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.
Low percentage, study gap or no work experience?
Find out which US universities you still qualify for.
More Universities & admissions questions
- Will I be able to pass the English proficiency exam given my concerns about language skills?
- What are some effective online German language classes for Indian students preparing to study in Germany?
- By when should my HEP point be completed, should it be this month to avoid delay in UK?
- If I apply to two courses at the same university, do I need separate letters of recommendation for each course or can I use the same letter for both?
- Is Germany the best first priority country for my course and career scope for a Master's?
- Which universities in the USA offer MS Engineering Management for a B.Tech Automotive Engineering graduate, Duolingo 120 and ₹80 lakhs budget?
- Can I pursue an MBA abroad after completing a Bachelor of Science degree?
- Can I study in the UK without IELTS, and which universities accept other English tests?
More USA questions
- Is the USA the best country option for my AI or data science master's program, or should I consider other countries in UK/Canada?
- Can you track an Employment Pass application on the MOM portal when your employer files it?
- What are the differences in career opportunities and PR options between Germany and Canada?
- Can I apply for an education loan up to 30 to 35 lakhs or 30 to 40 lakhs budget?
- What are the visa application chances and procedures for USA compared to Australia?
- Is my daughter planning to settle down abroad with permanent residency or just study in Singapore/USA for a Master's?
- Is the scholarship available for the next intake in USA for a Master's?
- What are the English language test options required for MBA applications?