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The University of California

LSE offers undergraduate students the opportunity to spend a full academic year at the University of California in Berkeley, Los Angeles and San Diego.

American college life seemed as something quite obviously different - from the social side to extracurricular initiatives, sports as well as academia. I wanted to gain a first hand experience of it all.

Marta, LSE-Berkeley exchange student

An information session for students interested in applying to a GO LSE exchange programme usually takes place during the the Autumn term of each academic year.

About

The University of California was founded in 1868, born out of a vision in the State Constitution of a university that would "contribute even more than California's gold to the glory and happiness of advancing generations." 

Please follow the links below to view specific information relating to the campuses where LSE students can study: 

 

Eligibility

The scheme is open to all second year LSE undergraduate students (apart from students on the CIVICA Engage Track). Generally applicants are required to have passed all of their first year exams (without resits) and to have achieved a 60% average across their courses.

Fees, Living Costs and Financial Support

Tuition fees

GO LSE students are not required to pay any tuition fees to the University of Californa to participate in the exchange programme. Students will continue to pay tuition fees directly to LSE. Your tuition fee while studying abroad is significantly reduced as compared to when you are on campus. For further information, please visit the fees and funding webpage

Travel, Health Insurance, and Visas

Travel

GO LSE exchange students are expected to make their own travel arrangements. If you are eligible for Student Finance, you may be eligible for a grant to cover some of your travel expenses. More information on Student Finanace is available in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland can be accessed on each Student Finance body’s website.

GO LSE exchange students will be covered under LSE's Travel Insurance policy, following completion of the notification of travel and risk assessment form.

Health Insurance

Medical treatment in the United States can be very expensive and therefore University of California requires that all students purchase their Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) or an alternate plan with equivalent coverage. The cost of this insurance in the 2021-22 academic year was $1,894 per semester (or around £1,400).

Visas

Most students will need to apply for a J1 exchange visitor visa to study at University of California. It is the student's responsibility to apply for the appropriate student visa.

UCB Visa timeline
An overview of the visa application timeline

For further information, please visit the UCEAP webpages 

How to Apply

Please visit our how to apply webpage.

For up to date information, please check this page regularly.