School of Social Ecology
- School of Social Sciences
- Susan and Henry Samueli College of Health Sciences
- The Henry Samueli School of Engineering
Programs Offered
University of California, Irvine's catalogue, searchable by name and grouped by level. Joint programmes with partner institutions appear here but carry dual-credentialing rules worth checking with both bodies.
228 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United States
Bachelor's Degree 72 programmes
Showing 10 of 72.
Master's Degree 85 programmes
Showing 10 of 85.
Doctorate 66 programmes
Showing 10 of 66.
Professional Doctorate 2 programmes
Postgraduate Certificate 3 programmes
How to apply to University of California, Irvine
A short guide to applying to University of California, Irvine — five steps covering the path from programme selection to confirmation of receipt.
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1
Browse the programme catalogue
University of California, Irvine's catalogue includes 228 programmes. Browse by level, identify candidates matching your prior qualifications, and note their entry requirements for the next step.
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2
Check eligibility for your chosen programme
Entry requirements vary by programme and degree level. Verify academic minimums, language tests (if international), and any additional documents required for University of California, Irvine's admissions process.
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3
Get your documents ready
Typical documents include academic transcripts, identity proof (passport or national ID), language proficiency test scores, a personal statement or motivation letter, and recommendation letters. International applicants should account for translation and notarisation time.
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4
Apply through the official channel
Submit your completed application through University of California, Irvine's official website at uci.edu. Most institutions use an online portal — register an account, complete the application form, and upload your prepared documents. Keep copies of all submissions and confirmation receipts.
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5
Reach out and track your application
Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (949) 824 5011. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.
Frequently Asked Questions about University of California, Irvine
A short Q&A covering University of California, Irvine's essentials — founding, location, scale, ranking, and academic structure.
In what year was University of California, Irvine established?
University of California, Irvine was founded in 1965 (approximately 61 years ago).
Where can I find University of California, Irvine?
The institution is located in Irvine, United States.
What is University of California, Irvine's control type?
University of California, Irvine operates as a public institution.
How many students does University of California, Irvine have?
The institution has a student body of 35,000-39,999.
Where does University of California, Irvine stand in university rankings?
It ranks #132 globally and #37 in United States.
How many faculties does University of California, Irvine have?
The institution comprises 14 academic units.
Who recognises University of California, Irvine?
Yes, University of California, Irvine is recognised by WASC Senior College and University Commission.
What is University of California, Irvine's official website?
The institution's website is uci.edu.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United States
Selectivity at the top the United States universities sets admissions baseline expectations for students applying to University of California, Irvine. The selectivity gap between University of California, Irvine and the leaders below tells you about admissions context.
Members of Open Education Consortium (OEC)
Strategic alliances often grow alongside Open Education Consortium (OEC) membership — bilateral agreements deepen collaboration beyond the broader network frame. Such alliances sometimes exist between University of California, Irvine and specific members below.
Faculties at nearby universities
Cross-border or within-state choices: the universities near University of California, Irvine may fall under different governance, fee structures, or visa rules. Confirm the regulatory context for each option separately.
Where Else to Study Liberal Arts
Capstone publication or portfolio output from Liberal Arts programmes affects what you graduate with. Some the United States institutions retain student work; others publish it as part of programme outputs.
Universities Compared with University of California, Irvine
International branch campuses are common among universities at University of California, Irvine's tier. Peer institutions often operate in similar geographies, signalling comparable global ambition.
Studying in United States: guides and resources
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