University of California, Riverside
Riverside, United States • Founded 1954 • World Rank #354
Updated Jun 2026
Overview
Established in 1954, the University of California, Riverside is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the medium city of Riverside (population range of 250,000-499,999 inhabitants), California.
This institution also has branch campuses in Berkeley, Davis, Irvine, Los Angeles, Merced, San Diego, San Francisco, Santa Barbara and Santa Cruz. Officially accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission, University of California, Riverside (UC Riverside) is a large-sized coeducational US higher education institution.
University of California, Riverside (UC Riverside) 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 70-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 60-69% making this US higher education organization a moderately selective institution.
International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment. UC Riverside 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
For visits or applications to University of California, Riverside, location and primary contact details are below. Open days are typically announced via social channels — follow them to receive event notifications.
Academic Details
University of California, Riverside's scale, faculty balance, and academic recognition. Staff-with-doctorate share often signals research culture more reliably than headline research output figures.
Academic Structures
University of California, Riverside's teaching organisation from faculties down to institutes. Faculty websites typically list their own programme catalogue, faculty bios, and contact information separately from the central site.
Unit 5 items
- A. Gary Anderson Graduate School of Management
- Bourns College of Engineering
- College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences
- College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
- Graduate School of Education
Programs Offered
Below: University of California, Riverside's programme list by level. Programme intakes vary — some offer multiple entry points per year (Sep, Jan, May), others a single annual intake.
222 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United States
Bachelor's Degree 65 programmes
Showing 10 of 65.
Master's Degree 69 programmes
Showing 10 of 69.
Doctorate 43 programmes
Showing 10 of 43.
Professional Doctorate 1 programme
Postgraduate Certificate 1 programme
Other Programs 43 programmes
Showing 10 of 43.
How to apply to University of California, Riverside
How to apply to University of California, Riverside — a five-step structure with notes on documents, channels, and timing for each phase.
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1
Research programmes at University of California, Riverside
Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. University of California, Riverside offers 222 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.
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2
Review admissions criteria
Each programme at University of California, Riverside has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.
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3
Gather supporting documents
Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.
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4
Lodge your application
Apply directly via University of California, Riverside's online portal at www.ucr.edu. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.
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5
Confirm receipt and track progress
After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. You can reach the institution by email at [email protected] or by phone at +1 (951) 827 1012. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about University of California, Riverside
Frequently asked questions about University of California, Riverside, covering the institutional basics most prospective applicants want to confirm first.
When was University of California, Riverside founded?
University of California, Riverside was established in 1954 (approximately 72 years ago).
Where is University of California, Riverside located?
University of California, Riverside is located in Riverside, United States.
Is University of California, Riverside public or private?
University of California, Riverside operates as a public institution.
What is the student enrolment at University of California, Riverside?
Student enrolment at University of California, Riverside is around 20,000-24,999.
What is University of California, Riverside's ranking?
University of California, Riverside is ranked #354 globally and #80 in United States.
What is University of California, Riverside's academic structure?
University of California, Riverside is organised into 5 academic units across its disciplines.
Is University of California, Riverside officially recognised?
Yes, University of California, Riverside is recognised by WASC Senior College and University Commission.
Where can I learn more about University of California, Riverside?
The institution's website is www.ucr.edu.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United States
Faculty awards and national-leader status concentrate at the top the United States universities. University of California, Riverside's faculty distinctions compared to leaders signal where the institution sits in academic networks.
Members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
Universities affiliated with National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) typically share standards on quality assurance, mobility programmes, and research collaboration. These fellow members are worth knowing if University of California, Riverside's affiliation matters to your shortlisting. Cross-membership institutions often facilitate joint events and credit transfer.
Faculties at nearby universities
Healthcare and student insurance rules often apply at the regional level around University of California, Riverside. Nearby universities typically follow the same health-coverage requirements for enrolled students.
Where Else to Study Biological Sciences
Programme delivery mode varies across the Biological Sciences programmes listed — online, hybrid, and in-person formats differ in tuition, schedule flexibility, and credential recognition across borders.
Universities Compared with University of California, Riverside
Beyond University of California, Riverside, several other universities operate at a comparable level — by ranking, heritage, or scale. They are worth knowing as you build your shortlist, particularly if you want options at the same competitive tier.
Studying in United States: guides and resources
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