Program Overview

About UC San Diego

The University of California opened its doors in 1869 with just 10 faculty members and 38 students. Today, the UC system includes more than 238,000 students and more than 190,000 faculty and staff, with more than 1.7 million alumni living and working around the world. For almost 150 years, UC has expanded the horizons of what we know about ourselves and our world. Our campuses are routinely ranked among the best in the world, but our reach extends beyond campus borders.

UC San Diego is a student-centered, research-focused, service-oriented public institution that provides opportunity for all. Recognized as one of the top 15 research universities worldwide, a culture of collaboration sparks discoveries that advance society and drive economic impact. Our students are committed to public service. For the fifth consecutive year, UC San Diego has been ranked first in the nation based on research, civic engagement and social mobility. We are one campus with multiple pillars of excellence, a top ten public university that is transforming lives, shaping new disciplines and advancing the frontiers of knowledge.

UC San Diego's rich academic portfolio includes six undergraduate colleges offering more than 100 undergraduate majors, five academic divisions and five graduate and professional schools. The university’s award-winning scholars are experts at the forefront of their fields with an impressive track record for achieving scientific, medical and technological breakthroughs.

UC San Diego will transform California and a diverse global society by educating, by generating and disseminating knowledge and creative works, and by engaging in public service.

About San Diego

Welcome to San Diego, California's second largest city, where blue skies keep watch over 70 miles of majestic coastline and a gentle Mediterranean climate and friendly locals create a welcoming vibe all its own.

Bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west, the Anza-Borrego Desert and the Laguna Mountains to the east, and Mexico to the south, the diverse neighborhoods of San Diego are spread out over 4,200 square miles, offering endless opportunities for exploration and activities. Spend a day relaxing in one of the many beach communities, then hiking in the east San Diego County mountains the next. Explore the urban neighborhoods of San Diego's downtown, from the iconic Gaslamp Quarter to the eclectic community of Hillcrest. Visit the quaint and charming island town of Coronado or the picturesque village of La Jolla. San Diego's regions are so unique and diverse; there are plenty of options to discover something new each time you visit.

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Academic

Click Here for a list of courses offered to exchange students.

Term date

• Host Institutions usually organize orientation activities for exchange students, with some mandatory, which take place 1-2 weeks before the start of the term. You should refer to the acceptance package and pay attention to the expected arrival or pick-up dates specified by your host institution.
• You should only depart after finishing all the final examinations (including resits) since host institutions will not make special arrangement for taking any examinations other than scheduled.
• Please CLICK HERE for more information on host institution’s term dates.