University of Central Florida: Admissions, Courses, Acceptance Rate, Scholarship, & Housing Guide

University of Central Florida (UCF) is a great option in 2025 for students. With more than 68,000 students, it’s one of the biggest public universities in the U.S. and attracts learners from 150+ countries. UCF is located in Orlando, a city full of exciting job prospects. Big companies like NASA, Lockheed Martin, Disney, and Siemens are close by—so students often get internships, and job offers even before they graduate.

The university is also known for its hands-on learning, modern labs, and research in fields like computer science, aerospace engineering, and business. In terms of rankings, UCF is placed in the #741–750 band globally by QS and #601–800 by Times Higher Education in 2025. It’s also one of the top 20 most innovative universities in the U.S., according to U.S. News. Following is the quick overview of University of Central Florida:

Which Courses Are Popular at the University of Central Florida in 2025 and What Are Their Fees and Eligibility?

 If you’re planning to study in the U.S. in 2025, the University of Central Florida (UCF) offers a wide variety of courses that are not only career-focused but also internationally recognized. For international students, UCF combines affordable tuition, world-class faculty, and a strong focus on research and real-world skills. First-year tuition fees range from $17,586 to $89,867, depending on the program and level of study.  

Admission requirements vary by course but generally include a high school diploma or bachelor’s degree, along with English proficiency tests like IELTS or TOEFL, and standardized exams such as the GRE or SAT, where applicable. Below are the popular courses at University of Central Florida (UCF): 

Where Does University of Central Florida Rank in 2025?  

In 2025, the University of Central Florida (UCF) continues to stand out as one of the top public research universities in the U.S. According to the U.S. News & World Report (2025), UCF ranks #121 among Best National Universities and #64 among Top Public Schools, highlighting its strong academic programs, affordability, and focus on student outcomes. 

Globally, UCF is gaining visibility as well. It holds a position in the #741–750 range in the QS World University Rankings 2025 and is placed at #401 worldwide in the Times Higher Education (THE) 2024 rankings. Following are the key details of University of Central Florida ranking: 

How Competitive Is the Acceptance Rate at University of Central Florida in 2025?

The University of Central Florida (UCF) maintains a moderately selective admissions process in 2025, with an acceptance rate of 43%. This means that out of every 100 applicants, around 43 are offered admission—making it a competitive but accessible choice for motivated students. To strengthen your chances of getting in, UCF recommends a high school GPA of 3.8 or above, especially for competitive programs. While SAT and ACT scores are optional in 2025, students who choose to submit them typically fall within a 1190–1350 SAT or 25–29 ACT range. 

For those applying as transfer students, UCF requires a minimum of 12 completed college credits and a 2.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. The university accepts applications for Fall (March 1 deadline), Spring (September 1), and Summer (January 15) intakes, making it flexible for students around the world. Following are the key details of University of Central Florida (UCF) acceptance rate 2025: 

Which Scholarships Can International Students Apply for at University of Central Florida in 2025?

If you’re an international student planning to study at the University of Central Florida (UCF) in 2025, you’ll be glad to know there are multiple scholarship options available to help reduce your tuition and living expenses. These scholarships are designed to reward academic excellence, support financial need, and encourage leadership and community involvement. 

UCF offers both university-funded and external scholarship programs specifically tailored for international students across undergraduate and graduate levels. Some scholarships cover partial tuition, while others offer full financial support, including living expenses. Most of these opportunities require a strong academic record, a completed scholarship essay, and in some cases, proof of financial hardship or community service. Below is a summary of key University of Central Florida scholarships in 2025: 

Where Can You Stay While Studying at University of Central Florida in 2025?

University of Central Florida offers flexible and affordable housing options for international and domestic students alike. On-Campus Housing is a great choice for those who want to stay close to classrooms, libraries, and campus events. These residences come fully furnished and include internet, utilities, study lounges, fitness centers, and meal plan options. 

Off-Campus Housing is ideal for students who want more privacy or plan to share an apartment with friends. There are many apartments and rental homes near the UCF main campus, particularly in areas like University Blvd, Alafaya Trail, and Research Parkway. These off-campus units often include amenities like pools, gyms, shuttles to campus, and furnished rooms. When deciding between housing options, consider: 

• Distance to campus and availability of shuttles or public transport 
• Roommates or solo living preferences 
• Included amenities like internet, gym, laundry, or parking 
• Lease flexibility for semester or yearly stays 

It’s best to start looking early, especially for fall intake, as both on-campus and popular off-campus options can fill up fast. Below are the key details of University of Central Florida student accommodation: 

Some of the top student accommodation near University of Central Florida include Plaza on University, The Verge, Lark Central Florida, Current Orlando, College Station and Union West. 

Conclusion 

If you want a university that offers great education, lots of job opportunities, and an exciting campus life, the University of Central Florida (UCF) is a smart pick. With over 68,000 students and a 90% placement rate, UCF helps you grow both in and out of the classroom. Big companies like NASA, Disney, and Lockheed Martin are nearby, so students often get internships, and job offers even before they graduate.  

Plus, with affordable fees, scholarships for international students, and comfortable housing options, it’s a great place to start your journey in the U.S. Need a place to stay near UCF? University Living can help you find safe and affordable student accommodation near campus. Whether you prefer living alone or with flatmates, we’ve got the right space for you. 

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