Mission: Accepted! U.S. College Admissions Insights for International Students
February 11, 2025
The University of California (UC) system is renowned globally for its academic excellence, diverse campus life, and prestigious programs. With nine undergraduate campuses across California, the UCs attract thousands of international students each year. In fact, over 22,000 new international students enrolled at the University of California in the fall of 2024, making up about 11% of the admitted student body.
This article will help you understand the specific UC admission requirements and how to meet their A-G subject criteria.
What are the A-G Subject Requirements?
All first-year applicants including out-of-state and international students, must meet the California A-G subject requirements, a set of 15 college-preparatory courses. These courses span a variety of disciplines, ensuring that you are well-rounded in your education before attending UC. You must take these A-G courses while in high school (secondary school).
Here is a breakdown of the required courses, along with examples of what might fulfill each category:
A: History/Social Science (2 years)
Example Courses: World History, U.S. History, Government and Politics
These courses must cover important global and national events, developments, and systems.
B: English (4 years)
Example Courses: English Literature, English Language Arts, Advanced Composition, Creative Writing, English as a Second Language (for students where English is not the primary language)
The UC requires that your English courses emphasize writing, reading, oral skills, and literary analysis and composition.
C: Mathematics (3 years)
Example Courses: Algebra I/II, Geometry, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, Integrated Math
While three years are required, a fourth year of math, such as Statistics, may strengthen your application. The UC recommends that students complete a math course beyond Algebra II. One year of geometry is mandatory.
D: Science (2 years)
Example Courses: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Science, Earth Science
These science courses must include at least one year of biological science and one year of physical science. They should include lab work to provide hands-on experience with scientific inquiry and experimentation.
E: Language other than English (2 years)
Example Courses: Spanish, French, Chinese, German, Latin
If you are applying from a non-English-speaking country, your native language may fulfill this requirement. The UC looks for proficiency in a second language; many students exceed the minimum and take more than two years of study in the same language.
F: Visual and Performing Arts (1 year)
Example Courses: Art History, Drawing and Painting, Dance, Music (Band, Orchestra, Choir), Theater Arts
This category allows for creativity and artistic expression, with courses introducing students to visual or performance-based arts.
G: College-Preparatory Elective (1 year)
Example Courses: any course from subject areas a-f, Computer Science, Journalism, Psychology
This elective can be from any of the above areas, or you may take courses in other academic subjects that contribute to your college readiness.
Meeting the A-G Requirements
International students typically meet these requirements through their country's educational system. However, some educational systems may not have the exact courses that satisfy the A-G criteria. In such cases, you may need to provide additional documentation. All courses must be passed with a minimum grade letter of 'C' or higher.
Equivalency of Exams and Courses
Another way to satisfy the A-G requirements is by getting a minimum score on certain AP or IB exams. The equivalency options for meeting the A-G requirements are available to all first-year applicants, including those from California, out-of-state, and international students.
Country-Specific Admission Requirements
Each country has its own educational system, which may or may not align with the A-G requirements. The UC recognizes the diversity of global education systems and provides guidelines for different countries.
Click on your country to learn more:
13-Year system
If pre-university education in your country takes 13 years, you must:
Complete all 13 years before entering UC
Graduate from secondary school and earn a certificate of completion that allows you to attend a university in your country.
The application will ask you to fill out information about your high school/secondary school, including the years you attended and the grades you received. The application only has 9th – 12th grades as options (in the United States, 12th grade is equivalent to the year of schooling before you attend university). You should list your 13th year of coursework under 12th grade and work backward through 11th, 10th and 9th grades.
For example: Enter courses/subjects in progress or marks/grades you earned in your 13th year for the 12th grade, your 12th year marks/grades for the 11th grade, your 11th year marks/grades for the 10th grade, and your 10th year marks/grades for the 9th grade. Many 13-year systems also include exams. If you sat or will sit for any external exams, record those on the International Exams page of the application, under the Test Scores tab.
International Schools
The international school must be accredited by your country’s Ministry of Education or the Ministry of Education of the country upon which your educational system is based, or have U.S. regional accreditation. You also must earn a certificate of completion that will allow you to enter a university in the country upon which your educational system is based.
For example, if your international school follows a U.S. curriculum, your school must have U.S. regional accreditation and you must graduate with a U.S. high school diploma.
British system
You must complete at least 5 IGCSE/GCSE/GCE O-Levels, and at least 3 academic GCE A-Level exams to be considered for admission. Report your subjects and grades (if available) on the International Exams page of the application, under the Test Scores tab (step 4 of 5). If you sat for the same subject more than once, you must report the grades earned from each sitting.
Korea
If you are accepted to UC, you must complete required high school classes with above-average grades and submit official middle and senior high school academic records/transcripts and a senior high school diploma to the UC campus where you plan to enroll. The records must include all course titles and grades received.
Canada
Quebec: You must complete the Diplôme d’études secondaires (DES) as well as the 2-year Diplôme d’études collégiales (DEC) offered at Collèges d’enseignement général et professionnel (CEGEPs). UC may award up to one year of transfer credit on a course-by-course basis for coursework completed at a CEGEP.
All other provinces and territories: You must earn the appropriate high school/secondary school graduation diploma after completing 12 years of education.
Malaysia
You must complete either the SPM and STPM or the SPM and at least 3 academic GCE A-Level exams to be considered for admission. Report your SPM, STPM, and GCE A-level subjects and results on the International Exams page of the application, under the Test Scores tab.
China
If you are following the IGCSE/GCSE/GCE curriculum, you must do the following to be eligible for admission:
Complete at least 5 IGCSE/GCSE/GCE O-Levels, and at least 3 academic GCE A-Level exam. Report your subjects and grades (if available) on the International Exams page of the application, under the Test Scores tab (step 4 of 5).
If you are following the Chinese national curriculum, follow these instructions for the application:
List all courses and marks, from grade 9 (year 3 of lower middle school) through grade 12 (years 1 through 3 of upper middle school) exactly as they appear on your official academic records. Be prepared to submit your Graduation Certificate from the upper middle school as well as official lower and upper middle school academic records (grades 9-12) if you are accepted to UC.
New Zealand
You must complete year 13 and earn at least 42 credits at NCEA Level 3. You should report your NCEA Levels 1-3 results in the International Exams page of the application under the Test Scores tab.
Hong Kong
If you attended a local secondary school that offers the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) curriculum and you are accepted to UC, you must submit the HKDSE to the UC campus where you plan to enroll as soon as results are available.
If you attended a school that does not offer the HKDSE curriculum, please refer to the list on this page and look for the education system your school offers.
Pakistan
You must complete both year X and XII state or board examinations with average marks above 70 to be considered for admission. Report your subjects and marks on the International Exams page of the application, under the Test Scores tab.
India
You must complete both year X and XII state board or CBSE examinations, with average marks above 70 to be considered for admission. Report your subjects and marks on the International Exams page of the application, under the Test Scores tab.
Saudi Arabia
When filling out your coursework and marks/grades, refer to the Intermediate School Certificate (Shahadat Al Kafa’at Al Mutawassita) and the General Secondary Education Certificate (GSEC) (Shahadat Al-Marhalat Al-Thanawiyyat) for accuracy.
After you are accepted to UC, you must submit both of the following documents by July 1 to the UC campus where you plan to enroll:
An official Intermediate School Certificate (Shahadat Al Kafa’at Al Mutawassita) with courses listed and grades received for each course; and
An official General Secondary Education Certificate (GSEC) (Shahadat Al-Marhalat Al-Thanawiyyat) with courses listed and grades received for each course, indicating completion of required high school courses with above average grades.
Both certificates must:
Indicate completion of the following subjects in an academic, non-vocational secondary program: history/economics, Arabic, foreign language (English), laboratory science, mathematics (including geometry and second year algebra at a minimum);
Include course title and grades received; a minimum average of 75 percent is needed for consideration with no grade lower than 65 percent.
Indonesia
You must complete the SMP and SMA to be considered for admission. Report your SMP and SMA subjects and results on the International Exams page of the application, under the Test Scores tab.
Singapore
You must complete either the Integrated Programme or at least 5 Singapore-Cambridge GCE O-Levels, and at least 3 academic Singapore-Cambridge GCE A-Level exams at the H2 level to be considered for admission. UC will not consider H1 level exam results. Report your subjects and grades (if available) on the International Exams page of the application, under the Test Scores tab.
International Baccalaureate
You must report grades exactly as they appear on your official academic records (that includes the secondary school transcript and exam report from the International Baccalaureate Organization.)
If your school releases predicted scores for the diploma exams, you should enter the predicted scores on the IB Exams page of the application. If predicted IB scores are not available at the time you submit the application, you do not need to report them on the application, and you do not need to submit them at a later date (unless a campus requests that you do so). UC campuses do not use predicted scores as the only factor for admission.
All Other Countries
You must complete a rigorous college preparatory program that includes the minimum academic subject requirement courses. UC is aware that many school systems may not offer similar courses, but the UC expects students to take challenging courses offered in their schools. Students must complete secondary school and be eligible to enter a competitive university in their country to be considered for UC admission.
Academic Records
When applying to a UC, you do not need to submit your official academic records. Instead, you will be self-reporting your information (courses and grades).
Once accepted to a UC, you will be asked to provide your official transcripts. In the United States, academic records are typically referred to as a "transcript," but in your home country, it may have different names, such as statement of marks, report card, statement of results, or record of achievement. Regardless of what it is called, your academic record should include all the courses you have completed, your grades or marks, and any degrees or certificates you earned. If applicable, you may also need to submit results from any external exams, such as the GCE A-levels or the International Baccalaureate exams.
English Proficiency
As an international student from a non-English-speaking country, you will also need to demonstrate your proficiency in the English language. This requirement ensures all students can thrive in the UC's academically rigorous environment. The UC typically accepts standardized English language tests such as TOEFL or IELTS, but you may also meet this requirement by obtaining a minimum score in the English section of the ACT or SAT. Please note that the University of California is test-blind and will not consider SAT or ACT scores for admission purposes.
Conclusion
The University of California offers an outstanding education and a dynamic, diverse campus experience. We have helped many students successfully gain admission to various UC campuses and are committed to supporting you every step of the way. We are here to assist if you need guidance on meeting the course requirements, understanding your academic records, or navigating the application process.
Let us help you make your UC dreams a reality.
Sources: The University of California
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