University of Virginia | Top Public Research University

What if you could study at a university founded by a U.S. President, that is also ranked among the top public schools in the nation? Welcome to the University of Virginia (UVA), established in 1819 by Thomas Jefferson. Situated in the heart of Charlottesville, VA, this public research university blends a rich historical legacy with modern academic excellence.

The UVA Virginia was ranked as the 24th National University in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report ranking, the 4th best Public School, and the 30th for Best Value Schools. These rankings showcase the University’s efforts toward affordability at the national level.

About the University of Virginia

The UVA Virginia was established with a mission to provide the United States with knowledgeable leaders.

1. History and Legacy

Jefferson’s “Academical Village”, which is still today the center of the University of Virginia campus, mirrors Jefferson's vision that the United States required public, secular, student-managed education. The campus is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its innovative approach to education and architecture.

2. Academic Excellence and Selectivity`

One of the best colleges in Virginia for students, the Uni of Virginia is placed in the 24th position by the US News & World Report and the 297th by QS World University Rankings in 2025.

Additionally, the selective nature of the institution is shown through the 17% acceptance rate with SAT scores of 1410 to 1530, while ACT scores lie between 32 to 34. UVA also has a favorable student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1, guaranteeing individual-focused attention.

The most enrolled UVA Charlottesville VA students, on average, choose to major in:

• Engineering (10%)
• Computer and Information Science (7%)
• Business (9%)
• Social Sciences (14%)
• Arts and Sciences (20%)

While VCU Virginia is well-known for its strong medical and arts programs, UVA continues to dominate in policy, law, and liberal arts.

International Presence and Research Impact

Research is fundamental to the mission of the university, and between 2019 and 2023, UVA generated a total of 27,512 published scholarly papers, averaging 16 citations each. Moreover, 67% of research is published in the leading 25% of cited journals.

With 2,382 international students from over 140 countries and 5% international faculty, the university offers a multicultural environment. The institution's international research network score of 81.6 indicates a high level of cross-border academic collaboration.

Career Prospects and Alumni Outcomes

With a 92% four-year graduation rate and a median salary of $72,359 six years post-graduation, the Univ of VA offers a strong ROI. It also ranks well in employment outcomes (77.9) and employer reputation (27.3), according to QS metrics.

University of Virginia Courses & Fees 2025

Alongside a spread of public health, business, data science, law, information technology, and nursing, the University of Virginia UVA offers close to 148 programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Apart from this, the summary of the first-year tuition fees is highlighted below:

University of Virginia Acceptance Rate 

With an acceptance rate of just 17%, Charlottesville UVA ranks among the most competitive public universities in the U.S. It enrolls 25,944 students, 17,618 undergraduates and 8,326 graduate students. 

Below is a complete list of statistics regarding enrollment for 2023-2024:

The U of VA aims to enroll a student body composed of two-thirds Virginia residents, as mandated by state law. Consequently, the acceptance rate for in-state applicants is generally higher than that for out-of-state applicants.

University of Virginia Admission Requirements

The Univ of VA is a highly selective public institution, and understanding its admission requirements is crucial for prospective applicants. Below is a comprehensive overview of UVA's undergraduate admission criteria:

• GPA Expectations: While UVA does not set a minimum GPA for admission, the average GPA of admitted students is around 4.32 on a weighted 4.0 scale, indicating that most students have earned predominantly A grades in rigorous courses such as AP or IB classes.
• Class Rank: Approximately 90% of admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school graduating class.‍
• Test-Optional Policy: For the Fall 2024 and Fall 2025 admission cycles, UVA has adopted a test-optional policy. Applicants may choose whether or not to submit SAT or ACT scores, and those who opt not to submit will not be disadvantaged in the admissions process.

Among applicants who choose to submit scores, the middle 50% range for the SAT is between 1400 and 1540, and for the ACT, between 32 and 34. Please note that UVA considers the highest section scores across multiple test dates for both the SAT and ACT, a practice known as superscoring.

• Secondary School Report: Completed by the school counselor, providing context about the applicant's school environment.
• Letters of Recommendation:
  
  • One from a school counselor.
  • One from a teacher of an academic subject.
• Mid-Year Report: An updated transcript reflecting grades from the first semester of the senior year.
• Optional Materials: For students with exceptional talent in the arts, an optional portfolio may be submitted through the Common Application via SlideRoom.‍
• International Applicants: Students whose first language is not English or who have attended an English-speaking school for fewer than two years are encouraged to demonstrate English proficiency. Accepted tests include the TOEFL and IELTS.

University of Virginia Admission Process

To apply to UVA Charlottesville VA, follow these steps:

1. Go to the application portal and register.
2. Now log in and start a fresh application.
3. Follow the application submission directives and fill in personal information.
4. Fill in the required documents’ fields, such as academic records, attested grades, standardized exams, and any other documents needed.
5. Submit Letters of Recommendation (LORs), a Statement of Purpose (SOP), and other required documents.
6. Pay a non-refundable application fee to complete the submission.

Visa Documents Required

Students accepted into UVA must prepare the following documents for their US student visa application:

• A valid passport with a validity of at least six months beyond your intended stay
• A printed copy of the DS-160 application form
• SEVIS fee receipt
• Visa interview appointment letter (original and copy)
• Form I-20 issued by UVA
• Visa application fee receipt
• Bank statements for the past three years proving sufficient funds to cover the first year of study
• Salary/pay slips of the financial sponsor
• Financial documentation to demonstrate the ability to support education costs in the US.

University of Virginia Application Deadlines

Here’s a quick look at all the key application deadlines you need to keep in mind for the University of Virginia:

University of Virginia Scholarships for International Students

The University of Virginia offers several scholarships and financial aid options that ease the burden for international students. While UVA is not need-blind for non-U.S. citizens, it does provide merit-based awards and fellowships to outstanding international applicants.

Additionally, international students can apply for external scholarships and grants to support their education. An excellent opportunity is the AmberStudent scholarship. It is a global scholarship initiative designed by amber to support students pursuing higher education abroad. 

Securing a spot at the University of Virginia is just the beginning; finding the right place to stay is equally important. That’s where amber comes in. 

University of Virginia Placement Overview

The University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business continues its impressive streak in career outcomes, with the MBA Class of 2023 achieving record-breaking placement figures. For the fifth year in a row, graduates reported the highest average starting salary in Darden’s history, with a mean base salary of USD 167,899.

When it comes to employability, the results speak volumes. 96% of MBA graduates received job offers within three months of graduation, with 94% of international students securing offers in the same period. These numbers underline UVA’s strong ties with global recruiters and its commitment to student success.

Top employers actively hiring from Darden’s MBA pool include leading firms like McKinsey & Company, Bain & Company, JP Morgan Chase, Amazon, EY, and many more. Graduates often step into roles in consulting, investment banking, technology, and general management, reflecting the program’s diverse career pathways.

As a leading student accommodation platform, amber can help you find student housing in Virginia near the university that is safe, affordable, and hassle-free. Don’t wait up; explore UVA accommodations with amber today and get one step closer to your academic journey!

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