Study at UC Berkeley from Nepal
When Nepali students think of the U.S., they often picture Ivy Leagues.
But here’s the secret — UC Berkeley, a top public university, competes head-to-head with them.
It’s not just about books and grades here.
At Berkeley, curiosity meets opportunity.
From Nobel Prize-winning professors to startup founders who built companies in their dorm rooms, this is a place where bold ideas come alive.
And Nepali students are part of that story — excelling in computer science, public policy, business, and beyond.
With Goreto, the best educational consultancy in Nepal, you’ll have guidance at every step, from choosing the right course to securing scholarships and visas.
Source: https://admissions.berkeley.edu
Why Choose UC Berkeley?
Location advantage – Just across the Bay from San Francisco and next to Silicon Valley, Berkeley puts you at the heart of tech, finance, and innovation.
Research powerhouse – Ranked among the top research universities globally, UC Berkeley is a leader in fields like AI, energy, biosciences, and public policy.
Industry connections – With close ties to Silicon Valley, students get internships, startup incubation, and some of the highest-paying job placements in the U.S.
Diversity & global presence – Over 6,000+ international students study at Berkeley, including a growing community from Nepal.
Mindset & culture – Berkeley is where activism, leadership, and bold thinking are not optional — they’re expected.
Source: https://news.berkeley.edu/about
Campuses
UC Berkeley’s main campus is in Berkeley, California, covering over 1,200 acres. Key areas include:
- Main Campus (Sproul Plaza, Sather Tower) – Academic and social hub.
- Lawrence Berkeley National Lab – A U.S. Department of Energy lab affiliated with the university.
- Haas School of Business – Globally recognized business school.
- College of Engineering & School of Information – Strong STEM and data-focused facilities.
Everything is in one vibrant, student-friendly city — with San Francisco just a short train ride away.
Source: https://visit.berkeley.edu
Number of Courses & Levels
UC Berkeley offers 350+ degree programs across multiple faculties.
- Undergraduate: 100+ majors across Arts, Sciences, Engineering, Business, and more.
- Postgraduate: 100+ master’s and PhD programs, with world-class research opportunities.
- Professional Schools: Law (JD), Business (MBA), Public Policy (MPP), and more.
Nepali students often choose STEM, Business, and Public Policy because of Berkeley’s strong links with employers.
Source: https://guide.berkeley.edu
Scholarships for Nepali Students
Scholarships for international students at UC Berkeley are limited at the undergraduate level, but postgraduates have more options through assistantships and fellowships.
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility | Coverage |
|---|
| Berkeley Graduate Fellowship | PG students with strong academics | Partial to full tuition |
| MasterCard Foundation Scholars | Students from Africa/Asia (including Nepal) | Full tuition + living |
| Departmental Research Assistantships | STEM & policy PG students | Stipend + tuition |
| Sikh Human Development Foundation | South Asian origin students | $1,000–$3,000 |
Goreto helps Nepali students apply early and prepare strong SOPs, which greatly increases funding chances.
Source: https://financialaid.berkeley.edu
Campus Life
At UC Berkeley, life is about more than classes:
- Nepali Students Association (NSA): Celebrates Dashain, Tihar, and supports new arrivals.
- 1,200+ clubs & societies: Robotics, drama, hiking, political activism, and more.
- Facilities: 24/7 libraries, research labs, gyms, yoga and meditation programs.
- Food & culture: Berkeley is famous for diverse food — you’ll even find Nepali momo and chai spots around campus.
- Weekend getaways: San Francisco, Silicon Valley, Yosemite National Park, and Lake Tahoe are all nearby.
Nepali students say Berkeley offers the perfect balance between academic pressure and vibrant student life.
Source: https://life.berkeley.edu
Notable Alumni
- Steve Wozniak – Co-founder of Apple
- Jennifer Doudna – Nobel Prize in Chemistry (CRISPR gene-editing)
- Chris Pine – Hollywood actor
- Eric Schmidt – Former CEO of Google
- Robert Reich – Former U.S. Secretary of Labor
Source: https://alumni.berkeley.edu
Rankings
- QS World University Rankings 2025: #10 globally
- Times Higher Education 2025: #9 globally
- U.S. News Best Global Universities 2025: #4
UC Berkeley is consistently ranked in the top 10 worldwide.
Source: https://www.topuniversities.com/universities/university-california-berkeley
Tuition Fees (2025–26)
| Program Type | Annual Tuition (USD) | Approx. in NPR* |
|---|
| Undergraduate | $47,500 | NPR 6,317,500 |
| Postgraduate (Master’s) | $45,000–$50,000 | NPR 5,985,000–6,650,000 |
*Exchange rate: $1 = NPR 133. Rates fluctuate; check with Goreto for updates.
Source: https://registrar.berkeley.edu
Living Expenses in Berkeley
| Expense Category | Monthly (USD) | Approx. in NPR |
|---|
| Accommodation | $1,200–$1,800 | NPR 159K–239K |
| Food & groceries | $300–$500 | NPR 39K–66K |
| Transport | $100 | NPR 13K |
| Health insurance | $250 | NPR 33K |
| Miscellaneous | $100–$200 | NPR 13K–26K |
| Total | $2,000–$2,800 | NPR 266K–372K |
Yes, it’s costly — but remember, Berkeley = Silicon Valley jobs. Long-term, it pays off.
Source: https://financialaid.berkeley.edu/cost-attendance
Library
UC Berkeley has 30+ libraries, including the famous Doe Library and Bancroft Library, housing millions of books, journals, and digital resources. Many are open 24/7 during exams.
Source: https://www.lib.berkeley.edu
Placements & Career Support
- Career Center services: Resume workshops, LinkedIn training, and job fairs.
- Internship pipelines: Strong pathways to Silicon Valley and beyond.
- Alumni network: 500,000+ members, many in leadership roles.
- Work visas: OPT and STEM OPT extension available for Nepali students.
Berkeley graduates are among the highest-paid in the U.S..
Source: https://career.berkeley.edu
Top Companies Hiring Berkeley Grads
- Google
- Apple
- Meta (Facebook)
- Amazon
- Tesla
- Deloitte
- McKinsey & Company
- Goldman Sachs
- UN, WHO, World Bank (policy grads)
Source: https://career.berkeley.edu
Graduate Average Salaries
| Field | Avg. Salary (USD/year) | Approx. NPR/year |
|---|
| Computer Science & Engineering | $120,000 | NPR 15.9M |
| Business & Finance | $110,000 | NPR 14.6M |
| Public Policy & Social Sciences | $80,000 | NPR 10.6M |
| Life Sciences & Health | $90,000 | NPR 11.9M |
Source: https://www.payscale.com/research/US/School=University_of_California-Berkeley
Part-Time Jobs for Nepali Students
- During classes: Up to 20 hours/week (on-campus only).
- During breaks: Full-time (40 hrs/week).
- Common jobs: Library support, dining hall, residence assistant, tutoring, or IT help desk.
- Graduate students: Many secure RA/TA roles with stipends.
Goreto guides you on how to prepare a U.S.-style CV and apply for campus jobs.
Source: https://internationaloffice.berkeley.edu
Upcoming Intakes
- Undergraduate (UG):
- Application Opens: August 1
- Deadline: November 30 (Fall only; no Spring intake)
Postgraduate (PG):
- Application Deadlines: December–February (varies by department)
- Intake: Mostly Fall (some Spring options)
Source: https://admissions.berkeley.edu
Eligibility Criteria
Undergraduate (UG)
- Completion of +2/NEB or equivalent with a minimum GPA of 3.5 (competitive students are often higher).
- SAT/ACT optional — UC system has suspended standardized test requirements.
- Strong personal insight essays (PIQs) are crucial.
- English proficiency test required.
Postgraduate (PG/Master’s & PhD)
- Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university with minimum GPA of 3.0+ (varies by program).
- GRE: Required for some courses (STEM, Economics) but waived in many programs.
- Relevant academic or research background.
- English proficiency test required.
Berkeley doesn’t just check grades — it values leadership, community work, and curiosity.
Goreto helps students highlight these strengths in applications.
Source: https://admissions.berkeley.edu | https://grad.berkeley.edu
Required Documents
| Document Type | Undergraduate (UG) | Postgraduate (PG) |
|---|
| Academic Transcripts | +2 / A-Level results | Bachelor’s transcripts |
| Passport | Required | Required |
| SOP / Essays | UC Personal Insight Questions | SOP strongly required |
| Letters of Recommendation | Not required | 2–3 required |
| Test Scores | IELTS/TOEFL (SAT optional) | IELTS/TOEFL, GRE if needed |
| Resume / CV | Optional | Required |
| Financial Proof | For I-20 & visa | For I-20 & visa |
Goreto helps arrange these in the exact order UC Berkeley requires to avoid delays.
Source: https://admissions.berkeley.edu | https://grad.berkeley.edu/admissions
Contact Details
English Language Requirements
| Test | UG Minimum Score | PG Minimum Score |
|---|
| IELTS | 6.5 overall | 7.0–7.5 (varies) |
| TOEFL iBT | 80+ | 90–100+ |
| Duolingo | Not accepted | Not accepted |
| PTE | Not accepted | Not accepted |
Only IELTS and TOEFL are widely accepted at UC Berkeley — make sure to book tests early.
Source: https://admissions.berkeley.edu/requirements | https://grad.berkeley.edu/admissions
Admission Timeline
Undergraduate (UG)
- Application Opens: August 1 (via UC Application, not Common App)
- Deadline: November 30 (Fall intake only)
- Decisions Released: March
- Intake: Fall (September)
Postgraduate (PG)
- Deadlines: December–February (department-specific)
- Intake: Fall (most programs), Spring (few courses)
UC Berkeley follows a strict November deadline for UG.
Goreto ensures Nepali students prepare well ahead of time.
Source: https://apply.universityofcalifornia.edu | https://grad.berkeley.edu/admissions
