Winter/spring 2026

Merced is open to first-year and transfer applicants for spring 2026. Santa Cruz is open to transfer applicants for winter/spring 2026. 

Dates & deadlines 

July 1

Winter/spring 2026 application opens for select campuses 

August 1

Fall 2026 application opens   

October 1 - November 30 

Submission period for fall 2026 application 

 

Future first years:

Our doors are open

Every year, we welcome nearly 40,000 first-year students from all over California — and the world. It adds up to an eye-opening, boundary-breaking, horizon-stretching mix of backgrounds, cultures and ethnicities. Come be a part of it.

Transferring to UC?

We’re ready when you are

We make sure that California community college students are first in line for admissions. And if you’re well-prepared, you can even get a guaranteed place at some of our campuses.

What makes UC unique?

Extraordinary students from across California.

2 out of 3 California students who applied to UC last year got in.

You've got what it takes to get a UC degree. So what are you waiting for? Find everything you need to apply to the best public university system in the world.

A UC degree opens doors. Money shouldn’t close them.

A UC degree opens our students to a lifetime of opportunity. And with one of the best financial aid programs anywhere, we make sure those opportunities are open to everyone.

53%
of CA undergrads
pay no tuition

And 68% receive grants and scholarships (money that you don’t need to repay).

$0

Most California families earning up to $100,000, and that qualify for financial aid, pay no tuition. 

Life at UC

Beautiful sunset at Little Corona del Mar near @ucirvine, with a nice and clear view! | Photo credit and caption: @alexucimartinez

image/svg+xml UC Davis UC Berkeley UC Merced UC Santa Cruz UC Santa Barbara UC Riverside UC Irvine UC San Diego UCLA

With nine amazing campuses, you can’t go wrong.

From the program, to the setting, to the vibe: each of our nine campuses has something different to offer. But no matter which campus you choose, you’ll find a culture of academic excellence, and fellow students and faculty who’ll inspire you every day.

Explore our campuses