Your time is now.
With UBridge, there’s no such thing as impossible. Learn how we’ve helped countless international students just like you achieve their dreams.
CollegeCare®
A personalized service that creates university opportunities
If getting into a top-tier American university feels nearly impossible, that’s because it is. On average, less than 6% of international applicants get into schools like UCLA or UC Berkeley.
The good news? Prestigious four-year universities are more likely to admit transfer students who have spent their first two years of undergrad at select American colleges.
But the transfer system is difficult to navigate — especially while you’re juggling school and a social life. That’s where UBridge comes in.
CollegeCare® is UBridge’s multi-year, in-person advising and transfer support program for international students. It isn’t a per-hour service or short-term program but rather a comprehensive, advisory, designed to help you gain admission to the best American universities through guaranteed admissions pathways.
| CollegeCare® | Typical College Support | |
| Student-Advisor Ratio | 20:1 | 500:1 |
| 1:1 Mentoring Hours Per Year | 150+ | 2–3 |
| Transfer Application Support | Comprehensive | Limited/None |
| Parent Communication | Bi-weekly Reports + WhatsApp, LINE, Zalo, etc. |
None |
Wondering if you’re a good fit for UBridge?
Wondering if you’re a good fit for UBridge?
%
of all American bachelor’s degrees start in a two-year college
%
UBridge alumni admitted to a top 40 university since 2015
%
2025 international student tranfer rate to UCLA without UBridge
vs.
%
Average transfer rate of UBridge alumni to UCLA since 2015
Meet our team of elite advisors
Our advisors are the heart and soul of UBridge. All graduates of top universities themselves, these academic and transfer specialists provide ongoing, one-on-one planning and mentorship to support your success at every step of your college journey:
Visit our Dream Calculator.
Ready to see the difference two years at college with UBridge could make?
College Partners
Strategic partnerships, flexible scheduling
Whether you want to pursue STEM, business, the arts, health and life sciences, or social and environmental impact, our six partner colleges offer the most reliable pathways to top universities. Students may choose to begin by attending:
- A freshman fall semester in person at any of our partner campuses across California, Washington, and Virginia
- A spring start in person at select campuses
- UBridge online — our from-anywhere jumpstart for students who want more time at home before heading to campus
Student Housing
A high-end dorm experience
The best college experience is a shared one, where you’re surrounded by fellow students, juggling the rigors of school and the fun of independent living together. Year after year, our students are most successful when they choose the UBridge dorm, living with a circle of peers pursuing similar dreams.
Our housing is designed to remove the stress of living abroad — for you and your parents. High-end, gated accommodations with fine finishes provide comfort, as social opportunities keep homesickness at bay.
Typical Student Timeline
Two exciting years of growing into greatness
Our program is structured to maximize your college experience. We’ll fine-tune your goals and course load to align with your strengths and passions, while providing the guidance you need to stay confident and focused.
In just two years, you’ll expand your academic success and develop the right transfer resume to meet your university goals. No surprises. No hopeless challenges. All opportunity and growth.
Semester start
Your advisor will get to know you before school begins, arrange your arrival, and work with you to develop the right academic plan to achieve your transfer dreams.
Arrival planning & apartment setup
Orientation & academic plan by semester
Class selection & professor guidance
Social outings and group activities
Ongoing support
You’ll meet your advisor in-person every other week to track progress, overcome obstacles, and adapt the plan as needed. Between meetings, you’ll connect via email, Whatsapp, or Zoom for any support you need.
Transfer progression
Each semester your advisor will ensure you’re taking the right courses and getting the academic support you need to meet your university transfer goals. There won’t be any surprises when it’s time to apply in year two.
2-year agile academic plan for transfer goals
Ongoing monitoring of transfer credits accrued and needed
Transfer support
Your advisor will help you fill out the right forms, provide correct documentation, sharpen your essay(s), and ensure everything is submitted correctly and on time.
Private essay mentoring
Application submission and monitoring
Communication with admissions staff about special situations and changes
Enrollment support
Once you’ve made your university decision, your advisor will help you plan the transition, ensuring all enrollment criteria and deadlines are met.
Assistance submitting final transcript
Transfer your I-20
Housing application assistance
Enrollment support and confirmation
Want to share this information with your parents?
Just select your parents’ preferred messaging app, and we’ll give you everything they need.
Student success stories
Gladys
UCLA
“My academic journey with UBridge has been incredible! UBridge provided valuable guidance as I navigated studying in a foreign country, giving my parents peace of mind. SMC has been equally welcoming, with passionate professors and a strong community of international students who support one another.”
Bat-Erdene
UC Berkeley
“It’s been an incredible journey—from the very beginning to finally transferring. I’m especially thankful for getting a second chance at UBridge, where amazing advisors truly believed in me.”
Kristina
UC Berkeley
“The collaboration with my University Bridge advisor has been so successful. We got along very well. I would like to highlight the support my advisor provided in helping me adjust to the US education system and college life.”
Gladys
UCLA
“My academic journey with UBridge has been incredible! UBridge provided valuable guidance as I navigated studying in a foreign country, giving my parents peace of mind. SMC has been equally welcoming, with passionate professors and a strong community of international students who support one another.”
Bat-Erdene
UC Berkeley
“It’s been an incredible journey—from the very beginning to finally transferring. I’m especially thankful for getting a second chance at UBridge, where amazing advisors truly believed in me.”
Kristina
UC Berkeley
“The collaboration with my University Bridge advisor has been so successful. We got along very well. I would like to highlight the support my advisor provided in helping me adjust to the US education system and college life.”
Gain the confidence you need to thrive.
With UBridge, students just like you go on to pursue their dreams at America’s best universities. You can, too.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between college and university?
At UBridge, colleges are the two-year partner schools where our students begin their academic journey. These colleges range in size from a few thousand to over 10,000 students and have the ability to grant students Associate degrees in addition to accruing the transfer credits needed to transfer into a university. While there are colleges all over America, we partner with a select group of elite schools that offer preferred and guaranteed transfer admissions to top universities.
Universities are four-year schools with more advanced courses that grant students Bachelor’s degrees and beyond. UBridge students do two years at a college partner, transfer, and then finish up their last two years at top U.S. universities to earn their Bachelor’s degree.
What GPA is needed to attend?
There is no minimum GPA for UBridge. We take a holistic view of each applicant. If you have specific questions, please reach out to us or speak with your education agent.
What TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo or other English test scores are needed to attend?
Every UBridge campus has different English language requirements:
- Santa Monica College: TOEFL 45, IELTS 5.0, Duolingo 75
- Irvine Valley College: TOEFL 52, IELTS 4.5, Duolingo 80
- College of Marin: TOEFL 61, IELTS 6.0, Duolingo 90
- College of San Mateo: TOEFL 56, IELTS 5.5, Duolingo 85
- Shoreline College: TOEFL 61 (20 Writing), IELTS 5.5 (6.0 Writing), Duolingo 95
- Piedmont Virginia CC: TOEFL 61, IELTS 6.0
If you have taken a different test outside of TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo you are still eligible. Our recruitment team can help determine where your score lands.
What part of the world do your students come from?
UBridge students come from all over the world, including approximately 30 countries and counting. No matter where they are from, students who bring a positive attitude and a willingness to learn will all succeed.
What if I’m not sure what I want my major to be?
No problem! The U.S. education system is set up differently than many other countries and allows for flexibility. You will need to put a general area of interest on your application, but you are free to wait to select a specific major as you get further into your initial semester. Plus, our advisors are experts at helping students find the best major for their interests and skills.
What if I’m not a very good student?
Over the course of nearly 15 years, we have helped students of all backgrounds find the right university match for their needs and abilities. Our outcomes regularly surprise parents and students alike — our students usually transfer to a Top 100 U.S. University. No student has ever finished the UBridge program and not received a university placement, including those who have dropped out or failed out of other colleges and universities in the past.
Can this really help me if I’m already a great student?
UBridge helps top students every year because it’s simply very hard to get into schools like UCLA and Berkeley as a first-year international student–as low as 5% admissions. UBridge’s annual acceptance rates have been as high as 50%+ into those same schools. So, the transfer path can be a great one for top students looking for schools like Columbia University, NYU, University of Michigan, UCLA, Berkeley, and University of Washington. We’ve had numerous alumni transfer into them all.
How much does it cost?
Fall 2026 academic fees are US$39,750 for a full-year (12 month) program including up to 36 credits. We price in a full year with extra credits so that students are able to either drop courses or take extra credits that can be used at their university to save money. Housing, if wanted, is an additional cost that varies slightly by campus based on each city’s real-estate market. In general, the cost is roughly $3,100 per month for the academic year, for a fully-furnished, shared apartment, including UBridge community events and activities.
What’s included in the cost?
University Bridge is priced to include nearly everything a student needs for a full academic year, so families do not get hit with constant add-on costs. Your program fee includes:
- a full 12-month year of UBridge support
- up to 36 college credits
- standard tuition and required school fees at your UBridge partner college
- CollegeCare® academic advising and transfer support, including ongoing 1:1 guidance, course planning and registration help, and transfer application strategy and execution
If you choose UBridge Housing, the cost also covers a furnished apartment and the core living setup, including utilities, internet/Wi-Fi, move-in support, housing management, and community programming and student events.
Some costs are not included. Students must purchase health insurance required by our partner colleges, and families should also budget for food, personal transportation, entertainment, and other personal spending. Textbooks and class-specific materials or fees, such as lab fees or art supplies, are also separate because they vary by course and major.
Do I have to live in UBridge housing?
No, it is not required. But there are some meaningful benefits to living in UBridge housing:
- Community: Our housing students enjoy fully furnished, shared apartments with other UBridge students. Sharing the international student experience with others in the same circumstances often helps mitigate loneliness and homesickness — both of which can impact academic success.
- Ease: Families avoid the credit checks and lease approvals that outside landlords require. There is a savings of time, money, and stress. Housing is also located close to campus, ensuring students have easy access to classes and all on-campus activities.
- Social: Housing students are automatically included in our robust social programming — holiday parties, sporting events, outdoor recreation, restaurant meals, movie nights, and more. These events build community and help students form friendships that enrich their student experience.
Is this a tutoring service?
No, our advisors cover much, much more than tutoring. You will be assigned a professional, in-person advisor who covers all aspects of your student needs. From creating a full two-year plan to transfer, to actually registering for classes, required academic meetings/updates during the semester, written reports to parents/agents, and transfer assistance in year two. Those students who live in UBridge housing also receive assistance with living, medical questions, and a host of other personal guidance.
How can you guarantee admissions to any university?
University Bridge itself does not guarantee admissions to any university. But through the relationships with our two-year college partners, we are able to help students take advantage of admissions guarantees to over 100 U.S. universities. Admissions guarantees are fulfilled through meeting very strict GPA, course, major and credit hour requirements. Our advisors are experts at helping students of all backgrounds meet the exact requirements of their dream university.
Can I transfer to any university?
Yes! While UBridge students get to take advantage of guaranteed admissions to some of the best universities in the world, we also help students transfer elsewhere.
Imagine receiving your guaranteed admissions to a Top 40 school like UC Irvine or UC Santa Barbara while also applying to a handful of other exclusive private or public schools. No matter what you would be guaranteed to attend a Top 40 school. Our students have even been admitted to prestigious schools outside of the U.S. that were once out of reach.
Ready to bring your parents into the conversation?
Just select your parents’ preferred messaging app, and we’ll give you everything they need.
Or, contact us to discuss your family’s specific needs, goals, and dreams.
Apply to become a partner
Campus Finder
Find your perfect college launchpad
Answer a few simple questions about your estimated GPA, English test scores, and personal preferences, and we’ll recommend the best two colleges for you.
Excellent!
Based on your information we think you’ll be happiest and most successful at *:
Download our campus brochures to learn more about your matches — including their top transfer universities:
*Campus options shown reflect your closest matches based on the information you provided. Please review all admissions requirements for your preferred campuses to determine whether any of your scores need adjustment prior to applying.
Get in touch
Dream Calculator
Calculate your admission odds
Answer a few quick questions about your academic history and citizenship, and we’ll calculate your chances of getting into your dream university.
Thank you!
Based on your information and statistical admissions numbers for your university:
Your likelihood of direct freshman admission is
X–X%
On average, UBridge alumni are admitted as third-year transfer students at
95%
That makes you 2-4x more likely to reach your university with UBridge than if you go it alone.
In fact, we’ve helped students from 30+ different countries gain admission to universities they once only dreamed of. We can help you achieve your dreams, too.
Results are estimates based on University Bridge internal data and publicly available admissions information. Outcomes vary by student, major, and university, and admission is not guaranteed. For informational purposes only.
Student success stories
Terry
UC San Diego
"“UBridge has helped me in the past two years through academic planning, including course selection, drafting and editing my UC application essays. They helped me resolve challenges efficiently, saving time I would have spent researching uncertain answers online.”"
Shivom
UC San Diego
"“My UBridge advisor is without a doubt one of the sweetest and most helpful people I know. Whether I needed help with my college application, getting in touch with a professor or even something not related to college, she was always ready to help. I honestly don’t think I would have done as well as I did if it wasn’t for her.”"
Weidong
U of Virginia
"“University Bridge helped me with every aspect of the transfer process: building and adjusting my class schedule, helping with the transfer essay and professor recommendations, completing the application form, and everything else! Their support took the stress and complexity out of transferring. Without their help I’d have been lost.”"