History
Following the gold rush that brought hundreds of thousands of people to the state, the University of California is founded when two institutions merge - the private College of California in Oakland, and a new state land-grant institution, the Agricultural, Mining and Mechanical Arts College. Leaders of the two institutions decide to join the two schools with 10 faculty members and 40 students.
Education
From 10 faculty members, 40 students and three fields of study at the time of its founding, UC Berkeley has grown to more than 1,600 faculty, 35,000 students and over 350 degree programs in 130 academic departments and 80 interdisciplinary research units.
Research
At Berkeley, we address the biggest challenges of the day to create a better world. From robotic legs to the origins of the universe, research at Berkeley crosses disciplines and illuminates new ideas.
Student services
The Division of Equity & Inclusion acknowledges that UC Berkeley sits on the territory of xučyun (Huichin), the ancestral and unceded land of the Chochenyo speaking Ohlone people, the successors of the sovereign Verona Band of Alameda County.
We recognize that every member of the Berkeley community has, and continues to benefit from, the use and occupation of this land, since the institution’s founding in 1868. Consistent with our values of community, inclusion, and diversity, we have a responsibility to acknowledge and make visible the university’s relationship to Native peoples.
Library services
UC Berkeley offers housing to fit every type of need. Virtually all first-year students choose to live in our residence halls. You’ll form lifelong friendships, share ideas, and meet top students, scholars, and faculty from all over the world.
ICT services
Computer support, web applications, printers, and other IT support for the department leadership and administrative staff
Medical services
University Health Services at the Tang Center is a fully-accredited outpatient center designed to address all aspects of health, with medical, mental health, wellness and health education all under one roof.
Campus life
Life at Berkeley doesn't stand still. With over 35,000 students from around the world and a vibrant urban setting, it's no wonder the campus community talks about a "fear of missing out." Jump in and find out how dynamic and interconnected life at Berkeley can be.
Sports facilities
Cal Recreational Sports is dedicated to enhancing the knowledge, wellness, fitness, personal skills and quality of life for students, faculty, staff, and the community. By providing facilities, programs, activities and the opportunity for cooperative and competitive play, Recreational Sports teaches life-long fitness skills, leadership, management, interpersonal skills, and helps to balance the stress of studying and working in a rigorous academic environment.
Student clubs
- ASUC
- Berkeley Art Studio
- Cal Alumni Association student programs
- Cal Greeks
- Cal Rec Sports
- Cal spirit groups
- Choral ensembles
- The Daily Californian
Accreditation
UC Berkeley has been fully accredited since 1949 and had its accreditation reaffirmed most recently in 2015 under the Western Association of Schools & Colleges (WASC) pilot institutional review process.
University of California, Berkeley Overview
University of California, Berkeley Rankings
Study Portals Meta Ranking
Top 0.1% United States
Top 0.3% Worldwide
Studyportals ranking look at the scores of the most used ranking systems and present you with one number of how well this University performs.
Academic Ranking of World Universities
5
By Shanghai Jiao Tong University
The university hasn’t moved up or down in the rankings over the past year.
ARWU World University rankings is the first world university ranking. It ranks the world's top 1000 colleges and universities based on objective indicator. They look at the number of award-winning (Fields Medals and Nobel Prize) scientists who are located there, how much of their research is cited and referenced around the world, and how much they've contributed to different academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, ARWU ranks the universities accordingly.
3 year trend Academic Ranking of World Universities
| 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
Best Global Universities Rankings
6
By U.S. News & World Report
Dropped 1 places compared to 2025
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.
3 year trend Best Global Universities Rankings
| 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 6 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
World University Rankings
9
By Times Higher Education
Dropped 1 places compared to 2025
World University Rankings is a vital resource that provides the definitive list of the world's best universities. They look at how often they're producing new ideas, what their reputation is around the world, and how much they're contributing to science and academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, THE ranks the universities accordingly.
3 year trend World University Rankings
| 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | 8 | 9 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
QS World University Rankings
17
By TopUniversities
Dropped 5 places compared to 2025
QS World University Rankings is one of the top international rankings measuring the popularity and performance of universities all over the world. They measure university reputation based on the impressions of higher education experts, companies who hire graduates, and teaching quality. QS also considers the ratio of international teachers and students present at universities, as well as the times research papers were mentioned by researchers. After calculating and comparing these criteria, QS ranks the universities accordingly.
3 year trend QS World University Rankings
| 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | 12 | 17 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
University of California, Berkeley Campus Locations
#1 Main Campus
United States Country
Berkeley City
#2 Branch Campus
China Country
Shenzhen City
University of California, Berkeley Student Reviews & Awards
4.3
Based on 94 reviews
- 5 Star 37 Reviews
- 4 Star 50 Reviews
- 3 Star 6 Reviews
- 2 Star 1 Review
- 1 Star 0 Reviews
How Students Rated This University
- Overall Satisfaction 4.3
- Student Teacher Interaction 4.4
- Student Diversity 4.1
- Admission Process 4.0
- Quality of Student Life 4.2
- Career Development 4.4
Intense Yet Rewarding Challenge
UC Berkeley is an incredible tough school, but if you don't crack under the pressure, you'll come out a diamond. Environment is pretty competitive and no one leads you by the hand; you have to figure out a lot of things on your own. Some enjoy this competitive environment, but it's definitely not for everyone.
Scholarship helps costs
Great place to study, probably quite expensive for those without scholarship. I have liked all my professors. It has been very successful and an adventure for life. I lived in dorm, which worked very well. It is difficult to get affordable housing here.
UC Berkeley Top Tier
As a student, my experience at the University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) has been nothing short of extraordinary. It's not just a public university; it's a place where education transcends traditional boundaries, a haven for intellectual growth and innovation. The faculty here, including numerous Nobel laureates and Fields Medalists, aren't just names on research papers; they are mentors and educators who genuinely invest in our learning. Their brilliance and dedication make each lecture an inspiring journey. The diversity of programs available is astounding. Whether it's the cutting-edge research in the College of Engineering or the groundbreaking work in the College of Environmental Design, there's a sense of limitless possibility. Being able to engage in research as an undergraduate, working alongside top-tier researchers, has opened my eyes to the real impact of academic inquiry. But Berkeley is more than its academic prowess. Its location in the San Francisco Bay Area is a crucible of cultural, political, and social activism. This environment instills in us a sense of responsibility to engage with the world's pressing issues. Campus life is vibrant and diverse, with countless clubs and organizations that cater to every imaginable interest, creating a rich community tapestry. Above all, Berkeley embodies a spirit of public service and social justice. It's not just about individual achievements here; it's about how we can contribute to the broader society. This ethos resonates deeply with me and my fellow students. We're not just preparing for successful careers; we're being equipped to make meaningful contributions to the world. In this blend of academic excellence, community, and social consciousness, UC Berkeley truly stands out as an exceptional public university.
Studied here? Share your experience
Global Student Satisfaction Awards 2025
The Global Student Satisfaction Awards empower students across the globe to determine the best universities of 2025. Universities with a score above 4.0 (out of 5) in any of the 7 award categories, receive Badges of Excellence. Congratulations!
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Overall SatisfactionHow would you rate your overall study experience?
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Student Teacher InteractionHow helpful were your teachers?
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Student DiversityHow diverse was the atmosphere at your university?
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Admission ProcessHow simple was it to apply to your programme?
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Quality of Student LifeHow was your everyday life?
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Career DevelopmentDid the university provide support for your career development?