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Study at UCLA Extension in Los Angeles and receive a high-quality academic education at part of one of the United States’ most prestigious universities. UCLA Extension is part of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and has more than 100 years of experience providing continuing education to students and professionals from around the world.
With a more straightforward admission process than UCLA’s regular degree programs, flexible study options, and a broad selection of courses, UCLA Extension provides a more accessible route to studying in Los Angeles. Choose Study Abroad, where you combine courses during one or more quarters, or a career-focused Certificate Program that lets you specialize in a particular field.
As a Study Abroad student, you may also have the opportunity to take selected courses on UCLA’s main campus, while certain Certificate Programs may allow you to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) and gain valuable work experience in the United States after completing your studies. With instruction from experienced industry professionals, international connections, and close proximity to Los Angeles’s dynamic business community, UCLA Extension is an attractive choice for students seeking to combine study abroad with personal and professional growth.
Why Study at UCLA Extension?
UCLA is ranked No. 1 among public universities in the United States and has a world-renowned reputation.
Flexible study options ranging from 3 months to 1 year.
A wide range of courses in subjects ranging from business and finance to film production and natural sciences.
Learn from industry experts with valuable experience and professional connections.
Build an international network with students from around the world.
Experience life in Los Angeles, one of the world's most diverse cities.
Programs
Study Abroad (3 months to 1 year).
Certificate Programs (6 months to 1 year).
Study in Los Angeles, California
UCLA Extension is located in Westwood, one of Los Angeles’s most popular university neighborhoods. Students from around the world meet here in a lively, international setting with a wide range of restaurants, cafés, shops, and movie theaters. At the heart of the area is Westwood Village, where student life meets the energy of the city.
Westwood enjoys an attractive location in western Los Angeles, close to exclusive Beverly Hills and Bel Air, as well as popular Santa Monica with its beautiful beaches and famous pier. From here, you can explore everything from Hollywood’s film industry and entertainment scene to the city’s museums, shopping, and cultural attractions.
As a UCLA Extension student, you can experience a classic American university environment while living in one of the world’s most international and exciting cities.
UCLA Extension offers a wide range of university courses and career-focused Certificate Programs for international students. Choose Study Abroad, where you combine courses based on your interests and academic goals, or a Certificate Program that lets you specialize in a particular field. Programs usually last between 3 months and 1 year and combine academic knowledge with practical, career-focused instruction. Many courses award academic credit, while certain Certificate Programs may also provide an opportunity to gain work experience in the United States after graduation.
Study Abroad at UCLA Extension is a flexible option for students who want to study in the United States for one or more quarters. You choose courses from UCLA Extension’s broad catalog and can combine different subject areas based on your interests and academic goals. As a full-time student, you will usually take three courses per quarter, equivalent to at least 12 academic units.
Many courses award academic credit that may be transferred to other universities with prior approval. As a Study Abroad student, you may also apply to take selected regular UCLA courses through Concurrent Enrollment, subject to available space and completion of the course prerequisites.
Certificate Programs at UCLA Extension are specialized, career-focused programs for students and professionals who want to deepen their knowledge or prepare for an international career. Each program consists of a structured series of courses in a specific field and usually takes between 6 months and 1 year to complete.
Teaching combines academic knowledge with practical applications and is often led by experienced industry professionals. After certain Certificate Programs, eligible international students may apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which can provide up to 12 months of work experience in the United States after completing their studies.
UCLA Extension offers an extensive range of university courses and career-focused Certificate Programs across many subject areas. With Study Abroad, you can choose and combine courses based on your interests and academic goals, while Certificate Programs allow you to specialize in a particular field.
Teaching combines academic knowledge with practical applications and is led by experienced instructors and industry professionals. International students also receive academic advising, help selecting courses, and opportunities to take part in activities and build an international network.
Explore UCLA Extension’s course catalogs to find current programs, subject areas, and start dates.
UCLA Extension uses the quarter system, dividing the academic year into four quarters: fall, winter, spring, and summer. Each quarter spans approximately 12 weeks, although the length of instruction may vary by course and program. Study Abroad offers start dates in all four quarters, while Certificate Program start dates vary by program.
Quarter begins: Late September
Quarter ends: Mid-December Application deadline: August 15*
Winter quarter
Quarter begins: Early January
Quarter ends: Mid to late March Application deadline: November 15*
Spring quarter
Quarter begins: Late March
Quarter ends: Mid-June Application deadline: February 15*
Summer quarter
Quarter begins: Late June
Quarter ends: Mid-September Application deadline: May 15*
* Please note that the application deadline is the school’s official deadline. We recommend applying at least a few months in advance to ensure that you have enough time to meet the admission requirements, complete the application documents, and arrange your student visa. Do not hesitate to submit your application even if you are applying late. We will help you through the process.
Prices for Studying at UCLA Extension
Calistudies’ close partnership with UCLA Extension means that we help you free of charge with your entire application to the school, as well as applying for a visa and student financing. Below are the school’s estimated costs.
* Living expenses include accommodation, food, transportation, and personal expenses. These costs are estimates and may vary depending on course selection and individual needs.
The estimate below applies to full-time study for three quarters (about 9 months), equivalent to one academic year. UCLA Extension Certificate Programs range from 6 months to 1 year, and tuition varies by program.
Estimated cost per year (9 months):
Tuition and program fees: $17,842
Living expenses: $21,390*
Health insurance: $1,050
Total estimated cost: $40,282**
* Living expenses include accommodation, food, transportation, and personal expenses. These costs are estimates and may vary depending on the program and individual needs.
** This amount is UCLA Extension’s general estimate for Certificate Programs during one academic year. For programs with a different duration or different tuition fees, the current proof-of-funds requirement must be confirmed. Contact Calistudies for an exact price.
Once you have been admitted, you will receive further payment instructions. Payments are made directly to the school.
Financing Your Studies
Scholarships and Loans for Studying in the USA
There are several ways to finance your studies in the USA, including scholarships, grants, and student loan programs. In many cases, these options can help cover tuition fees, living costs, insurance, and travel.
UCLA Extension offers a limited number of scholarships, mainly connected to specific programs. Many scholarships can only be applied for after you have started your studies and achieved certain academic results. Competition is high, and receiving a scholarship is not guaranteed.
As an international student, you should therefore plan to finance your full program and living expenses without a scholarship. Calistudies will be happy to help you explore any available scholarship opportunities.
International students with an F-1 visa may work on the UCLA campus for up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session. However, the number of jobs is limited, and employment is not guaranteed. Working off campus requires specific authorization.
After certain Certificate Programs, you may also apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which may allow you to work in the United States for up to 12 months after completing your studies. The work must be directly related to your field of study and requires authorization from the U.S. authorities. Eligibility normally requires at least nine months of study in valid F-1 status.
Housing at UCLA Extension
International students at UCLA Extension usually live off campus. Housing options in Los Angeles include private student residences, homestays, and furnished apartments that you can rent on your own or share with other students. Many students arrange accommodation before traveling to Los Angeles, while others arrive one or two weeks early to find housing after they arrive. Westwood is popular with students, but housing costs may be higher than in nearby neighborhoods.
UCLA Extension provides information about different housing options, but you are responsible for booking accommodation and signing any rental agreements.
UCLA Extension has compiled a list of private student residences, homestays, and furnished apartments that may suit students planning to study in Los Angeles for an extended period.
If you need somewhere to stay when you first arrive in Los Angeles or before moving into your permanent accommodation, there are several hotels near UCLA. Some hotels may also offer special student discounts. Contact Calistudies for more information.
Apply to UCLA Extension
Start Your Application
Submit your interest and we’ll get back to you with more information or help you start your application. Free of charge and no obligation.
The following admission requirements apply to study at UCLA Extension:
Age: Normally at least 18 years old. Exceptions may be made in some cases.
Study Abroad Program: A minimum GPA of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale), plus high school or university transcripts translated into English.
Certificate Programs: You can usually apply directly after high school, with no specific grade requirements. However, some programs may have their own prerequisites.
Courses at UCLA’s main campus (Study Abroad Program): A minimum GPA of 3.0, higher English proficiency requirements, and completed prerequisites. Course availability cannot be guaranteed.
For Study Abroad with UCLA Extension courses and Certificate Programs, one of the following scores is normally required:
TOEFL iBT: 80
IELTS: 6.5
Duolingo English Test: 115
iTEP: 5.0
Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency: 170
CEFR: C1
Higher English proficiency requirements apply to regular courses on UCLA’s main campus through the Study Abroad Program: TOEFL iBT 100, IELTS 7.5, or Duolingo 135.
You may be exempt from an English proficiency test depending on factors such as your citizenship, language background, and previous education. Contact Calistudies, and we will help you confirm which requirements apply to you.
