University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)

University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)

Overview

The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is a premier public research university focused exclusively on health sciences. It is renowned for its cutting-edge research, innovative medical education, and exceptional healthcare delivery.

Established: 1864 as Toland Medical College; became part of the University of California system in 1873.

Location: San Francisco, California, USA.

UCSF is a global leader in health science education and research. With state-of-the-art facilities and an emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration, the university provides a rich environment for advancing knowledge in medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, nursing, and biomedical sciences.

Programs Offered

Schools and Divisions

• School of Medicine
  • MD Program
  • Dual-Degree Programs (MD/PhD, MD/MAS)
  • Residency and Fellowship Programs
• School of Pharmacy
  • PharmD Program
  • Graduate Programs in Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmacogenomics
• School of Dentistry
  • DDS Program
  • Advanced Specialty Training Programs
• School of Nursing
  • Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
• Graduate Division
  • PhD Programs (e.g., Biophysics, Bioinformatics, Neuroscience)
  • Master’s Programs (e.g., Clinical Research, Biomedical Imaging)

Rankings

UCSF consistently ranks among the top universities globally and in the United States for health sciences:

• U.S. News & World Report: Ranked #2 for medical research (2024).
• Times Higher Education: Ranked #9 globally for clinical, pre-clinical, and health (2024).
• National Institutes of Health (NIH) Funding: Consistently one of the highest-funded institutions in the U.S.

Tuition Fees (Estimated per Year)

Program Type	Residents	Non-Residents/International
Undergraduate (Pre-Med)*	Not applicable	Not applicable
Graduate (Medicine)	$37,500 – $45,000	$50,000 – $60,000
Graduate (Pharmacy)	$30,000 – $38,000	$45,000 – $52,000
Graduate (Dentistry)	$45,000 – $55,000	$60,000 – $70,000
Graduate (Nursing)	$25,000 – $35,000	$40,000 – $50,000
PhD Programs	Fully funded	Fully funded
*Note: UCSF does not offer undergraduate programs; students enter professional schools after completing pre-medical or other undergraduate degrees elsewhere.

Living Costs

Expense Type	Estimated Monthly Cost	Estimated Annual Cost
Accommodation	$1,500 – $3,000	$18,000 – $36,000
Food	$400 – $700	$4,800 – $8,400
Transportation	$100 – $200	$1,200 – $2,400
Utilities & Other Expenses	$200 – $500	$2,400 – $6,000
Total	$2,200 – $4,400	$26,400 – $52,800

Accommodation

University-Managed Housing

UCSF provides on-campus and affiliated housing options for students, residents, and postdocs.

• Mission Bay Housing: Modern apartments close to the Mission Bay campus.
• Parnassus Heights Housing: Convenient location near the main UCSF campus.
• Amenities: Fully furnished apartments, utilities included, family housing options.

Cost Range: $1,500 – $3,000 per month.

Private Housing

Many students opt for private housing in San Francisco’s vibrant neighborhoods.

• Shared Apartments: $1,000 – $2,000 per month (per person).
• Studio Apartments: $2,000 – $3,500 per month.
• Additional Costs: Utilities ($200 – $500), internet ($50 – $100).

Food

Students at UCSF have access to diverse dining options both on and off-campus.

• On-Campus: Cafeterias and cafes offering healthy, diverse meals.
• Nearby: Numerous restaurants catering to a range of dietary preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
• Groceries: Local stores and farmers’ markets provide fresh, affordable produce.

Estimated Cost: $400 – $700 per month.

Transportation

San Francisco’s public transportation system is extensive and student-friendly.

• MUNI: $81/month (discounted Clipper Card for students).
• BART: Regional transit connecting to nearby cities.
• Biking and Walking: Many students live close enough to bike or walk.
• Ride-Sharing: Services like Uber and Lyft are widely available.

Estimated Monthly Cost: $100 – $200.

Visa Information

F-1 Student Visa Requirements:

• Proof of acceptance into a full-time program at UCSF.
• Evidence of financial support covering tuition and living expenses.
• Valid passport.

Processing Time: Typically 3-5 weeks.

Travel Costs

Expense	Cost Range
International Flight	$800 – $1,500 (one-time)
Local Transportation	$1,200 – $2,400 (annual)
Intercity Travel (Optional)	$500 – $1,000 (annual)

Support Services

• Career Services: Workshops, career fairs, and networking opportunities.
• Counseling and Mental Health Services: Free or low-cost services available for students.
• Student Organizations: Over 100 organizations catering to diverse interests.
• Financial Aid Office: Assistance with scholarships, grants, and loans.

UCSF fosters a supportive, collaborative, and inclusive environment, ensuring students thrive academically and personally.