Berkeley Global Access Home > Study Away Programs

Earn credits toward your degree and experience San Francisco and the Silicon Valley—yes, please!

Take advantage of this immersive undergraduate experience at a consistently top-ranked global research university. Whether you want to study for a semester or a full academic year, you can experience a study-away, life-changing experience without leaving the U.S.

In addition to learning alongside UC Berkeley students, you'll also be taking classes with international students coming from all over the world—creating a truly global learning environment! Explore the diverse cosmopolitan San Francisco Bay Area, home to leading tech startups, classic cable cars, moderate weather and breathtaking ocean views.

Berkeley Accessibility

23%

Incoming first-years are first-generation students

Students tossing bear figurine into the air

#youarewelcomehere

21%

Students transferring from another institution, often a community college

Berkeley Global Access Program Information Session

Register for one of our upcoming sessions today!

Register Today

Meet Berkeley Global Access Program Alumna Reihaneh Iranmanesh

Reihaneh studies computer science and statistics at Amherst College and chose Berkeley Global Access Program for a study-away opportunity.

"One of the main reasons I came here was to explore the San Francisco Bay Area. What makes Berkeley unique is how diverse the campus and the student population is."

Renowned Academics Fit Your Goals

Choose from thousands of courses—either those you can't find at your home university or those that will provide transfer credit toward earning your degree.

During your semester or year-long experience, you'll take courses on the beautiful Berkeley campus. Each semester, you can enroll in a variety of UC Berkeley classes for a minimum of 12 units and a maximum of 18 units total of credit-bearing courses. Research opportunities are also available!

Take courses in your major with other Berkeley students in popular subject areas such as:

  • Computer Science
  • Engineering
  • Mathematics
  • Statistics
  • Social Sciences
  • Humanities
  • Business
  • Biology

Small Class Sizes

71% of undergraduate classes have fewer than 30 students.

Find Courses that Transfer

Explore our database to find out which Berkeley courses could transfer to your home institution. This search tool allows you to find past classes that have transferred to students' home institutions in the past*.

*This data is based on records of student transcript requests to home institutions. UC Berkeley cannot guarantee transfer of credit to any other college or university. We recommend consulting with your college adviser before enrolling, as transfer and articulation of course credit is always up to the receiving institution.

Imagine Yourself Studying in Berkeley

Student Shageldi Ovezov

"Even though I had software engineering experience before, I never received formal education in the field until I came to Berkeley. Currently, I am teaching a student-led software engineering course at Berea using the knowledge gained in my Berkeley CS courses.

Beyond the classroom: "I explored San Francisco a lot. I got to see the Golden Gate Bridge and the California Academy of Sciences, and experience roller blading (one of my hobbies) at the Church of 8 Wheels, among many other things."

—Shageldi Ovezov, Computer Science and Mathematics Major
Senior at Berea College (Kentucky)

Join a Diverse Academic Community

Students in Sproul Plaza on the Berkeley Campus

Study alongside other UC Berkeley and international students—build your community of global friendships.

Meet fellow students from all over the U.S. and from around the world!

119+

Number of countries our students come from

10,000

International students each year

Many students walking near Sather Gate

Make new friends: During your program, you will become part of a valuable academic community—participate in study groups to prepare for exams and use the expertise of your fellow classmates to get feedback about class assignments. Other students are also a good source of advice and recommendations on local activities and making the most out of your time in Berkeley.

Being a Cal Bear From Day One

Outside of the classroom, join numerous activities being held on campus every day:

1,200 Student Clubs and Organizations: Join a pre-professional group. Or take part in one of our unique clubs, such as Hackers@Berkeley and Skateboarding Crew of Berkeley.

Museums, Film Archives and Concerts: Hosting famous musicians, artists and speakers is a daily occurrence at Berkeley.

34 Club Sports and Endless Intramural Teams: Join an intramural group, work out in one of four state-of-the-art recreational centers or enjoy off-campus sports like snowboarding or surfing.

Focus on Your Future: Career Development and Coaching Course

In this 1–unit class, you will get a step ahead in your future plans by identifying your strengths, building your emotional intelligence and applying them in a professional setting through tangible skill building. Take advantage of coaching, workshops, guest speakers and career panels.

At the end of the course, you will:

  • Understand the Bay Area and Silicon Valley innovation ecosystem through exposure to industry experts
  • Be a more effective verbal, nonverbal and written communicator
  • Grow your cross-cultural competencies
  • Acquire personal branding skills, including crafting a résumé and cover letter, networking and interviewing

Meet Career Development Coach Sally Clapper:

Program Details

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*Program fee of $4,650 is included.

Scholarships are available. Get tips on writing a compelling scholarship essay!

Fees include:

  • Courses
  • Housing advice and visa support
  • Orientation to Berkeley
  • Personal academic advising
  • Immersive trips around the Bay Area
  • Graduate school admissions and career services support
  • Comprehensive health insurance
  • Access to campus services (libraries, recreational services, local transit pass and more!)

Fees do not include:

  • Textbooks
  • Supplies
  • Travel and housing costs
  • Meals or daily expenses

Dates

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Admission Requirements

Applications are open to university students (undergraduate and graduate levels) and recent graduates.

Minimum Academic Requirements

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Minimum English-Language Proficiency Requirements

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iBT Special Home Edition and myBest scores are accepted. Scores must be from the past two years.

Applications open soon!

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Apply Now

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