UCLA Transfer Acceptance Rate 2026: GPA, Credits & Transfer Tips
UCLA transfer admission is highly competitive because applicants are compared by GPA, major preparation, transferable coursework, personal insight questions, academic history and transfer pathway.
Getting into UCLA as a transfer student is not just about reaching the minimum GPA. Successful applicants usually complete major preparation courses, maintain a strong UC transferable GPA and show clear academic direction.
Fall 2025 transfer profile.
Fall 2025 admitted transfer students.
Minimum junior-level transfer standing.
UC transferable GPA requirement.
Quick UCLA transfer navigation
UCLA transfer acceptance rate 2026: the numbers
| Category | Data | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Applicants | 28,288 | Large transfer pool competing for limited spaces. |
| Admitted | 6,466 | Overall transfer admit rate is about 23%. |
| Enrolled | 3,935 | Many admitted students choose UCLA. |
| California community college transfers | 93% of admitted transfers | CCC applicants receive highest priority. |
UCLA transfer GPA and credit requirements
| Requirement | UCLA transfer expectation |
|---|---|
| Minimum transferable GPA | 3.2 UC transferable GPA or higher. |
| Competitive GPA | Admitted transfers had a median GPA of 3.91. |
| Transfer level | Junior standing: 60 semester or 90 quarter transferable units. |
| Transfer timing | Credits must generally be completed by the end of spring before transfer. |
UCLA does not admit transfer students based only on the minimum GPA. A student with a 3.2 GPA may be eligible, but competitive applicants usually have stronger academic records and completed major preparation.
How many credits transfer to UCLA?
UCLA transfer admission requirements checklist
UCLA transfer acceptance rate by major: why major matters
| School | Fall 2025 transfer admit rate | Reality |
|---|---|---|
| The College | 27% | More seats available than many professional schools. |
| Samueli Engineering | 11% | Highly selective due to capacity and preparation requirements. |
| Theater, Film & Television | 3.2% | Extremely competitive. |
| Arts & Architecture | 6.8% | Portfolio/talent factors can matter. |
| Nursing | 6.6% | Very limited capacity. |
UCLA transfer application timeline
| Step | Date / action |
|---|---|
| Application opens | August 1 |
| UC application submission | October 1–November 30 |
| Transfer admission | Fall quarter only |
| Before transfer | Finish major preparation and required transferable courses by spring. |
UCLA transfer admissions video guide
Use the video as additional guidance, but build your application around UCLA’s official transfer requirements: GPA, credits, major preparation and personal insight questions.
UCLA transfer tips that actually improve your chances
Official UCLA transfer resources
UCLA transfer acceptance rate FAQs
What is UCLA transfer acceptance rate 2026?
UCLA’s latest transfer profile shows a 23% admit rate with 28,288 applicants and 6,466 admits.
What GPA do UCLA transfer students need?
The minimum UC transferable GPA is 3.2, but admitted transfers typically have GPAs above 3.5, with a 3.91 median in Fall 2025.
How many credits do I need to transfer to UCLA?
You generally need 60 semester or 90 quarter transferable units for junior standing.
Does UCLA prefer community college transfers?
Yes. UCLA gives highest priority to California community college applicants.
Can I transfer to UCLA with a 3.5 GPA?
Yes, but competitiveness depends heavily on your major, preparation courses and overall application.
Does UCLA accept spring transfers?
No. UCLA admits transfer students for fall quarter only.
What majors are hardest for UCLA transfers?
Engineering, nursing, arts and other limited-capacity majors usually have lower admit rates.
How important are major preparation courses?
Very important. UCLA says admitted transfers have completed most or all major preparation courses.
Do UCLA transfer students need SAT or ACT scores?
No. Transfer admission focuses on college coursework, GPA, preparation and personal criteria.
What is the biggest UCLA transfer mistake?
Applying without completing required major preparation courses or assuming the minimum GPA is enough.