Spotlight on UCLA Engineering
Apply to to the Samueli School of Engineering at UCLA, learn the requirements, eligibility, application process, and financing your international master's, and what life is like in Los Angeles.
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.
What can you study at the UCLA Samueli School of Engineering?
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 (China), France, Iran
Where is UCLA?
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)
| Department | Rank | Degrees |
|---|---|---|
| Bioengineering | 26 | MS in Bioengineering |
| Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering | 21 | Thesis Masters Degree Masters Degree in Semiconductor Manufacturing |
| Civil and Environmental Engineering | 17 | MS in Civil and Environmental Engineering |
| Computer Science | N/A | MS in Computer Science |
| Electrical and Computer Engineering | 13 | MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering |
| Materials Science and Engineering | 21 | MS in Materials Science and Engineering |
| Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering | 15 Aero 13 Mech | MS in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering |
UCLA Engineering job placement
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.
How to get into UCLA Engineering
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:
Average undergrad GPA: 3.6
Average GRE scores: 154 verbal, 166 quantitative, 3.7 analytical writing
Mean TOEFL score: 104 iBT
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
Min TOEFL score: 87 iBT, 560 pBT
Min IELTS score: 7
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).
Does the University of California Los Angeles offer scholarships to international students?
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.
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
