The University of Central Florida is one of the largest universities in the US, in Orlando. It is best known for optics and photonics, hospitality, engineering, computer science and simulation, with a campus next to Orlando's research park and theme-park industry. Choose it for a big, affordable public degree in a fast-growing city.
Orlando, United States
Official website: ucf.edu
#741
Over 68,000 — among the largest universities in the US
CREOL, one of the top optics research centres in the world
Rosen College — top 5 in the US
$22,000 – $28,000
International students, non-resident undergraduate and master's rates
$15,000 – $20,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on ucf.edu before you apply.
MS Computer Science
Masters DegreeDuration
18 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 80
MS Data Analytics
Masters DegreeDuration
18 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 80
MS Electrical Engineering
Masters DegreeDuration
18 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 80
MS Hospitality and Tourism Management (Rosen)
Masters DegreeDuration
18 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 80
MS Optics and Photonics (CREOL)
Masters DegreeDuration
18 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 80
BS Computer Science
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 80
CREOL — one of the world's leading optics and photonics research centres.
Rosen College of Hospitality Management — a top-5 US programme next to Orlando's resorts.
Central Florida Research Park — Lockheed Martin, Siemens and the US military's simulation command next door.
One of the largest campuses in the US by enrolment, with a 45,000-seat stadium.
Graduates join Lockheed Martin, Disney, Universal, Siemens Energy, Amazon and Orlando's simulation industry.
STEM master's graduates can work in the US for up to three years on OPT.
Hospitality graduates move into management at Disney, Marriott and Orlando's resorts.
Optics alumni work at laser, semiconductor and defence firms across the US.
Undergrad
1 May 2027
Postgrad
Varies by programme
Undergrad
1 Nov 2026
Postgrad
Varies by programme
The 1,400-acre main campus is a circular site in east Orlando, with a central lake, student housing, a stadium and the research park next door; Rosen College is near the resorts.
Orlando is a fast-growing, warm city with theme parks, a big hospitality job market and moderate rent. A car helps, though buses serve the campus area.
Form I-20 issued by UCF
Proof of funds for one academic year
SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
Completed DS-160 online application
US embassy or consulate interview
Passport valid six months beyond stay
For fall 2027 undergraduate entry, the final deadline is 1 May 2027, with an earlier priority date that gives the best chance at scholarships and housing; spring 2027 entry closes 1 November 2026. Graduate deadlines are set by each programme, typically two to five months before the start term.
Undergraduates can start in fall (August), spring (January) or summer (May). Most master's programmes, including computer science, data analytics, engineering, hospitality and optics, admit for both fall and spring. Check your programme's admissions page to confirm.
You need an F-1 student visa. UCF Global issues your Form I-20 after you accept the offer and submit proof of funding. Then pay the SEVIS fee, complete the DS-160 and book an interview at a US embassy or consulate.
Computer science, data analytics, electrical engineering, hospitality management and optics attract the most international applicants. Graduate admission needs a bachelor's degree with a GPA of at least 3.0, TOEFL 80 or IELTS 6.5, and the GRE for some programmes. Undergraduate admission is based mainly on grades.
UCF offers limited merit scholarships to international undergraduates, considered automatically if you apply by the priority date; need-based aid is not available, though tuition is already among the lower rates for US research universities. Graduate students can apply for teaching and research assistantships, especially at CREOL and in engineering.
