University of California, Irvine

Overview

Acronyms: UCI

Founded: 1965

Control Type: Public

Entity Type: Non-profit

World Rank: #132

Rank in United States: #37

Motto: Fiat Lux

Colours: Blue and gold

Mascot: Peter the Anteater

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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.

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.

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.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

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.

Harvard University

Cambridge · Private · Rank #1

Stanford University

Stanford · Private · Rank #8

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore · Private · Rank #13

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cambridge · Private · Rank #16

University of Washington

Seattle · Public · Rank #19

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.

Shanghai Jiao Tong University

Shanghai · Public · Rank #5

University of California, Berkeley

Berkeley · Public · Rank #41

Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich

Zürich · Public · Rank #57

Katholieke Universiteit Leuven

Leuven · Public · Rank #78

Yonsei University

Seoul · Private · Rank #102

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.

CA

California Southern University

Irvine · Rank #82

Concordia University Irvine

Irvine · Private · Est. 1976

University of Massachusetts Global

Irvine · Private · Est. 2009

IR

Irvine Valley College

Irvine · Public · Est. 1985

Stanbridge University

Irvine · Private-for-profit · Est. 1996

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.

Cornell University

Ithaca · Private · Rank #25

Adler University

Chicago · Private · Rank #32

Duke University

Durham · Private · Rank #48

New York University

New York City · Private · Rank #49

University of Chicago

Chicago · Private · Rank #53

Universities Often 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.

The University of Utah

Salt Lake City · Public · Rank #130

University of Maryland

College Park · Public · Rank #136

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

New Brunswick · Public · Rank #125

Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

New York City · Private · Rank #123

Arizona State University

Tempe · Public · Rank #142