Spotlight on UCLA Engineering

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!

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. 

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. 

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 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.

• Maximum loan amount: up to 100% of the school-provided cost of attendance (tuition plus living expenses)
  
• Minimum loan amount: $15,000
• All loans disbursed directly to the university according to due dates
  

Prodigy Finance also supports loans for UCLA students pursuing masters degrees in these schools:

• Anderson School of Management
  
• Luskin School of Public Affairs
  
• School of Dentistry
  
• School of Law