University of Central Florida (UCF)
2026–27 · 28 credits
About the university
University of Central Florida (UCF) is one of the largest universities in the USA by enrollment, located in Orlando, Florida. UCF is known for strong programs in business, engineering, healthcare and psychology, as well as close industry ties (including Florida's aerospace and tourism sectors).
Modern campuses, a warm climate and a large international community make UCF attractive to international students.
University of Central Florida (UCF) in rankings
UCF - a large university in Florida:
- #751-800 in the world - QS World University Rankings
- One of the largest universities in the USA by enrollment
- Links to Florida's industry
Campus and infrastructure
A large, modern Orlando campus with residences, labs and sports facilities; technology and tourism companies are nearby.
Faculties and programs
UCF is strong in applied fields:
- Business
- Engineering & Computer Science
- Healthcare & Medicine
- Psychology
- Hospitality and tourism
Not sure which field to choose?
During the free initial consultation, we clarify your goal, profile, timing, and budget and identify the next realistic step. A personal strategy, requirement checks, selection of agreed options, document preparation, applications, and support are provided under an agreement with StudyU.
How to apply
For first-year international applicants, UCF requires official SAT, ACT or CLT results and evaluates secondary-school credentials by country. English proficiency is required when applicable, but TOEFL or IELTS is only one of several accepted ways to demonstrate it. See UCF international admission requirements.
How admission to University of Central Florida (UCF) works, step by step:
- Choose the entry route. UCF treats applicants with 12 or more semester hours of post-secondary credit earned after high-school completion as transfer applicants; check the major and intake first.
- Check tests and credentials. Submit the official secondary-school records UCF requires for your country and an SAT, ACT or CLT score for first-year admission; confirm whether separate English-proficiency evidence is needed.
- Submit the application. UCF reviews the academic file and any required translation or post-secondary credential evaluation; meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
- Plan the F-1 process after admission. For an F-1 interview, follow the U.S. State Department's current instruction to apply in your country of nationality or residence, or at a designated post where routine services are unavailable. A particular passport does not guarantee an interview location or visa outcome. Check U.S. State Department interview-location guidance before scheduling or paying.
School duration and transfer. An 11-year school certificate does not establish automatic admission. UCF evaluates the specific country credential. College transfer is a separate route: credit and degree standing depend on the record and program. DirectConnect admission applies only under its stated partner-college AA or state-articulated AS conditions, not to every community college. See UCF transfer rules.
Documents for admission
- Official secondary-school transcript, graduation credential or leaving-exam results required for your country
- Official SAT, ACT or CLT score for first-year admission
- English-proficiency evidence if UCF requires it; TOEFL/IELTS is not the only route
- Certified translation when records are not in English; any required post-secondary evaluation for transfer
Confirm the exact list for your entry route and intake with UCF international admission requirements; we can help check the official requirements before you apply.
Tuition and living costs
For 2026–27, UCF’s Office of Student Financial Assistance estimates $24,960 in tuition and fees for a non-Florida undergraduate taking 28 credits across Fall and Spring. Its $45,278 on-campus cost-of-attendance estimate also includes $8,750 for housing, $6,170 for food, books, transport and personal expenses. The undergraduate admissions page still shows lower figures ($22,482 and $43,832), so budget with the financial-aid estimate and confirm against your bill. This is a planning estimate, not an individual bill.
UCF Global's separate Form I-20 funding chart uses 12 undergraduate credits per term and includes mandatory health insurance. Its linked tuition schedule is for 2025–26, so request the current intake's I-20 amount rather than treating that chart as a 2026–27 tuition quote. UCF Global I-20 guidance.
Budget without unawarded scholarships. Confirm the amount and conditions in an official award before subtracting it from the estimate.
Accommodation and student life
UCF offers on-campus housing; Orlando is a warm, US-affordable city.
Upon arrival, the first tasks are registration, a bank account and a transport card — every student gets our step-by-step checklist.
Career after graduation
After graduation. See ICE practical-training rules.
The strong fields of University of Central Florida (UCF) are business, psychology, healthcare and engineering. As at most universities in the USA, students have access to a career centre, job fairs and internships — use them from the first semesters: hands-on experience is decisive for the first job.
Many graduates continue studying: a bachelor’s from the USA is a strong base for a master’s in the same country or anywhere else.
FAQ
Yes - one of the largest by enrollment in the USA.
In Orlando, Florida.
Not automatically. UCF evaluates secondary-school credentials by country and requires SAT, ACT or CLT scores for first-year admission. Transfer credit and year standing are assessed individually; a community-college pathway is not a blanket third-year guarantee.
For 2026–27, UCF estimates $24,960 in tuition and fees and $45,278 total for a non-Florida undergraduate across Fall and Spring at 28 credits. Its I-20 funding estimate uses a different credit load, so check that separately.
Eligible F-1 students may apply for OPT related to their field of study. A school official must recommend it and USCIS must approve employment authorization; do not start work before receiving the EAD.
Want to study at University of Central Florida (UCF)?
During the free initial consultation, we clarify your goal, profile, timing, and budget and identify the next realistic step. A personal strategy, requirement checks, selection of agreed options, document preparation, applications, and support are provided under an agreement with StudyU.
Other universities - studying in the USA: Florida International University (FIU) · New York Film Academy (NYFA). All options are on the page studying in the USA.
Get a free consultation
During the free initial consultation, we clarify your goal, profile, timing, and budget and identify the next realistic step. A personal strategy, requirement checks, selection of agreed options, document preparation, applications, and support are provided under an agreement with StudyU.
- Discuss your study goal and academic profile
- Clarify budget, timing and destination constraints
- Identify a realistic next step and what to verify before applying
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