Established in 1963, the University of Central Florida (UCF) was instituted to ensure the supply of talent for the growing U.S. space program. Known as SPACEU, UCF has been making an impact on Florida, the USA, and — given its origins — outer space. Today, UCF is a premier research university striving to solve present and anticipated future challenges through academic and operational excellence.
UCF has been ranked as the fifth most innovative public university in the U.S., and its undergraduate teaching programs are recognized as the 15th best in the U.S. among public universities (U.S. News & World Report, 2025). These rankings have been awarded on the strength of UCF’s excellent retention and graduation rates, its faculty resources, and as a result of peer assessment.
The University of Central Florida (UCF) offers over 220 undergraduate programs that equip students with in-demand skills for the future. With expert faculty, cutting-edge facilities, and a focus on innovative research, UCF provides programs in fields ranging from engineering and healthcare to hospitality and the arts. Key areas of focus include space technologies, sustainability, and transformative technologies, all taught through immersive, hands-on experiences.
UCF Global's Pathway Program is the perfect gateway for international students to earn a UCF degree. This unique first-year experience helps students transition to UCF and American culture while allowing them to take undergraduate courses that count toward their degree, keeping them on track to graduate in four years. With continued academic and cultural support, students receive personalized guidance from advisors to ensure success—from Global to Graduation.
In addition, UCF offers an Intensive English Program, providing nine levels of immersive coursework to rapidly build academic English skills. With 24 hours of instruction per week, the program prepares students for success in high-demand fields like STEM, Engineering, Cybersecurity, and Hospitality. Students who complete Level 8 are exempt from TOEFL/IELTS requirements for UCF admission. For added flexibility, an Online English Program is also available.
Orlando is not just a great place to study—it’s a fun place to live! With world-famous amusement parks, sunny beaches, endless sunshine, and a rich calendar of cultural and sporting events, the city offers something for everyone. UCF provides international students with the perfect blend of a world-class education and vibrant city life. As a hub for industries like tech, tourism, and hospitality, Orlando offers endless career opportunities. UCF’s diverse student body, representing over 150 countries, fosters innovation and collaboration. Students gain a transformative academic experience while enjoying access to Orlando's dynamic culture and industry connections, preparing them to lead in the global workforce.
2024 401 100
2023 301
2022 301
2025 741 148
2024 593 208
2023 801
2025 401
2024 401 200
2023 601
The University of Central Florida helps its alumni progress into successful future careers in both industry and academia. With a strong focus on transferable skills – as well as industry knowledge built into courses at all levels – students are well prepared for professional success at every step of their UCF journey.
As part of their courses, UCF offers students professional opportunities to conduct research alongside university faculty members. UCF also partners with local and global organizations like Walt Disney World and Universal to provide internship and employment opportunities to students as they begin building towards vocational careers.
In the recent First Destination Survey of graduates (Summer 2023 - Spring 2024) conducted by UCF, 94 percent of respondents reported finding employment related to their field of study, and the average annual income of recent graduates was reported as being USD 77,736.
UCF Career Services is staffed by career specialists who help students manage their education in line with their career goals. Careers advisors assist students in making the right educational and career choices to help them succeed in the future while also connecting them with career-related experience and aiding their job search. Careers support available at UCF includes tutorials on resume and cover letter writing, interview practice, specialist career assessments, and networking and job search advice. Furthermore, the Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving arms of UCF provide students with opportunities for networking and professional development even after they graduate.
The recently announced Pegasus Partnership between UCF and Siemens Energy will see USD five million invested into the university’s research in the energy sector. It will also result in the development of new education initiatives and professional development opportunities associated with the energy industry. UCF’s new partnership with its long-standing partner Siemens Energy will enhance the university’s research in sustainable energy, spawn new executive education initiatives, and result in vocational talent development.
UCF is currently involved in over 40 active NASA projects which total more than USD 67 million in funding. Always pushing new boundaries with regards to discovery and development, the university continues to build upon its historic role in space research and education by remaining at the forefront of technological advancement in the industry. UCF recently announced the launch of the cutting-edge HyperSpace Centre in October 2024 as part of its continuing work into the advancement of hypersonic and space technology development
UCF's Rosen College of Hospitality Management has established itself as a global leader in hospitality and tourism education, ranked No. 4 globally and No. 1 in the U.S. for five consecutive years. This recognition reflects its strong industry partnerships, innovative research, and comprehensive curriculum, which prepare students for leadership roles in a rapidly growing sector. As Florida’s tourism industry thrives, Rosen College ensures its graduates are equipped with practical experience and academic knowledge through programs in hospitality, event management, and more. With a focus on emerging technologies and sustainable practices, Rosen College is shaping the future of hospitality while addressing the industry’s evolving challenges.
17,65,264 Undergraduate Fees are for indicative purposes, check with institution for details
18,12,486 Postgraduate Fees are for indicative purposes, check with institution for details
15,93,149 Living costs
5,98,549 To live on campus
UCF offers a high-value education with extensive resources to support international students, including academic advising, cultural programs, and career services. While limited scholarships are available, UCF’s tuition is highly competitive compared to other four-year universities, making it an affordable choice for students seeking a world-class education and a transformative experience.
For graduate level study, funding is available in the form of fellowships, assistantships and tuition support. The eligibility requirements and application criteria for graduate funding are established by individual departments and colleges. As such, prospective graduate students are encouraged to contact the Graduate Program Director in their subject area for further information.
UCF offers a global hardship tuition waiver which allocates funds to assist international undergraduate students facing financial hardship, and the university also provides tuition fee discounts via the Florida Linkage Institutes scheme. Further details on all available funding initiatives at the university can be found on UCF’s funding information page.
Entry requirements at the University of Central Florida can vary for both direct undergraduate and graduate applicants. For specific entry requirements, prospective students are encouraged to consult individual programs pages for more information.
International students seeking a UCF undergraduate degree often consider UCF. Global's Pathway Program as a gateway to a UCF degree. Designed as a unique first-year experience tailored for international students, this program not only helps students transition to UCF and American culture but also allows them to take undergraduate courses that count toward their degrees, keeping them on track to graduate in four years. Students benefit from continued academic and cultural support, ensuring their success both in and out of the classroom.
International applicants whose first language is not English are required to demonstrate proficiency in written and spoken English. UCF Global provides a comprehensive list of accepted English language proficiency tests and criteria, along with relevant minimum test scores.
Should student’s find that they need an elevated English proficiency to achieve their academic goals, UCF Global also offers an accredited Intensive English Program (IEP) designed to prepare them for success in both undergraduate and graduate degrees. UCF's Academic English Program offers nine levels of immersive coursework, each equivalent to 6-8 weeks of classes, with two levels available per academic semester. With 24 hours of instruction per week, students rapidly build the language proficiency needed for UCF's rigorous academic curriculum. The IEP program is structured to ensure steady progress, helping students master academic English while aligning with their aspirations of pursuing a degree in high-demand fields like STEM, Engineering, Cybersecurity, and Hospitality. Students who complete level 8 of the program will be exempt from the TOEFL or IELTS requirement for admission to UCF, streamlining their path to academic success. For added flexibility, UCF also offers an Online English Program option, enabling students to begin their studies from anywhere in the world.
Applicants applying to graduate courses at UCF, meanwhile, are required to hold a U.S. bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification from an accredited institution as a minimum requirement for admission to the university.
UCF Global guides applicants throughout the application process and provides further detail on any extra documentation required by the university. Additional documentation typically required by UCF Global includes copies of passports and relevant financial support documentation. UCF Global can be contacted for further advice and support during the application process via both email and telephone.
University of Central Florida programs are led by a world-class faculty who bring a wealth of professional experience to their teaching. In addition to developing innovative courses which incorporate the latest developments in technology, teaching staff at UCF are actively involved in research which focuses on addressing the biggest problems facing the world today.
From its origins as a research hub in space technology, UCF has expanded to become a cutting-edge university and a major metropolitan research center, where students learn hands-on from leaders who are experts in their fields of study. At the undergraduate level, UCF prepares its students to make powerful contributions to the workforce – and beyond – as they become future industry leaders.
UCF promotes a student-centered approach to learning and research. Whether students are studying in-person in Florida or remotely, they are well supported by highly qualified teaching staff at every level of study.
The University of Central Florida currently offers over 220 cutting-edge undergraduate majors across a range of vocational subject areas, providing an education for the future, today. Undergraduate and graduate degrees are offered in-person, online, and via innovative distance learning arrangements with UCF Global partner learning institutions.
Key areas of learning at UCF include space technologies and systems, transformative technologies, energy and sustainability, health and human performance, entertainment and immersive experiences. Many courses, such as the university’s world-class STEM and engineering programs, draw directly from UCF’s foundational role in the development of space exploration.
UCF is known for its following colleges:
Orlando, Florida, USA
