What GRE score and academic background do Indian students need to get into UCLA for Masters?
For a UCLA masters, aim for a GRE around 320 to 330 where it is required, a 4-year bachelor's degree with at least a 3.0 GPA or roughly 75 percent, and strong English scores. Many departments, including Computer Science, have made the GRE optional for 2026-2027.
UCLA handles graduate admissions department by department, so exact requirements vary by field, but the core targets are consistent. You generally need a competitive GRE where it is asked for, a solid four-year bachelor's degree and high English proficiency. Importantly, many programmes have made the GRE optional or dropped it entirely for the 2026-2027 cycle.
GRE and Academic Requirements
| Requirement | Benchmark for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|
| GRE (Engineering and STEM) | 320 to 330, with Quant around 165 to 170 |
| Degree | 4-year bachelor's from a recognised university |
| Minimum GPA | 3.0/4.0, roughly First Class or 7.5+ CGPA |
| Competitive GPA (CS) | Successful applicants often exceed 9.0 |
Test Policies and Profile Builders
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Computer Science and EE | GRE optional for 2026-2027, can submit voluntarily |
| Mechanical and Aerospace | GRE required as part of the core package |
| TOEFL iBT | Minimum 87, competitive scores above 100 |
| Recommendation letters | Usually three from professors or managers |
My Advice
Check the exact GRE policy for your target department before you register, because sending a mediocre optional score can hurt more than skipping it. If you hold a 3-year degree, know that UCLA generally expects a full four-year qualification, so plan around that early. Strengthen your profile with research or a published IEEE or ACM paper for thesis tracks, since that is often what separates a 3.0 applicant from an admitted one.
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