Experience Objectives

  • Enhance Your Academic Journey

    Elevate your academic journey by learning from leading faculty at UC Irvine’s Merage School, renowned for cutting-edge business education.

  • Expand Global Network

    Build new peer and professional connections to expand your global network through collaborative learning and engagement at UC Irvine.

  • Experience the California Ecosystem

    Live and learn in Orange County, immersing yourself in one of the world’s largest and most innovative economies.

Welcome to the World's 4th Largest Economy

California, and specifically Orange County, offers an unrivaled destination for international graduate students seeking academic excellence and a vibrant lifestyle through UC Irvine’s California Graduate Experience (CGE) at the Paul Merage School of Business. California boasts the world’s fourth-largest economy, with a 2024 GDP of $4.1 trillion, driven by innovation in technology, finance, and healthcare.

Destination beaches. Pristine hiking and bike trails. World-class entertainment. Elite education. Exciting career prospects. Unlimited possibilities.

Welcome to Anteater Country. UC Irvine is located in the heart of beautiful Orange County, nestled between Los Angeles and San Diego counties and just five miles from SoCal’s sunny shores. A cornerstone of Irvine, one of the safest cities in the U.S. and home to Southern California’s burgeoning tech coast, UCI is the perfect place to study, work, live and play. Our close proximity to shopping, amusement parks, premier arts and cultural centers, and industry leaders make UCI a destination unlike any other. Discover how Irvine combines the best of a college town community with the vibrant opportunities of a bustling city.


We welcome all international graduate students to immerse themselves in culture and curriculum

Start your Application Process today!

Start My Application

The Experience Overview

Available Programs and Classes

    1. Finance

    1. Innovation & Strategy

    1. Accounting

    1. Data Analytics

    1. Business Planning

The California Graduate Experience (CGE)

  • Program fee: $15,000
  • Format: 3 Classes per Quarter
  • Availability: Fall, Summer, Winter and Spring

The UC Irvine Experience

A leading global university at the heart of southern California

In 1965, the University of California, Irvine was founded with a mission to catalyze the community and enhance lives through rigorous academics, cutting-edge research, and dedicated public service. Today, we draw on the unyielding spirit of our pioneering faculty, staff and students who arrived on campus with a dream to inspire change and generate new ideas. We believe that true progress is made when different perspectives come together to advance our understanding of the world around us. And we enlighten our communities and point the way to a better future. At UC Irvine, we shine brighter.


Download UC Irvine's Facts & Figures Brochure

How we support our International students

We developed a seamless process to support our international students from the time they arrive. Helping them with structured orientations, support and access to resources to optimize their learning experience

  • Course Identification & Enrollment: We support with mapping out available courses and facilitating the enrollment process

  • Specialized Orientation: Geographical, Cultural and Academic

  • Special Events: for networking and connection with other students, faculty and community members

  • Comprehensive Guide to UC Irvine and surrounding areas

  • Office Hour Support: staff dedicated to support students with any questions they might have

Student Expectations

What is expected from our international students

  1. Identify housing (with our support)
  2. Must secure health insurance while attending UC Irvine
  3. Attend class (It is mandatory per F1 VISA US government requirements)
  4. Engagement (actively participate in class)


University Partnerships

Establish an integrated link between your existing programs and the California Graduate Experience (CGE)

Reach out to us and establish a strategic program-based relationship (PBR) to propel your students into an international experience with UC Irvine. Augment their learning experience and the reach of your program through the California Graduate Experience (CGE).
Sign-up your University

FAQ

  • How long can students be here?

    Students can choose to be here for 1 to 4 quarters

  • Who is responsible for finding housing?

    Students are responsible for finding their own lodging with guidance from UC Irvine

  • Who do students go to for information?

    Students are supported by UC Irvine staff to assist with questions, fees, class selection, etc. Discipline is handled by the Division of Continuing Education (DCE).

  • Do students receive a degree from UC Irvine?

    Students do not receive degrees from UC Irvine. Degrees are issued by their university of origin at their own discretion.

  • Is there a selection of Courses for students to choose from?

    Students are offered a large selection of courses (about 15 per quarter. Prerequisites must be met for the courses. Classes can be capped pending due to size and enrollment.

  • Is TA assistant provided?

    Additional TA assistance can be provided by UC Irvine.

  • How do Universities get started with UC Irvine?

    Agreements are signed between UC Irvine and the partner university

  • Who promotes The California Graduate Experience Internationally?

    The partner university markets the program directly to their students using materials created by UC Irvine marketing

  • Who Selects Students?

    Partner universities screen students to meet admission requirements and Uc Irvine conducts final interviews before admission