International Admission Requirements: Freshman
Classes and GPA
The applicant must complete the following college preparation courses between grade 9 and grade 12:
History/Social Science: 2 years
English/Language of School Instruction: 4 years
Mathematics: 3 years (4 years recommended)
Laboratory Science: 2 years (3 years recommended)
Foreign Language (English must be the foreign language studied if it was not the language of instruction.): 2 years (3 years recommended)
Visual and Performing Arts: 1 year
College-Preparatory Elective: 1 year
UC Riverside is aware that not all educational systems include academic courses in these areas, which will be taken into consideration during the application review.Academic Achievement
The applicant must earn a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.4 on a 4.0 scale, equivalent to an 85 percent on a 100 percent scale. The assessment of a qualifying GPA is based on “a-g” courses completed in 10th and 11th grades.
If the secondary school offers a different curriculum, the applicant’s academic achievement will be based on that educational system’s grading scale.
English Language Proficiency
If English is not the applicant’s native language, or the language of instruction at the applicant’s school, then they must demonstrate English proficiency through one of the following options:
Pass the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a score of 80 or higher (iBT).
Pass the International English Testing Language System (IELTS) with a score of 6.5 or higher.
Achieve a score of 560 or higher on the “Writing” section of the SAT Reasoning Test.
Achieve a score of 3, 4 or 5 on the AP Exam in English Language and Composition or English Literature and Composition.
Achieve a score of 5, 6 or 7 on the International Baccalaureate (IB) Higher Level Examination in English (Language A).
Complete a transferable college course in English Composition with a C grade or better.
International Admission Requirements: Transfer
Step 1: Requirements
Applicants must complete 60 semester (90 quarter) units of transferable college credit with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.8 or higher. No more than 14 semester (21 quarter) units may be completed as Pass/Not Pass.
Because admission to UC Riverside is selective, it is strongly recommended that international transfer applicants strive to exceed the minimum GPA requirements.
Applicants are required to complete the UC Seven Course Pattern with a C grade or better:
Two transferable courses in English composition.
One transferable course in mathematical concepts and quantitative reasoning.
Four transferable courses from two of the following areas: arts and humanities, social and behavioral sciences, and physical and biological sciences.
Each course must be transferable and worth at least 3 semester (4–5 quarter) units.
Major Requirements
UC Riverside majors have different prerequisites and overall selection criteria. Non-California residents must have a minimum 2.8 GPA to be eligible.
Programs are selective, and performance counts. All transferable coursework is taken into consideration. It is recommended that applicants strive to surpass the minimum selection criteria outlined below:
Bourns College of Engineering (BCOE) - All BCOE programs require a minimum 2.8 GPA in UC-transferable coursework for non-residents as well as the completion of specific prerequisite sequences prior to transfer. College breadth courses are recommended. IGETC is accepted, but the benefit may be difficult to determine.
College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (CHASS) - All CHASS programs require a minimum 2.8 GPA in UC-transferable coursework for non-residents. The Art (Studio) major requires a portfolio review. Music programs require auditions. IGETC is recommended.
College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences (CNAS) - All CNAS majors require a minimum 2.8 GPA in UC-transferable coursework for non-residents. One year of calculus and (for most life and physical science majors) one additional year of introductory chemistry, biology or physics courses with labs are recommended. Most CNAS majors require specific major preparation coursework prior to transfer. IGETC is not accepted.
School of Business Administration (SoBA) - SoBA programs require a minimum 2.8 GPA in UC-transferable coursework for non-residents as well as the completion of specific prerequisites prior to transfer. IGETC is recommended.
Language Proficiency
If English is not your native language, or the language of instruction at your school, then you must demonstrate your English proficiency through one of the following options:
Pass the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a score of 80 or higher (iBT).
Pass the International English Testing Language System (IELTS) with a score of 6.5 or higher.
Complete a UC transferable college course in English Composition with a C grade or better.
