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Take Your Education to New Heights

The University Credit Program (UCP) is a flexible quarterly program that allows visiting international students to earn University of California credit, gain valuable work skills, or even complete a professional certificate.

How it Works

UCP students may choose from two main types of courses: UCR main campus courses and Extension courses. UCP tuition covers 12 units of any combination of courses, except as noted below*, and UCP students can also enroll in additional courses for a fee of $350 per unit.

UCR Main Courses (Undergraduate and Graduate Level)

UCP students can join main-campus UCR students in university-credit courses from over 80 undergraduate majors and 50 graduate programs.** Many UCP students use these university credit courses to meet degree requirements at their home university. UCR is also one of only three UC campuses which offers undergraduate degrees in Business.

Benefits

  • Learn from UCR faculty and top researchers in their field.
  • Choose from courses in a variety of fields, including engineering, business, humanities, the sciences, and more.
  • Study with American and other international students in a university academic environment.
  • Earn transferable degree credit.***
  • Receive ongoing help and support from UCR Extension Academic Advisors who work closely with you on course selection and placement for your maximum benefit.
  • Enjoy expedited placement into select upper-division business, computer science, and engineering courses each quarter.

Notes:

  • *Courses in the MBA program require additional fees. Please contact us for more details.
  • **As with UCR degree students, UCP students may not get their first main-campus course choices and must be prepared to take alternative courses.
  • ***Please check with your home institution to ensure transferability of selected courses.

UCR Extension Courses

Students in the UCP program can access a wide range of UCR Extension courses in business, management, project management, finance, accounting, organizational leadership, and other subjects. Courses occur in the late afternoon and evenings on weekdays.

Benefits

  • Courses are taught by real-world practitioners and experts in their field.
  • Courses are taught using a student-centered approach with individual and group projects, class discussions, and practical experience.
  • Many UCR Extension courses carry credit and can be transferred to other institutions. (Please check your institution to ensure transferability.)
  • UCP students can earn a UCR Extension Professional Certificate in one or more quarters with careful planning and advisor assistance.
  • Receive expert advice from our Academic Advising staff on course and schedule planning.
  • Build your professional network with other international students and make career connections.

Who Can Attend

Admission Requirements

  • Advanced-level English required
    • 550 TOEFL PBT (or 80 TOEFL iBT)
    • 6.5 IELTS
    • 100 Duolingo
    • Pass all level 6 in our ESL program

Note: If you don’t meet the minimum language requirement, you may study in our Intensive English Plus program first.

  • Minimum age: You must be at least 18 years of age on the first day of your program to be admitted to one of our on-campus (face-to-face) international programs. Special exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis for students who are verified to be turning 18 during the first quarter of their program.
  • This is a full-time program. Students must enroll in a minimum of 12 units and meet in-person course instruction requirements (i.e., only one online course).
  • UCP students must obtain an F-1 (student) visa.
  • No degree required for admission, but a strong academic record recommended.

Dates

2025

  • Winter: Jan 2 - Mar 26
  • Spring: Mar 26 - Jun 18
  • Summer: Jun 23 - Sep 12
  • Fall: Sep 23 - Dec 15

Before You Apply

You will be asked to create an account and you will need to provide a valid email address, mailing address and other personal information. Collect any required documents so that you are prepared to upload them.

Supporting Documents

  • Copy of your passport photo page.
  • Agency, embassy, or partner university information (only required if you are working with an agent, embassy or partner university)
  • Statement of Financial Support Form - required for students with F-1 visas
  • Financial Bank statement (in English) - required for students with F-1 visas
  • If you are applying as an F-1 transfer student from another U.S. institution, you must submit copies of your current I-20 form, I-94 form, and F-1 visa. If you are accepted into the UCP, your acceptance letter will provide further instructions on completing your transfer.
  • If you are presently under 18 years old, have your parents complete the parental release form (also see below for age restrictions).
  • Some applicants may require additional documentation, if requested.

Minimum Age Requirement for Admission to an On-Campus International Program: You must be at least 18 years of age on the first day of your program to be admitted to one of our on-campus (face-to-face) international programs. Special exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis for students who are verified to be turning 18 in the first quarter of their program.

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