Exchange guide University of California, Los Angeles
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at University of California, Los Angeles in Los Angeles, USA.
Snapshot
A top-10 US public university with a stunning campus in Westwood, Los Angeles. Strong in film, medicine, and engineering.
Why students shortlist it
Large public research university in Los Angeles, based in Westwood, with strong options in arts, film, engineering, social sciences, life sciences and public policy. Best fit for students ready for quarter-system pace, high living costs and selective course access.
Teaching languages: English (primary)
Before You Land
A few practical setup details students usually sort before arrival
Connectivity, insurance, and secure public WiFi are the boring things you only notice when you need them. Keep them on your checklist, but keep the guide itself front and centre.
Arrival Connectivity
Sort an eSIM before you land
Maps, ride apps, 2FA codes, and WhatsApp are usually the first things students need from the airport.
Coverage Check
Confirm your travel insurance
Even when the university gives guidance, students usually need to double-check what is covered before departure.
Public WiFi
Have a backup for shared networks
Campus halls, airports, and cafés are convenient, but many students prefer an extra privacy layer when they first arrive.
Exchange Basics
Requirements
Requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0/4.0 or equivalent. English proficiency proof is mandatory for non-native speakers: typically TOEFL iBT minimum score 80 (83+ for some departments) or IELTS minimum score 6.5 (7.0 for some departments).
Nomination Process
Home university coordinator nominates candidates via the UCEAP portal. Nominated students are then invited to complete the UCEAP and UCLA-specific applications and submit required visa materials.
Orientation Week
Recommended arrival: One week before classes start (mid-September for Fall Quarter, early January for Winter Quarter).
Mandatory international student check-in and orientations are organized by the Dashew Center for International Students & Scholars at the start of each quarter.
Events hub: https://internationalcenter.ucla.edu/
| Semester | Nomination | Application |
|---|---|---|
| January 15 | March 1 | |
| June 15 | August 1 |
Arrival Checklist
- Obtain your J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa from the US embassy or consulate before arrival.
- Complete the online visa check-in with the Dashew Center immediately upon arrival in the US.
- Pick up your BruinCard student ID at Kerckhoff Hall.
- Verify your immunization records and enroll in UC SHIP healthcare plan.
Academics
Course Registration
Students register for classes online using the MyUCLA portal during their assigned enrollment windows. Enrollment occurs in two passes (Pass 1 and Pass 2). Classes can be highly competitive and impacted; students must ensure they meet prerequisites.
Credit System
US Quarter Unit system. A full-time academic workload is a minimum of 12 units per quarter (usually 3 classes of 4 units each). Most standard lecture courses are worth 4 or 5 units. Conversion: 1 UCLA Quarter Unit ≈ 1 ECTS (or 1 UCLA Quarter Unit ≈ 0.67 semester credits).
Grading System
Standard US A-F letter grading scale: A (Excellent), B (Good), C (Fair), D (Poor), F (Fail), with plus/minus modifiers. GPA is calculated on a 4.0 scale (A = 4.0, A- = 3.7, B+ = 3.3, B = 3.0, etc.).
Exam Culture
Regular attendance and active participation are highly valued and often count towards the final grade. Quarters move very quickly: mid-term exams occur in weeks 4-6, and final exams are held in week 11 (Finals Week).
Tuition & Fees
Annual Tuition
EUR 42,000
Waived for exchange students.
| Student Type | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EXCHANGE | USD 0 tuition + ~USD 535 visa fees + USD 1,500–3,500 insurance/sem | Reciprocal exchange tuition fully waived. Mandatory fees: SEVIS I-901 fee USD 350 + J-1 or F-1 visa fee USD 185 = USD 535 total. Mandatory health insurance U… |
| Full degree – international | USD 44,000–48,000/year tuition | UCLA international non-resident tuition ~$44,000 + fees ~$4,000 + housing ~$18,000 = ~$66,000/year total. California residents pay ~$14,300. Public universit… |
USD 0 tuition + ~USD 535 visa fees + USD 1,500–3,500 insurance/sem
Reciprocal exchange tuition fully waived. Mandatory fees: SEVIS I-901 fee USD 350 + J-1 or F-1 visa fee USD 185 = USD 535 total. Mandatory health insurance U…
USD 44,000–48,000/year tuition
UCLA international non-resident tuition ~$44,000 + fees ~$4,000 + housing ~$18,000 = ~$66,000/year total. California residents pay ~$14,300. Public universit…
Fees change annually — verify current rates on the official exchange office page
Where to Stay
Insurance & Campus Support
Mandatory Insurance
Yes. Valid health coverage is required for the exchange period.
EHIC Accepted
No
Campus Clinic
Use university student health/wellbeing services first for local care routing, prevention, counselling, and referrals.
Mental Health
Most universities route students through student health, wellbeing, or counselling services. Ask early, not only during exam stress.
UC Student Health Insurance Plan (UC SHIP)
Varies by status / nationality
Confirm exact plan eligibility with the host university International Office before arrival.
Campus Services
Dashew Center for International Students and Scholars
Visa advising (J-1/F-1), social events, workshops, cultural integration programs, and tax workshops.
UCLA Library System
Access to Powell Library, Charles E. Young Research Library, and other specialized libraries containing millions of volumes, study spaces, and research help.
Student Services Directory (UCLA)
UCLA comprehensive student services directory: career center, health (Ashe Center), counseling (CAPS), disability services, library, athletics, and campus life.
Campus Resources (UCLA)
UCLA campus resources for graduate and undergraduate students: research support, career development, health, wellness, and student life programs.
Student Life
Student Clubs
- UCLA International Student Association (ISA)
- Various cultural student clubs
- Bruin sports clubs and outdoor recreation clubs
- Student government associations (USAC)
Buddy Program
Dashew Center Global Siblings Program: pairs incoming international students with domestic students for cultural exchange.
Sports & Recreation
- John Wooden Center (main campus gym, rock climbing, group fitness)
- Sunset Canyon Recreation Center (outdoor pools, volleyball courts)
- Drake Stadium (running track)
Public Groups & Erasmus Communities
UCLA Housing / Sublets / Roommates
Active Facebook community for finding rooms, sublets, and roommates in Westwood.
UCLA Free & For Sale
Facebook marketplace group for UCLA students to buy/sell furniture, books, and campus gear.
UCLA Dashew Center Community
Official Instagram feed of the Dashew Center for International Students & Scholars.
Your First 2 Weeks
- Fly into LAX and take a rideshare or the FlyAway bus to Westwood.
- Complete the mandatory visa check-in with the Dashew Center.
- Get your BruinCard (student ID) at Kerckhoff Hall.
- Buy UCLA gear at the UCLA Store in Ackerman Union and attend the Enormous Activities Fair.
Key Dates
Fall Quarter admission cycle
January - March
Applications for September enrollment must be submitted by early March.
Winter/Spring Quarter admission cycle
June - August
Applications for Winter (January) enrollment must be submitted by August 1.
Application window (Fall Quarter)
February – April
Nominate via home uni + host portal. J-1 visa interview slots fill fast — book early.
Application window (Winter Quarter)
August – September
Mid-year intake for January arrival; not all programmes accept.
Application window (Spring Quarter)
November – December
Spring quarter starts late March / early April; check programme availability.