Our site uses cookies to help us deliver our services and for you to enjoy the best possible experience. By using our website and services, you agree to our use of cookies. For more information please read our Cookie Policy.
Prodigy Finance - January 28, 2019
Ready to learn everything you need to know about engineering and STEM masters degrees at the Samueli School of Engineering at University of California Los Angeles? You're in the right place!
You’re hardly alone in wanting to pursue your MS Engineering degree in Los Angeles, California. It certainly gives you the opportunity to study in one of the most spectacular cities with some of the world’s best and brightest.
Consider the 13 Nobel Laureates and 10 National Medal of Science winners alongside the reasonable tuition and extensive research funding.
But, of course, it’s also LA and this school has been a part of the community since 1919. That means you’ll have an established base to explore this vibey city, southern California’s international diversity and the new skills and resources you’ll have at your disposal as a UCLA alum.
UCLA fast facts
Public university
University enrollment: 44,947
International students: 6818
Countries represented: 49+
Living alumni: 500,000+
Graduate students: 14,074
International graduate engineering students: 56.5%
Engineering grad students: 2265
Engineering masters students: 1298
Most represented countries in engineering: China, India, Taiwan, France, Iran
City: Los Angeles, California (CA)
City population: 3.976 million, with a metropolitan population of 18.7 million
Region: West
Climate: Mediterranean type climate: winters are mildly cool to warm (Jan avg: 23°C/55°F) without snow; summers are warm to hot and dry (Jul avg: 22°C/72°F)
Nearest airport: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Time zone: PST from November-March (GMT -8); PDT from March to November (GMT-7)
Many of UCLA’s highly ranked MS Engineering degrees offer the chance to specialise in the direction that delights you most. That’s on top of the Samueli School’s spot in 16th position on the U.S. News & World Report graduate engineering school list.
Want more to tempt you? Keep reading.
Department
Rank
Degrees
21
Thesis Master’s Degree
Master’s Degree in Semiconductor Manufacturing
If you’re desperately searching for post-graduate salaries for UCLA MS Engineering grads, you’re probably coming up short. That’s not because grads don’t have amazing careers or high salaries; the school simply chooses not to publish this information. (This might make it easier for you to determine whether the school is a good fit without clouding your gaze with salary figures.)
The school is committed to ensuring strong support for their students, including assisting internationals through visa processes and more. UCLA is now using the “Handshake” platform to link students to employers and vice versa. This platform allows you to check job postings through the app and search for opportunities which match your skills.
Of course, you’ll also find on-campus recruiting opportunities, including a number of career fairs and a career week every April. If you need assistance with any part of the application process, the Career Center offers workshops, information and career counseling.
What’s most important is that you engage, and do so early, to ensure your best foot is forward when it comes time to secure your first post-grad job.
What's it like to live at the University of California Los Angeles?
You can expect a high-level of support when it comes to getting settled at UCLA as an international student. The Dashew Center is there to connect international students with locals and with each other.
But, your first challenge will almost always be finding accommodation that works for you and your budget. There are on-campus apartments for graduate students and you can expect your own room within any apartment situation. As the costs are inline with those you would find for off-campus apartments (and, perhaps, without all the extras and furnishings you’ll get from the on-campus options), and you may find this is your best option.
Dining plans are available, though it’s often cheaper to cook for yourself at home, especially if you’re looking for a taste of home. That said, it’s not a bad idea to get a low, flexible meal plan for those moments when you’re far too busy to prepare yourself something substantial.
The campus bus service is likely to be your go-to on the transportation front. And, there is a shuttle to and from LAX airport ($10 each way). If you want to venture further afield (it is LA, afterall), then car or ride sharing services may just be your best bet. Cars, petrol and parking fees are typically beyond many student budgets.
In general, the Samueli School of Engineering is fairly competitive. The prestige of the school (and the entire UC system), mixed with Los Angeles living and and relative affordability makes this strong choice for many. Of the 4650 applicants in the latest admissions cycle, only 1453 were accepted (31.2%).
If UCLA engineering is your top choice, you’ll need a focused Statement of Purpose essay and realistic, but positive references from three different sources. The need to secure an additional reference (many schools only request two) shows the admission team’s intent to really get to know you academically and personally before extending a seat at their table.
One other aspect you should note before beginning your applications is that there are differences in minimums required and admissions deadlines. Always double check the requirements specific to your programme. And, keep these averages in mind when preparing your essays and speaking to your advisors:
UCLA Engineering admissions details
Fall admission deadline: 1-31 December 2019, depending on the department
Application fee: $125
Resume and undergrad transcripts: required
SOP essay: required
Recommendations: 3
GRE test: required, a few departments have minimum scores
GPA: 3.0 university minimum, some departments require higher scores
Language test: required for non-native English speakers; TOEFL and IELTS tests are accepted; min scores may vary by department
UCLA engineering cost of attendance (for 2018/19 academic year)
Tuition: $26,544
Fees: $1584
Room and board: $18,612
Books and supplies: $1626
Health insurance: $3901
Transportation: $1407
Personal and misc: $2280
Total CoA for 1 year: $55,944
TIP: Keep in mind that the CoA includes a housing estimate for off-campus housing and it is an estimate only. If you need to tighten your budget, you may need to travel further to campus or look at sharing rooms (inside your shared apartment).
There aren’t many scholarships available from UCLA for international graduate students. There are a few fellowships and assistantships awarded based on high academic achievement, but not enough that you should count on one.
In addition, there isn’t any need-based financial support. As an international masters student, you’ll need to focus on securing scholarships, loans and other forms of financial support on your own.
Prodigy Finance international student loans for UCLA
Prodigy Finance offers loans for international masters students at the Samueli School of Engineering at UCLA.
Students from supported countries pursuing masters programmes that can be completed in less than 2 years are eligible to apply.
Prodigy Finance also supports loans for UCLA students pursuing masters degrees in these schools:
Ready to transform your future with a MS degree from the University of California Los Angeles?
Prodigy Finance provides loans to international masters students pursuing their masters degrees at the Samueli School of Engineering at UCLA.
Prodigy Finance - June 21, 2019
It’s all about saving money. And, in his own words, Chandu Yerragopu, an MS Data Science graduate... Continue reading
Katie Schenk - June 20, 2019
Wherever in the world you chose to achieve your undergrad engineering degree or where you work at... Continue reading
Katie Schenk - June 14, 2019
Almost nothing about an international master’s degree is cheap. But it might just be the most... Continue reading
Katie Schenk - May 15, 2019
The figures above are all for the first academic year of two-year MBA programmes (for single... Continue reading
Investing - Risk Policy
Investment is restricted to high net worth and sophisticated investors who can demonstrate that they have sufficient knowledge and experience to understand the risks of investing. Risks include the potential loss of capital and limited liquidity. Capital at risk. Investments are long term and it may not be possible to sell your investment prior to maturity. See our full Risk Warning and Terms and Conditions.
© Prodigy Finance Limited 2007 - 2019. All Rights Reserved. Prodigy Finance Limited is incorporated in the United Kingdom (Company Number 05912562) with its registered address at Palladium House 1-4 Argyll Street, London, W1F 7LD and registered with the Office of the Information Commissioner (Reg. No. Z9851854). Prodigy Finance is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (firm registration number 709641) for certain consumer credit activities and for investment activities for investors who have agreed to its terms. Prodigy Finance loans are offered to eligible borrowers and these loans are governed by English law.
Prodigy Services Limited is incorporated in the United Kingdom (Company Number 10201413) with its registered address at Palladium House 1-4 Argyll Street, London, W1F 7LD. Prodigy Services is an appointed representative of Sapia Partners LLP which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Prodigy Services Limited promotes offers of securities for third party issuers to eligible investors.
