Program Costs
Continuing your education is a sound investment in your future and the decision to pursue a graduate degree is an important one. This page will be updated with estimated costs for AY 2026-27 in the summer.
Estimated Annual 2025-26 Cost of Attendance
| Residents | Non-Residents | |
|---|---|---|
| MEng Tuition and Fees | $50,446.50 | $63,305.50 |
| *Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) | $7,848.00 | $7,848.00 |
| Institutional Resilience + Enhancement Fee (IREF) | $282.00 | $282.00 |
| Estimated Total Tuition and Fee Costs | $58.576.50 | $71,435.50 |
| Estimated Annual Personal Expenses | |
|---|---|
| Housing and Utilities | $19,432 |
| Food | $9,576 |
| Books and Supplies | $752 |
| Personal | $3,246 |
| Transportation | $3,768 |
| Total Estimated Personal Expenses | $36,774 |
*The amounts shown here represent, for planning purposes, estimates of tuition and fees for existing and proposed professional degree programs. Figures for systemwide tuition and fees represent currently approved amounts and may not be final. Actual tuition, fees, and charges are subject to change by the Regents of the University of California. Final approved 2026-27 tuition and fee levels may be higher or lower than the amounts presented. Accordingly, final figures are subject to change and may differ from the amounts shown.
Some or all instruction for all or part of the academic year may be delivered remotely. Tuition and fees have been set regardless of the method of instruction and will not be refunded in the event instruction occurs remotely for any part of the academic year . Figures for tuition and fees represent currently approved amounts and may not be final. Actual tuition and fees are subject to change by the University of California as determined to be necessary or appropriate. Final approved tuition and fee levels may differ from the amounts presented.
About Academic Employment at UC Berkeley
Employment can be an important source of financial support for eligible Berkeley graduate students. Academic Student Employees (ASEs) and Graduate Student Researchers (GSRs) are among the highest paid in public higher education and receive competitive benefit packages as outlined below. Most funding packages for doctoral students include some semesters of academic student employment.
Graduate students at Berkeley are most commonly employed as Graduate Student Instructors (GSI), Graduate Student Researchers (GSR), Readers, and Tutors. Students must meet certain academic requirements and other eligibility criteria to qualify for graduate student academic employment. Graduate students are also subject to Graduate Council and Graduate Division policies regarding employment to academic and staff titles, including minimum enrollment requirements and limitations on percentage of appointment.
More information related to how to apply and compensation can be found on the Graduate Division’s website.
Health Services
University Health Services (UHS) is a complete outpatient health center for students, providing medical, counseling, insurance and health promotion services.
Students can use medical and mental health services just as they would at their regular doctor’s office and urgent care center, whether or not they are enrolled in the Student Health Insurance Plan. Services are supported by registration fees and are provided at moderate pricing.
Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP)
All registered students at the University of California are required to meet the university’s health insurance mandate. Registered UC Berkeley undergraduate and graduate students are automatically enrolled in the Berkeley Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) as a way to meet this mandate, and are charged a health insurance fee. Students can waive SHIP enrollment if they have comparable coverage.
| Expected Coverage Dates for the Academic Year 2025-26 | |
| Fall Semester | August 1 – December 31 |
| Spring Semester | January 1 – July 31 |
For more information please contact the SHIP Office:
Tang Center, UC Berkeley
2222 Bancroft Way, Rm. 3200
Berkeley, CA 94720-4300
Phone: (510) 642-5700
Email: ship@berkeley.edu
Housing
Housing options for graduate students fall into three categories:
- University owned and operated,
- group housing alternatives, and
- off-campus rental housing.
Why University Owned Campus Housing?
- No credit checks or need for cosigners
- Lower deposit ($500) than off-campus landlords (usually at least 1 month’s rent)
- Wifi and most utilities are included
- Usually furnished including kitchen appliances; laundry access in unit or building
- Convenience of billing through Cal Central
These websites provide resources to begin your housing search:
Cal Rentals Office – Apartments and rooms for rent in Berkeley
Albany Village Graduate Student Apartments (anticipated to open Fall 2024)
International House – Popular with MEng students
Berkeley Housing – Overview of common housing options for Berkeley students.
Tips to finding housing in Berkeley – Tips and helpful links to find roommates and housing options.
Berkeley Law’s Neighborhood Guide – includes descriptions of popular areas to live near campus
City of Berkeley Neighborhood Guide to local destinations and entertainment
UC Berkeley Summer and Transition Housing Opportunities
University Housing applications are reviewed on a rolling first come, first served basis. Make sure to apply early!
International Students
The Berkeley International Office is one of the primary resources to help you navigate the visa process and ensure a smooth transition. If at any point, you are unsure whether you have fully met the requirements listed below or have specific questions, please contact the Berkeley International Office at internationaloffice@berkeley.edu.
Quick tips to prevent any visa and entrance delays:
- Any time you fill out US government forms or apply for US government issued documents, be consistent by using your complete name as it appears in your passport and on your F-1 I-20 or J-1 DS-2019 document issued by Berkeley International Office. Even small variations in the use of your name can create problems.
- Keep hard copies of all documents submitted and received.
International Student Requirements
Once you have received your official offer letter, you may begin completing these requirements. The list of requirements include:
- Submitting your online NIF
- Applying for your visa
- Completing the pre-arrival orientation
- Completing the iStart 101 Course
- Completing online arrival confirmation
- Plus more!
It is important that you plan ahead and begin your paperwork as soon as possible. Applying for F-1 or J-1 student visa documents requires time and patience, and there can be delays.
What to do after you arrive
- Update Contact Information
Update your LOCAL US address, LOCAL phone number, and email on your Cal Central account. - Complete Online Arrival Confirmation and US Address & Phone Reporting
Advice for International Students
D-Lab assists the Berkeley community with the full range of research development, research design and data acquisition. We offer guidance in statistical methods and results to data visualization and communication.
Check out their website to learn more about the trainings, consulting, and working group services available to all UC Berkeley students.