University of California, Davis

The University of California, Davis (UC Davis) is a public research university in Davis, California, founded in 1905 as the University of California’s farm school. Today it is one of the ten campuses of the world-renowned University of California system and a leading destination for international students seeking a top-tier American education at public-university value. Ranked #=114 in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and #64 in the THE World University Rankings 2026, UC Davis is globally celebrated for veterinary science, agriculture, environmental science, engineering and the life sciences. With more than 38,600 students — including over 8,200 international students — 107 undergraduate majors and 101 graduate programs, the campus offers breadth, research depth and a welcoming college-town environment. UC Davis is test-blind for undergraduate admission, meaning no SAT or ACT scores are considered, and its world-class programs in veterinary medicine (ranked #2 in the world) and agriculture and forestry (also #2 in the world, QS by Subject 2026) draw students from every corner of the globe.

UC Davis Rankings 2026

UC Davis holds a strong position in every major global ranking system, and its trajectory in 2026 shows clear upward momentum after a dip in 2025. Here is the complete picture:

The QS trend tells a story of resilience: #=85 (2016–2017), #118 (2018), #=100 (2019), #104 (2020), #112 (2021), #=108 (2022), #=102 (2023), #=118 (2024), #130 (2025), and now #=114 in 2026. The campus also placed in the global top 100 in biological sciences (tied #43), economics and econometrics (tied #71), psychology (tied #99) and environmental sciences (tied #18). UC Davis ranked 42nd in the world in the broad QS category of life sciences and medicine. International students should note that these rankings are cited as indicative of research strength, and applicants should always verify the latest figures on official university pages before making decisions.

Popular Programs at UC Davis

UC Davis offers 107 undergraduate majors and 101 graduate programs across four colleges and six professional schools. The following are among the most popular with international applicants:

Undergraduate Programs

• BS Animal Science (4 years) — the flagship program feeding the world-famous School of Veterinary Medicine; hands-on work with the campus’s animal facilities and research farms.
• BS Computer Science (4 years) — a highly competitive program in the College of Engineering with strong industry ties to the Bay Area and Silicon Valley, roughly an hour away.
• BS Biological Sciences (4 years) — one of the largest majors, ideal preparation for medicine, biotechnology and graduate research; QS biological sciences ranked tied #43 globally.
• BA Economics (4 years) — QS economics and econometrics tied #71 in the world; popular with students targeting finance, consulting and policy careers.
• BS Mechanical Engineering (4 years) — ABET-accredited, with access to cutting-edge labs and the university’s strong industry partnerships.
• BS Viticulture and Enology (4 years) — the study of grape-growing and winemaking, a signature UC Davis program in the heart of California wine country.

Graduate and Professional Programs

• Master of Business Administration, Graduate School of Management (2 years) — full-time, part-time and online options with a strong agribusiness and technology focus.
• MS Computer Science (2 years) — research-oriented program with faculty working in AI, systems and data science; GRE requirements vary by year.
• DVM, School of Veterinary Medicine (4 years) — consistently ranked among the very best veterinary programs in the world; extremely competitive.
• MS Biological and Agricultural Engineering (2 years) — a top-ranked program blending engineering with food, water and environmental systems.
• MPH / MS Biostatistics (2 years) — strong quantitative health programs connected to UC Davis Health in Sacramento.
• JD, UC Davis School of Law (3 years) — a well-regarded public law school with strengths in environmental and immigration law.

All programs are taught in English. International students should check departmental pages for the most current curriculum details, as program structures are updated periodically.

UC Davis Admission Requirements 2026

Undergraduate admission to UC Davis is handled through the University of California application, and the campus is test-blind — SAT and ACT scores are not considered at all. Admission is holistic, weighing academic performance, the personal insight questions, extracurricular depth and context.

Undergraduate Requirements

• Academic record: strong performance in a rigorous secondary curriculum. The middle 50% of admitted students typically present very high GPAs (indicative).
• India (CBSE/ISC): competitive applicants generally present 85%+ in Class XII with strong marks in subjects relevant to the intended major (indicative guidance — check the international admissions page).
• Bangladesh (HSC): the Higher Secondary Certificate alone is generally not considered equivalent to US high school completion for direct entry; students commonly complete A-levels, the IB Diploma or a recognized foundation pathway first (indicative — verify with the admissions office).
• IB Diploma: competitive applicants typically present 30+ points (indicative).
• A-Levels: typically ABB–AAB or better depending on the major (indicative).
• English proficiency: IELTS 6.5+, TOEFL 80+ or Duolingo 115+ (see table below).

Graduate Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree equivalent to a US 4-year degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale (departmental cutoffs are often higher).
• GRE: required by some departments, waived by others — check the specific program page.
• Letters of recommendation: typically three, from academic referees.
• Statement of purpose and, for research degrees, alignment with faculty research interests.

Research Degrees (PhD)

PhD applicants need a strong academic record, research experience and a clear statement of research interests. Most PhD students receive multi-year funding packages combining fellowships, teaching assistantships and research assistantships.

English Language Requirements

UC Davis sets the following minimum English proficiency standards for international applicants (indicative — always confirm on the official admissions page, as requirements can change):

Some competitive programs set higher thresholds. Students who do not meet the minimum may be considered for conditional pathways in limited cases — contact the admissions office for current options.

UC Davis Tuition Fees for International Students (2026)

As a public university, UC Davis charges international (nonresident) students a nonresident supplemental tuition on top of base tuition. UC Davis uses a cohort-based tuition plan, meaning the rate is locked for continuing students based on their year of first enrollment. Figures below are from official UC Davis sources for the 2026-27 academic year (verify current figures before budgeting):

The total estimated cost of attendance for a nonresident undergraduate living on campus in a residence hall is approximately $88,279 per year (official 2026-27 estimate), which is the figure international students must demonstrate for the F-1 visa. Health insurance (~$3,996/year) is mandatory. Note that fees have been rising — collegedunia data shows the indicative first-year tuition figure around $39,270 in earlier listings, so always use the official UC Davis cost pages for planning.

Cost of Living in Davis (2026)

Davis is a classic American college town — consistently ranked among the most bike-friendly cities in the US — and living costs are moderate by California standards, though higher than the US national average. A realistic monthly budget for an international student:

Money-Saving Tips

• Live in on-campus housing for the first year — it simplifies budgeting and builds community.
• Buy a used bicycle; Davis is flat and bike lanes are everywhere, saving hundreds on transport.
• Cook at home and shop at the Davis Farmers Market and discount grocers.
• Use the campus’s free resources: gym, libraries, counseling and career services are included in fees.

Part-Time Work

F-1 students may work up to 20 hours per week on campus during term (full-time during breaks). UC Davis has many on-campus jobs in dining, libraries, labs and recreation. Off-campus work requires authorization (CPT or OPT) — see the visa section.

UC Davis Scholarships for International Students

UC Davis offers limited but real scholarship opportunities for international undergraduates, and graduate funding is more substantial:

• Undergraduate Merit Scholarships: automatic consideration on admission for incoming international students with a 3.25 GPA or higher; awards range from $100 to $14,000 per academic year (globalscholarships.com, indicative — no separate application).
• Dean’s Merit Scholarship: awarded to international bachelor’s students based on academic achievement and financial need; automatic consideration with the admission application (indicative).
• Regents Scholarship: the most prestigious UC award, for top applicants across the UC system; includes a monetary award plus priority registration and faculty mentorship (indicative).
• Graduate fellowships and assistantships: most PhD students receive multi-year funding; many master’s students secure teaching or research assistantships covering tuition plus a stipend.
• External scholarships: international students should also explore Fulbright, home-country government scholarships and private foundations.

How to Maximize Your Chances

• Apply by the November 30 UC deadline — scholarship consideration is tied to the admission application.
• Maintain the strongest possible academic record; merit awards are GPA-driven.
• Write compelling personal insight responses; they matter for both admission and scholarships.
• For graduate programs, contact potential faculty supervisors early — assistantships often follow faculty interest.

Campus and Facilities

The UC Davis main campus spans 5,300 acres in the city of Davis, about 15 miles west of Sacramento and 70 miles from San Francisco — close enough for Bay Area internships, far enough for a true college-town feel. Highlights include:

• Peter J. Shields Library and the Carlson Health Sciences Library, with millions of volumes and 24-hour study spaces during term.
• World-class research facilities: the School of Veterinary Medicine’s teaching hospital, the Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts, the Robert Mondavi Institute for Wine and Food Science, and extensive agricultural field stations.
• UC Davis Health in Sacramento — a major academic medical center offering clinical, research and volunteer opportunities.
• Student facilities: the Activities and Recreation Center (ARC) with pools, climbing walls and fitness studios; the Memorial Union; 800+ student clubs; 25 NCAA Division I athletic teams (the Aggies).
• Sustainability: UC Davis is a national leader in campus sustainability, with LEED-certified buildings, a campus solar farm and one of the most bike-friendly campuses in America.

Accommodation Options

UC Davis guarantees housing for incoming first-year students who apply on time. Options include:

• Tips: apply for housing as soon as you accept your admission offer; popular residence halls fill fast.
• Off-campus leases in Davis typically run 12 months — budget for summer even if you travel home.
• The university’s student housing office maintains listings of verified off-campus rentals; avoid wiring money for unseen apartments.

Application Deadlines and Intakes 2026

UC campuses share a single application with one deadline — missing November 30 means waiting a full year. Graduate deadlines vary by department; some programs also offer winter/spring entry. Always confirm on official pages, and apply early enough to allow 2–3 months for visa processing after admission.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step

1. Choose your program and review requirements on the official UC Davis admissions site.
2. Undergraduate: complete the UC application online (apply.universityofcalifornia.edu) between the opening date and November 30; select UC Davis and your major; answer four personal insight questions.
3. Graduate: apply through the UC Davis graduate application portal; upload transcripts, statement of purpose, CV and recommendation letters.
4. Submit English test scores (IELTS/TOEFL/Duolingo) if required.
5. Pay the application fee (~$95 for international undergraduates, indicative).
6. Track your application via the applicant portal and submit any requested documents promptly.
7. Accept your offer, pay the deposit, and request your I-20 for the F-1 visa.
8. Apply for housing and register for orientation.

USA Student Visa — Key Points

International students at UC Davis study on the F-1 student visa. Key points for 2026:

• Full cost of attendance: you must show funding for the full estimated COA — approximately $88,279/year for a nonresident undergraduate living on campus (official 2026-27 estimate). Acceptable proof includes bank statements, sponsor affidavits and scholarship letters.
• SEVIS I-901 fee: $350 (indicative), paid before the visa interview, plus the visa application fee.
• Visa interview: at a US embassy/consulate; bring your I-20, admission letter, financial documents, passport and SEVIS receipt. Be prepared to explain your study plans and ties to your home country.
• Work rights: on-campus work up to 20 hours/week during term (full-time in breaks). Off-campus employment requires authorization — CPT for curricular internships, OPT after completion.
• Post-study work: OPT allows 12 months of work authorization; STEM OPT extension adds 24 more months (36 total) for eligible science, technology, engineering and mathematics graduates — highly relevant for UC Davis’s STEM-heavy programs.
• Maintain status: full-time enrollment each quarter, valid passport and I-20, and report address changes. UC Davis’s Services for International Students and Scholars (SISS) office supports students throughout.

Visa policies can change; always verify current requirements on the official US Department of State and UC Davis SISS pages.

Research Excellence at UC Davis

UC Davis is a research powerhouse with annual research expenditures exceeding $1 billion. Signature strengths include veterinary medicine and animal health, agriculture and food systems, environmental and climate science, and human health — the university operates one of the world’s leading veterinary teaching hospitals and the California National Primate Research Center. The campus is home to the MIND Institute (neurodevelopmental research), the Mondavi Institute and major USDA partnerships. Undergraduates can join research through programs like the Undergraduate Research Center, working alongside faculty on real projects — a significant advantage for graduate school applications.

Notable Alumni

UC Davis’s alumni network spans veterinary medicine, agriculture, technology, public service and the arts, with graduates leading organizations worldwide. The university’s alumni community is particularly strong in California’s agricultural, biotech and environmental sectors. (Specific names and achievements should be verified on official university pages, as public listings change over time.)

UC Davis vs Peer Universities

UC Davis competes as the UC system’s specialist in life sciences, agriculture and veterinary medicine — for students in those fields it often outranks higher-placed generalist peers in subject terms, while offering a calmer college-town setting than Los Angeles or the Bay Area.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is UC Davis ranked in QS 2026?

UC Davis is ranked #=114 in the QS World University Rankings 2026, up from #130 in 2025. It is also #64 in the THE World University Rankings 2026 and #32 nationally in the U.S. News Best Colleges rankings.

2. Does UC Davis require the SAT or ACT?

No. UC Davis — like all University of California campuses — is test-blind: SAT and ACT scores are not considered in admission decisions at all.

3. How much does it cost for international students?

The official 2026-27 estimated cost of attendance for a nonresident undergraduate living on campus is approximately $88,279 per year, including tuition, fees, room and board, books, insurance and personal expenses. Tuition alone is roughly $44,813–$55,025 depending on your cohort.

4. What GPA do I need to get into UC Davis?

Admission is competitive and holistic. Competitive international applicants typically present very strong secondary-school results — for example, 85%+ in India’s CBSE/ISC (indicative guidance). There is no fixed cutoff; the whole application is reviewed.

5. Does UC Davis offer scholarships to international students?

Yes, though they are limited. Incoming international students with a 3.25+ GPA are automatically considered for Undergraduate Merit Scholarships ($100–$14,000/year, indicative), and the Dean’s Merit Scholarship is also available. Graduate students have broader access to assistantships and fellowships.

6. When is the UC Davis application deadline?

The UC application deadline for Fall 2027 undergraduate entry is November 30, 2026, which is also the final deadline for scholarship consideration. Graduate deadlines vary by department (typically December–January).

7. Can international students work while studying?

On an F-1 visa you may work up to 20 hours per week on campus during term time and full-time during breaks. Off-campus work requires CPT or OPT authorization.

8. What is UC Davis best known for?

Veterinary science (#2 in the world), agriculture and forestry (#2 in the world), environmental science, biological sciences and engineering. It is the UC campus of choice for life-sciences and agriculture-focused students.

9. Is Davis a good place to live as an international student?

Davis is a safe, welcoming college town with a large international community, excellent cycling infrastructure and easy train access to Sacramento and the Bay Area. Living costs are moderate for California.

10. Does UC Davis offer OPT/STEM OPT?

Yes. F-1 graduates are eligible for 12 months of OPT, with a 24-month STEM extension (36 months total) for qualifying STEM degree holders — covering most UC Davis science and engineering programs.

Why Choose UC Davis: Student Life and Outcomes

Beyond rankings, UC Davis offers a student experience that international applicants consistently praise. The campus culture is famously collaborative rather than cutthroat — the “Aggie” identity centers on community, public service and hands-on learning. With 800+ student organizations, there is a club for nearly every interest, from cultural associations representing dozens of nationalities to engineering project teams, pre-professional societies and performing arts groups. The International Center runs orientation programs, English conversation groups and cultural festivals that help newcomers settle quickly.

Career outcomes are strong: UC Davis was ranked 2nd among US public universities for setting graduates up for financial success in the Wall Street Journal/College Pulse 2026 rankings, and 13th among all universities nationally. The Internship and Career Center connects students with employers across California, and the campus’s proximity to Sacramento (state government, policy) and the Bay Area (technology, biotech) creates exceptional internship pipelines. The Aggie alumni network is one of the largest in the UC system, with active chapters around the world — including in India and Bangladesh — that mentor new graduates.

For students weighing UC Davis against private alternatives, the value proposition is compelling: a world-class research education, guaranteed-style housing for freshmen, and total costs often tens of thousands of dollars below comparable private universities, without compromising on outcomes.

Tips for Indian and Bangladeshi Applicants

Indian applicants should note that UC Davis evaluates CBSE, ISC and state board results in context — competitive applicants to popular majors like Computer Science and Biological Sciences typically present 90%+ in Class XII (indicative). The personal insight questions carry real weight, so invest time in authentic, specific responses rather than generic statements. Bangladeshi applicants: because the HSC alone is generally not treated as equivalent to a US high school diploma for UC admission, plan your pathway early — completing A-levels or the IB Diploma is the most common route, and some students transfer after a year at a recognized university. English proficiency can sometimes be demonstrated through sustained English-medium instruction, but submitting an IELTS or TOEFL score removes all doubt. Finally, remember the November 30 deadline is absolute — the UC system grants no extensions, so have your application ready at least a week early.

Final Thoughts

The University of California, Davis offers international students a rare combination: a world top-115 university, globally #2 programs in veterinary science and agriculture, billion-dollar research enterprise, and public-university tuition well below private peers — all in a friendly college town within reach of Sacramento, Silicon Valley and San Francisco. Admission is competitive but transparent, scholarships reward strong academics automatically, and STEM OPT pathways make it a smart long-term investment. If your ambitions lie in the life sciences, agriculture, environmental science, engineering or veterinary medicine, UC Davis deserves a place at the very top of your shortlist. Start your application early, aim for the November 30 deadline, and verify every figure on the official UC Davis website before you apply.

Sources and Verification

This article was researched in October 2026 using: the official UC Davis cost and admissions pages (ucdavis.edu), UC Davis Finance & Business tuition tables, UC Davis official news releases on THE 2026 rankings, topuniversities.com (QS official profiles), yocket.com, collegedunia.com, globalscholarships.com and shiksha.com. Rankings cited are QS World University Rankings 2026 and THE World University Rankings 2026. Tuition and cost figures are indicative and change annually — always verify current figures on the official UC Davis website before making financial or application decisions. StudyGraduate is an independent information portal and is not affiliated with the University of California.