Everything you need to know about transferring to UC Irvine - from requirements and deadlines to competitive majors and insider strategies.
41%
Transfer Accept Rate
3.5
Median Admit GPA
93%
From CA Community Colleges
Nov 30
Application Deadline
At a Glance
Location
Irvine, Orange County
Quarter System
Fall Only
No spring or winter transfer admits
Minimum Units
60 semester / 90 quarter
Junior-level standing required
Minimum GPA
2.8 (CA residents)
Competitive admits average 3.3–3.7
What You Need
UCI evaluates transfer applicants holistically. Here's what you need to be competitive.
UCI transfer eligibility requirements:
Complete prerequisites for your intended major:
Standard UC application:
UCI is one of the most popular TAG destinations:
Strategic Advantage
TAG is one of the most powerful tools available to CCC transfer students applying to UCI.
The Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) is a program that guarantees admission to six UC campuses - including UCI - for eligible California Community College students who meet specific requirements.
TAG is filed separately from the UC application, during September 1–30. If you meet the GPA and course requirements for your chosen major, you are guaranteed admission. This is as close to a sure thing as exists in college admissions.
CCC enrollment - must be attending a California Community College
GPA threshold - varies by major, typically 3.3–3.7 range
30+ UC-transferable units completed by end of summer before TAG filing
Complete major prerequisites by spring before transfer
File by September 30 - the TAG portal closes and does not reopen
Know the Landscape
Acceptance rates vary by major. Understanding the competitive landscape is key to a smart application strategy.
Samueli School of Engineering
Most competitive major at UCI. Strong math and programming prerequisites.
Very Low
Accept Rate
3.7+
Competitive GPA
School of Biological Sciences
Popular pre-med and pre-health pathway.
Moderate
Accept Rate
3.4+
Competitive GPA
School of Social Sciences
Competitive economics-focused major popular with transfers.
Low
Accept Rate
3.5+
Competitive GPA
School of Social Sciences
High-demand major with moderate transfer competition.
Moderate
Accept Rate
3.3+
Competitive GPA
Donald Bren School of ICS
Growing tech-focused program in UCI's computing school.
Moderate
Accept Rate
3.4+
Competitive GPA
School of Humanities
Popular and unique UCI major. Moderate competition.
Moderate
Accept Rate
3.3+
Competitive GPA
Key Dates
Missing a deadline can cost you an entire year. Here are the dates that matter.
September 1–30
File your TAG application through the UC Transfer Admission Guarantee portal.
October 1 – November 30
Submit your UC application with UCI selected.
January 31
Report fall grades and spring plans.
April–May
UCI releases transfer admission decisions.
Pacific + UCI
Our team provides expert guidance tailored specifically to UC Irvine transfer admissions.
UCI's TAG program is one of the best in the UC system. We ensure you meet all requirements and choose the optimal TAG major.
Detailed semester-by-semester planning using ASSIST.org articulation for your CC-to-UCI pathway.
For Samueli School applicants, specialized guidance on the math/science sequence and competitive positioning.
Multiple rounds of essay development to craft compelling Personal Insight Questions.
Strategic advice on primary major selection, especially for impacted programs.
TAU preparation, spring grade monitoring, and decision support.