Apply To Summer Programs

Academic Qualifications

Are you highly motivated and ready to join UC courses offered during the intensive summer term?  Be prepared to contribute and study in an open, cooperative learning environment. Read the course descriptions carefully to ensure that you meet the course prerequisites. 

English Language Proficiency

If the language of instruction at your home university is not English, see the English-language proficiency requirements. 

English as a Second Language Courses

English as a second language courses are also available and no minimum language score is required.

For enrollment in more advanced College Writing courses (COLWRIT 5, 6, 8 and/or 9), just take the online placement exam.

Course Selection and Course Load

Selecting Courses

Review course descriptions and be attentive to any prerequisites or special enrollment instructions noted (i.e.: "Math 5 required", "consent of instructor required" or "by audition only"). If you are not sure you meet course prerequisites, contact the host department or the instructor for help. Be prepared to provide documentation of your previous coursework (course description or syllabus, transcripts). 

Consider alternative courses in case your preferred courses are not available.

Minimum Course Load (Number of  Units)

The compressed time frame of the summer sessions means that you may need to devote a much greater percentage of time than usual to study.

• Plan to enroll in two classes depending on the number of units assigned each class. Most courses are 3-4 units.
• F-1 visa students are required to enroll full-time. Full-time enrollment minimums vary depending on the length of the session(s).
• Enrollment in online courses is allowed, but not recommended. Visa regulations require students to enroll in at least 1 in-person course.

Grades

An official UC transcript showing your enrollments and grades will be sent to your home university at the end of your session. 

Grading Options

You will receive letter grades (A, B, C, etc.) for all coursework except in cases where pass/not pass grading is an option and you select it. Check your home university's grading requirements before you select a course grading option. You may change your grading option after courses start if you make the change by the "Change Grading Option" deadline. 

Enrollment Changes

Complete “add” and "drop" processes prior to the deadline. For all change requests, contact UCEAP. 

• Courses that are not dropped will later appear on the UC transcript as an "F" grade.
• Grades of "I" (incomplete) must be completed before the end of the following academic term or the "I" will become a grade of "F".

Steps to Visa Application Success

If you are not a US citizen, you will need to obtain an F-1 to attend summer session. Prepare for this request in advance!

• Prepare your financial documents and have it ready when you complete the application. See requirements below.
• Request the I-20 from your host UC.
• Contact the nearest US embassy/consulate for information about visa application and to schedule an interview appointment. 

Required Funding

You must demonstrate proof of sufficient funding to support yourself while in the US. Tuition and fees are provided by the Exchange but you must provide living expense funding documentation for issue of the I-20. UC Berkeley requires a minimum of $6,750 USD. (amount is subject to change).

This amount does not include the cost of travel. The living expense estimate is for the purpose of I-20 issue only. Your actual costs will vary depending on your lifestyle and other travel while in California.

Documentation

The total amount of financial support in all letters, bank statements, etc. must equal or exceed the minimum living expense requirement. You may be asked to present financial documentation at the US embassy/consulate when you apply for an F-1 visa stamp in your passport. Keep the original copy of all financial documents in case you need it for your visa interview. 

• Your passport must be valid at least six months into the future.
• See these funding documentation guidelines

SEVIS Fee 

The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is an electronic system for collecting and managing information about international students and scholars. There is a SEVIS fee of $350. This fee is in addition to the fee paid to the US embassy/consulate for visa application and must be paid at least three days in advance of the visa interview appointment. See Visa Resources for more information on the SEVIS fee.

Travel

F-1 student visa regulations allow you to arrive no more than 30 days prior to the academic program start date printed on your I-20. The time required for processing of the student visa at the US embassy/consulate may vary. Allow adequate time for visa processing prior to departure.

You will benefit from a grace period of 60 days after the last day of the academic program. Plan leisure travel in the US for after you studies when you will have time to enjoy it!

Summer Housing

Berkeley offers many summer housing options. 
 
Housing is in high demand in the Berkeley area. Arrange for housing as soon as possible after enrollment! 

Cal Campus Housing
During the summer months, UC Berkeley welcomes students from all over the world! Summer Sessions Housing is available both in on-campus residence halls and on-campus apartments. Living on campus in the summertime provides terrific benefits including proximity to classes, great food, convenient study spaces, the support of resident assistants and front desk staff, and of course safety. Unique programming and events help you find your summer community and make lifelong friends. 

International House
The historic International House is conveniently located directly above the campus. Social activities, international connections and student support will make your stay one of your life’s most enjoyable and memorable living experiences. 

Berkleley Student Cooperative
The COOP provides a quality, low-cost, cooperative housing community. Each house is democratically run, and all residents contribute their time and work to help keep  housing costs affordable.

Cal Rentals (Community Housing Office)
Cal Rentals offers a variety of non-UC affiliated housing options in the community. 

BIO (Berkeley International Office) Resources
Includes temporary housing resources and tips for finding housing

Health Insurance

Medical care in the US can be very expensive. You are required to have health insurance coverage that meets the campus requirements. Purchase a health insurance policy before you arrive in Berkeley that will cover all medical and hospital costs from the time you leave your home country to the day you plan to return. 

See the insurance requirements and possible options for purchase prior to arrival in the US.

Bring with you a full description of the health benefits and an identification card giving the period of validity and US contact information. Proof of health insurance must be presented to the check-in staff during the first week of the session.

Glossary of Insurance Terms

Health Services

As a registered summer student, you will have access to general outpatient medical care through the University Health Services (UHS).

Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS) provides counseling services to assist with academic success, life management and personal growth and development.  All services are conveniently located and are confidential.

Financial Information

You are responsible for checking your student account regularly and paying for any fees that apply.

• CalCentral: View your student account.
• Payment Options: See Frequently Asked Questions.
• Document Management Fee: $68 one-time fee eliminates charges for individual documentary requests and provides students with unlimited transcripts, incomplete petitions, verifications of enrollment and more.
• Deadlines

Before You Arrive: Get Ready!

International Summer Student Tutorials Pre-Arrival Information

Go to this page for information and videos that will prepare you for success at UCB.

When You Arrive

Maintaining Your Visa Status
Read about the F-1 visa and how to maintain your visa status while at UC Berkeley.

Academic Qualifications

Are you highly motivated and ready to join UC courses offered during the intensive summer term?  Be prepared to contribute and study in an open, cooperative learning environment. Read the course descriptions carefully to ensure that you meet the course prerequisites. 

English Language Proficiency

If the language of instruction at your home university is not English, see the English-language proficiency requirements. 

English as a Second Language Courses

English as a second language courses are available. There is no minimum score requirement, just take the placement exam.

Also see introductory communications major coursework that is specifically paced and adapted to international students. 
 

Course Selection and Courses Load

Review course descriptions and be attentive to any prerequisites or special enrollment instructions noted (i.e.: "Math 5 required", "consent of instructor required" or "by audition only"). If you are not sure you meet course prerequisites, contact the host department or the instructor for help. Be prepared to provide documentation of your previous coursework (course description or syllabus, transcripts). 

Consider alternative courses in case your preferred courses are not available.

Minimum Course Load (Number of  Units)

The compressed time frame of the summer sessions means that you may need to devote a much greater percentage of time than usual to study.

• Plan to enroll in two classes depending on the number of units assigned each class. Most courses are 4-5 units.
• F-1 visa students are required to enroll full-time. Students must enroll in at least the same number of units as the number of weeks in a session.

Grades

An official UC transcript showing your enrollments and grades will be sent to your home university at the end of your session.

Grading Options

You will receive letter grades (A, B, C, etc.) for all coursework except in cases where pass/not pass grading is an option and you select it. Check your home university's grading requirements before you select a course grading option. You may change your grading option after courses start if you make the change by the "Change Grading Option" deadline. 

Enrollment Changes

Complete “add” and "drop" processes prior to the deadline. For all change requests, contact UCEAP. 

• Courses that are not dropped will later appear on the UC transcript as an "F" grade.
• Grades of "I" (incomplete) must be completed before the end of the following academic term or the "I" will become a grade of "F".

Steps to Visa Application Sucess

If you are not a US citizen, you will need to obtain an F-1 to attend summer session. Prepare for this request in advance!

• Prepare your financial documents and have it ready when you complete the application. See requirements below.
• Request the I-20 from your host UC.
• Contact the nearest US embassy/consulate for information about visa application and to schedule an interview appointment. 

Required Funding

You must demonstrate proof of sufficient funding to support yourself while in the US. Tuition and fees are provided by the Exchange but you must provide living expense funding documentation for issue of the I-20.

UC Los Angeles requires a minimum of $4,650 USD for each six week session (amount is subject to change). 

This amount does not include the cost of travel. The living expense estimate is for the purpose of I-20 issue only. Your actual costs will vary depending on your lifestyle and other travel while in California.

Documentation

The total amount of financial support in all letters, bank statements, etc. must equal or exceed the minimum living expense requirement. You may be asked to present financial documentation at the US embassy/consulate when you apply for an F-1 visa stamp in your passport. Keep the original copy of all financial documents in case you need it for your visa interview. 

Be prepared to upload the following documents:

• Passport page that shows your full legal name, passport number, birth date, passport expiration date, and photograph
• Bank verification of living expense funds. Complete the Confidential Financial Statement form and provide a bank letter written in English and on official bank stationery, dated within the last three months. A bank statement in English or Certificate of Deposit verifying funding can also be submitted.

SEVIS Fee 

The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is an electronic system for collecting and managing information about international students and scholars. There is a SEVIS fee of $200-$350. This fee is in addition to the fee paid to the US embassy/consulate for visa application and must be paid at least three days in advance of the visa interview appointment. See Visa Resources for more information on the SEVIS fee.

Travel

F-1 student visa regulations allow you to arrive no more than 30 days prior to the start date of the academic program. The time required for processing of the student visa at the US embassy/consulate may vary.  Allow adequate time for visa processing prior to departure.

You will benefit from a grace period of 60 days after the last day of the academic program. Plan leisure travel in the US for after you studies when you will have time to enjoy it!

Summer Housing

UCLA offers many housing housing options. Arrange for housing as soon as possible after enrollment!

• On-campus application will open in Spring
• University Cooperative Housing Association

Health Insurance

Medical care in the US can be very expensive. You are required to have health insurance coverage that meets the campus requirements. Purchase a health insurance policy before you arrive in Los Angeles that will cover all medical and hospital costs for the dates that the mandatory UCLA health insurance plan is not in effect (including when you are traveling).

You will automatically be enrolled in the mandatory UCLA insurance plan.

• Plan cost is $420 (includes BruinCare) - fee subject to change

Health Services

As a registered summer student, you will have access to general outpatient medical care through the UCLA Student Health & Wellness Center.

Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS) provides counseling services to assist with academic success, life management and personal growth and development. All services are conveniently located and are confidential.

Financial Information

View your student account to make payments and view your bills.

MyUCLA 

• International Student Orientation (iSTART): $59 will be billed to your account.
• Document Management Fee: $50 one-time fee eliminates charges for individual documentary requests and provides students with unlimited transcripts, incomplete petitions, verification of enrollment and more.
• Health Insurance (see Health tab): $420 - fee subject to change
• Late Add course fee: late fee of $50 will be charged to participants for each course added after the first two weeks of instruction.

When You Arrive

Visa Check-in
Campus Life
Activities
Student Guide