UC TAG – University of California Transfer Guarantee Program offers eligible community college students a clear and structured pathway to earn guaranteed admission to one of six participating UC campuses. This program allows students to save on tuition, build academic skills, and transfer with confidence to a top-ranked public university in California.

TAG is available for:

  • UC Davis

  • UC Irvine

  • UC Merced

  • UC Riverside

  • UC Santa Barbara

  • UC Santa Cruz

TAG is not available for UC Berkeley, UCLA, or UC San Diego.

Why the University of California (UC)?

The University of California (UC) system is one of the top-ranked and most respected public university systems in the world. With 9 undergraduate campuses across California, UC schools offer academic excellence, diverse student life, and world-class research opportunities.

Key Reasons to Choose the UC System:
1. Global Reputation

Most UC campuses consistently rank among the top 50 universities worldwide, attracting students from over 100 countries.

2. Academic Excellence

With 150+ undergraduate majors and countless research opportunities, UC students benefit from rigorous, high-impact learning environments led by top faculty and researchers.

3. Affordable Transfer Pathways

By starting at a California community college and using the TAG (Transfer Admission Guarantee) program, students can:

  • Save thousands in tuition

  • Build academic skills

  • Transfer to a UC with guaranteed admission (at 6 campuses)

4. Diversity & Innovation

UC campuses celebrate diversity and innovation — preparing students for global careers in technology, business, science, medicine, education, and the arts.

5. Support for Transfer Students

The UC system is a national leader in supporting transfer students, with clear pathways like IGETC and TAG that help students transfer smoothly and succeed.

General TAG Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for TAG for Fall 2025, a student must:

  • Complete at least 30 UC-transferable semester units by Summer 2024

  • Be enrolled at a California Community College through Spring 2025

  • Complete 60 semester units (90 quarter units) by Spring 2025

  • Finish at least 1 English (UC-E) and 1 Math (UC-M) by Fall 2024

  • Complete the full 7-course pattern (including second English) by Spring 2025

  • Not exceed 80 semester (120 quarter) UC-transferable units (unless all coursework is from CCC/AP/IB)

  • Maintain at least a 2.0 GPA in UC-transferable coursework (with no grade lower than C in fall 2024 to spring 2025)

  • Submit:

    • TAG Application via UC TAP between Sept. 1–30, 2024

    • UC Application between Oct. 1–Nov. 30, 2024

    • Transfer Academic Update (TAU) by Jan. 31, 2025

UC TAG – Campus GPA & Eligibility Summary (2025–2026)

Each University of California campus that participates in the TAG program has its own GPA requirements and special rules for majors. Here’s a simplified overview:

🎓 UC Campus📊 Minimum GPA📌 Notes
UC Davis3.2–3.53.2 for most majors; 3.5 required for Engineering. No guarantee for Computer Science.
UC Irvine3.4All majors require 3.4. Business Administration, Nursing, and Computer Science are excluded.
UC Merced2.8–3.0Varies by major. Public Health requires 3.0 and completion of IGETC. Most majors require 2.8.
UC Riverside2.7–3.6Depends on major. Business majors should complete IGETC. Some majors require 3.6.
UC Santa Barbara3.4TAG available only for College of Letters & Science. No TAG for Engineering, Creative Studies, or Music/Theater majors.
UC Santa Cruz3.0Some majors (like Computer Science) require additional screening after transfer.
Guidance for Students Pursuing the UC Guaranteed Transfer Pathway

 

At Zhiqingteng Education, we provide comprehensive guidance and support for students navigating the University of California Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) program. Our services are designed to ensure a smooth transition into the U.S. education system and to help students achieve both academic and career success.

🔹 Application Consultation for California Community Colleges

Personalized consultation on TAG eligibility, admission requirements, and academic planning.

🔹 Application Assistance

Step-by-step guidance on completing and submitting community college and UC applications.

🔹 UC Transfer Application Support

Expert assistance with transfer applications to participating UC campuses, ensuring students meet academic and program-specific requirements.

🔹 University Readiness Program

Includes 120 hours of recorded instruction and 40 hours of online tutoring to prepare students for university-level coursework and academic life.

🔹 Academic Support

One-on-one academic coaching and strategies to help students maintain the minimum GPA required for TAG eligibility.

🔹 Academic Planning & Course Selection

Support with academic advising, general education planning (IGETC), and extracurricular academic enhancement.

🔹 International Student Life Services

Assistance with airport pickup, housing, local living arrangements, cultural activities, and student life integration.

🔹 Graduate School Application Planning

Guidance for students interested in pursuing graduate programs, including program selection, timelines, and application preparation.

🔹 Academic & Research Project Support

Help identifying and applying for academic research opportunities to strengthen students’ academic and professional profiles.

🔹 Internship & Summer Research Application Support

Assistance with locating and applying for internships and summer programs (placement not guaranteed).

🔹 Major & Career Planning

Professional guidance on choosing a major, exploring career paths, resume development, and job application strategies.

Disclaimer: Zhiqingteng Education is an independent organization and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or representing the University of California system. All information presented is based on publicly available data from UC admissions and is subject to change.