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Studying at UC Berkeley will impact the rest of your life. In this visiting student program, you will have a great learning experience that will give you an advantage when applying to graduate school or a future job. Make sure your story involves one of the most renowned universities in the world!
For a semester or full academic year, you can choose the courses that most interest you—and fit with your academic goals. Study alongside other UC Berkeley students while taking new and innovative classes that you wouldn't find at your home university. Learn from UC Berkeley's distinguished professors—who are esteemed professionals in their academic and research fields—on a culturally diverse campus.
100% Berkeley
You are taking Berkeley classes on campus.
You are learning from Berkeley faculty.
You are in class with Berkeley students.
Berkeley Global Access Program Information Session
Register for one of our upcoming sessions today!
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Alum Tilman Josef Loeschel on His Experience in BGA
"The Berkeley Global Access Program gives you the opportunity to really gain insights into challenging and innovative topics here on campus during the lectures, but also embrace new opportunities to meet new people while embracing new cultures."
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 visiting student 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
- Economics
Note: The list of approved Business and Economics classes changes every semester.
Small Class Sizes
71% of undergraduate classes have fewer than 30 students.
Campus Classes
To view available courses, select the academic term, then the subject you are interested in. If you're interested in taking a series of focused courses in a single subject area, you may be interested in our business or physics tracks.
You will have the opportunity to take some graduate-level courses with the approval of the faculty and campus departments. You must meet the listed prerequisite requirements to be eligible for any course. The following graduate departments will not allow the enrollment of visiting students, which includes but is not limited to, Business, Economics, Data Science, Physics, Law and the College of Environmental Design (includes undergraduate-level courses).
Transfer Courses!
Units earned in this program can be transferred back to your home university, or help prepare you for graduate and professional schools.
What do the letters and numbers mean in a course title? How will this help me transfer units? Read about our course letters and numbers.
Study Alongside Berkeley Students
Spring 2023 graduate Janik Sauerbier:
"A highlight for me was the chance to work together with Berkeley students within the courses. You're really engaged together in the projects and in the coursework."
Join a Diverse Academic Community
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
Make new friends: During your program, you will become part of an academic community. This community is a valuable resource—you can 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.
Imagine Yourself Studying in Berkeley
“For me, one of the experiences going into the Unforgettable memory box is my time at Berkeley, and I am fairly certain that it will stay there for as long as I walk this planet. If you want to go to a university that, in addition to being the Number 1 public university in the world (shout out!!), has people from all around the world gathered in one place, Berkeley's the deal. I have hands-down never seen such life, different cultures and unity in a more diverse group of people—ever. There is something and someone for everyone. If you engage in the social life of Berkeley, you will find what you're looking for and never have an unwanted lonely moment. ”
—Spring 2022 graduate Christian Johnsrud
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.
“Hey, I'm Sophie and I'm a computer science and finance major from Norway. After just a month at Berkeley, I have already felt positively uplifted by being part of such an energetic environment empowered by diverse, wonderful students, passionate professors and the many opportunities that sunny California offers!”
—Spring 2022 graduate Sophie Bjertnaes
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
Total Program and Tuition Fees*: {{ program.cost.min | currency:$:0 }}–{{ program.cost.max | currency:$:0 }}; price based on number of units enrolled.
*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
Minimum completion of 1 academic term is required.
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Minimum English-Language Proficiency Requirements
Applicants must submit official evidence of English-language proficiency. Exceptions to this requirement are made.
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iBT Special Home Edition and myBest scores are accepted. Scores must be from the past two years.
Fall 2024 applications open Mar. 1, 2024.