UBridge college partners
Ready to start your journey to a top university? Learn about the UBridge partner schools that can help you launch your dreams.
UBridge college partners
Ready to start your journey to a top university? Learn about the UBridge partner schools that can help you launch your dreams.
The UBridge + College Difference
Two years at a prestigious American college can change your life.
Across the country, many top universities admit far more third-year college transfer students than freshmen. That means students can spend their first two years of undergrad at a prestigious two-year college, then transfer to a top four-year university to finish undergrad and earn their degree.
Whether this practice is enshrined in law, such as the guarantees in California and Virginia, or favored with preferential relationships, including Washington’s articulation framework, transfer students gain a life-changing advantage.
This uniquely American “2+2 journey” transforms opportunities for students. And our exclusive partnerships with six of the country’s best colleges empower international students to reap the benefits.
At each campus, our elite advisor team works in collaboration with International Student Services to support students from around the world. From orientation to exams to transfer applications, and in hundreds of moments in between, UBridge makes more possible.
“UBridge works really well with us — having a cooperative touch with our office and our counselors, making sure their students do what they need to do. And their students seem to be very successful in terms of where they’re transferring. It’s a really good program.”
Christina Delgado
Director, International Student Program
Irvine Valley College
Six Amazing Colleges
From Econ to Art to AI Engineering — there’s a UBridge campus for your dreams.
We’ve built strategic partnerships with six colleges, each selected for its depth of educational opportunity. While some offer city life and others suburban quiet, every campus is located in a diverse and welcoming region.
- Santa Monica College
- Irvine Valley College
- Shoreline College
- College of Marin
- College of San Mateo
- Piedmont Virginia CC
- UBridge Online
Santa Monica College
Location: Sunny Los Angeles, California — just two miles from the famous Santa Monica beach
Transfer opportunities:
- Number one in transfers to UCLA, USC, and Columbia University from colleges west of the Mississippi River
- 77 guaranteed university progressions
Admissions snapshot:
- Minimum GPA requirement — None (holistic review)
- English requirements — TOEFL iBT: 45 | IELTS: 5.0 | Duolingo: 75
- Start dates — Multiple available throughout the year
About:
- 30,000+ current students
- 200+ degree paths with top majors including Film, Economics, Interaction Design, Performing Arts, Engineering, and Art & Design
- Notable alumni include Arnold Schwarzenegger, Dustin Hoffman, and Sean Penn.
Irvine Valley College
Location: Orange County, California — one of America’s safest cities
Transfer opportunities:
- Number one in in transfers to UC Irvine
- A top transfer college for Brown University, Columbia University, Caltech, Penn, UCLA, UC Berkeley, and USC
- One of California’s top transfer colleges to UC STEM and business programs
- 71 guaranteed university progressions
Admissions snapshotz
- Minimum GPA requirement — None (holistic review)
- English requirements — TOEFL iBT: 52 | IELTS: 4.5 | Duolingo: 80
- Start dates — Multiple available throughout the year
About:
- 16,000+ current students
- 160+ degree paths with top majors including Psychology, Economics, Political Science, Biology, Computer Science, Engineering, Math, Physics, and Art & Design
Shoreline College
Location: Suburban Seattle, Washington — wooded grounds with an intimate campus feel just 20 minutes from downtown
Transfer opportunities: 28 guaranteed university progressions
Admissions snapshot:
- Minimum GPA requirement — None (holistic review)
- English requirements
- Standard — TOEFL iBT: 61 (20 writing) | IELTS: 5.5 (6.0 writing) | Duolingo: 95
- EAP — TOEFL iBT: 46 (14 writing) | IELTS: 5.0 (5.0 writing) | Duolingo: 85
- Start dates — Multiple available throughout the year
About:
- 8,000+ current students from over 65 countries
- 90+ areas of study
A unique international program: International students can earn a US high-school diploma and college credits at the same time.
College of Marin
Location: The San Francisco Bay area in Northern California — nestled between Golden Gate Park and Napa Valley
Berkeley specialists:
- Number one Berkeley transfer admission rate
- 29 professors are Berkeley graduates.
- Campus visits from a Berkeley admissions officer twice a month
- Students may attend Berkeley classes in year two.
Transfer opportunities:
- 97 guaranteed university progressions
- The most college transfers to Juilliard
Admissions snapshot:
- Minimum GPA requirement — None (holistic review)
- English requirements — TOEFL iBT: 61 | IELTS: 6.0 | Duolingo: 90
- Start dates — Multiple available throughout the year
About:
- 12,500+ current students
- 91 degree paths
- 28 clubs and student societies
- Notable alumni include Robin Williams and Adam Steltzner — Lead engineer on Mars’ Curiosity rover.
College of San Mateo
Location: The heart of Silicon Valley, California
- A hilltop campus with ocean and bay views
- Scenic Northern California living with key proximity to the epicenter of technology and business innovation
Unique curriculum partnership with Apple
Transfer opportunities:
- One of the top colleges in the US for university transfer access
- 16 unique STEM pathways
- MESA (math, engineering, and science achievement) program
Admissions snapshot:
- Minimum GPA requirement — None (holistic review)
- English requirements — TOEFL iBT: 56 | IELTS: 5.5 | Duolingo: 85
- Start dates — Multiple available throughout the year
About:
- 10,000+ current students
- 62+ degree paths
- 35+ clubs and cultural organizations
- Notable alumni include actor Annette Bening and NFL superstars Aaron Rodgers and Richard Sherman.
Piedmont Virginia CC
Location: Charlottesville, Virginia — right next door to the University of Virginia
- Historic college town that sees all four seasons
- Rated one of America’s happiest places to live
- Just a two-hour drive to Washington D.C.
- The campus has a distinct academic feel, beloved by students seeking a classic collegiate experience.
Transfer opportunities:
- Top transfer college for prestigious Virginia schools, including University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, and William & Mary
- 30+ guaranteed university progressions
- More than 90% of students transfer to their top-choice university
Admissions snapshot:
- Minimum GPA requirement — None (holistic review)
- English requirements — TOEFL iBT: 61 | IELTS: 6.0
- Start dates — Multiple available throughout the year
About: 100+ degree paths
UBridge Online
Location: Wherever you are! UBridge Online is available anywhere.
How it works:
- Start immediately and complete as much of your first two years online as desired, from one semester to all college transfer credits.
- Manage your own schedule with asynchronous learning.
- Continue your education regardless of travel restrictions or other personal limitations.
Transfer opportunities:
- Credits are transferable to 100+ universities.
- We have transfer agreements with 9 of the top 50 schools.
- You maintain the same guaranteed transfer ability as if you were on campus.
- You can still earn your US university degree in four years.
Admissions snapshot:
- Minimum GPA requirement — None (holistic review)
- English requirements — None
- Start dates — Multiple available throughout the year
About:
- Tailored to your major and target transfer university
- Full-service CollegeCare® support, including a dedicated advisor, all conducted via Zoom and your preferred messaging app
Campus Finder
Answer five quick questions about your lifestyle preferences and educational goals, and we’ll recommend the best college for you.
Curious about a specific college partner or UBridge Online? Check out our brochures to learn more.
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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.”
Zihan
U of Virginia
“When I came to University Bridge, I was unsure I had the ability to transfer to a top university but soon I had the confidence in my abilities. The help and support I received enabled me to do well in my studies, and I am now in a top 25 university! I couldn’t have done this without University Bridge.”
Jiani
Rutgers University
“My goal was clear—getting into a top business school. My UBridge advisor tailored a business course schedule for me and took me to meet with professors in person, which increased my confidence. UBridge definitely helped me make my dream come true!”
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.”
Zihan
U of Virginia
“When I came to University Bridge, I was unsure I had the ability to transfer to a top university but soon I had the confidence in my abilities. The help and support I received enabled me to do well in my studies, and I am now in a top 25 university! I couldn’t have done this without University Bridge.”
Jiani
Rutgers University
“My goal was clear—getting into a top business school. My UBridge advisor tailored a business course schedule for me and took me to meet with professors in person, which increased my confidence. UBridge definitely helped me make my dream come true!”
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 GPA do I need 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 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 many other international students are there?
Every campus is different. Some of our college partners have smaller international student populations while schools like Santa Monica College rank in the Top 5 largest international student population for all two-year colleges in the U.S.
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.
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 your parents, 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.
What is your official relationship to the colleges?
University Bridge maintains active partnership agreements with each college in our portfolio of college partners. These agreements allow UBridge to recruit students for each campus partner and actively manage the students’ needs while they are in the program. Feel free to reach out to us for more information about partnerships.
Can’t I just attend college on my own?
Yes. But it’s meaningfully more difficult.
UBridge exists to make the process easier for international students and their families. While the guaranteed admissions agreements are great in theory, in practice they are exceedingly difficult to achieve–especially in just two years. A recent article in the publication Inside Higher Ed points to the fact that just 2.5% of domestic [American] students successfully transfer within two years. And that’s without the complication of a visa. It means that trying to transfer on your own is incredibly tough. You only have one shot to do it right, which is why families have been trusting UBridge with their future for well over a decade.
What visa do I need to study at college?
If you are an international student, you will be granted an I-20 upon admission to school. You will then need to go to a U.S. consulate or embassy to receive an F-1 visa.
How do the transfer guarantees work?
The exact details of the guarantees for each university are different. But the key factors for each school are: minimum GPA, total credits, major-specific courses, English and Math requirements, and general course requirements. Our advisors are complete experts in the transfer process and know how to simplify and maximize every student’s opportunity.
Ready to unlock your future?
Find the right college to launch your university 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.
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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.”"