UCLA Summer Sessions (USA) 2026: Your Gateway to Innovation and Engineering

Minimal black-and-red visual for UCLA Summer Sessions 2026 engineering.

As we move into 2026, the demand for engineers who are not only technically proficient but also globally minded has never been higher. For students looking to stand out in the competitive world of STEM, there is no better place to spend a summer than the University of California, Los Angeles. UCLA Summer Sessions (USA) offers a rare opportunity to experience life at a top-tier research university while earning credits that are recognized worldwide.

Located in the heart of Los Angeles—a global hub for aerospace, biotech, and software engineering—UCLA provides a vibrant ecosystem where theoretical learning meets industry application. In 2026, the engineering tracks have been expanded to include more hands-on labs and direct interaction with Silicon Beach tech firms. Whether you are a high schooler exploring career paths or a college student looking to accelerate your degree, this program is designed to propel you forward.

UCLA Summer Sessions 2026: Program Essentials

Before diving into the technical details, let's look at the logistics. UCLA offers several "Sessions," each varying in length and intensity.

Feature	Session A (6-Week)	Session C (6-Week)	Precollege Institutes
2026 Dates	June 22 – July 31	August 3 – Sept 11	Vary (typically 3 weeks)
Eligibility	High School (10th-12th) & College	High School (10th-12th) & College	High School (9th-12th)
Engineering Focus	Core CS & Mechanical Courses	Electrical & Civil Engineering	Engineering Design / IoT
Format	In-Person / Online / Hybrid	In-Person / Online / Hybrid	Primarily In-Person
International Visa	F-1 Required for in-person	F-1 Required for in-person	Not required for <18 hours/wk
Est. Tuition (Visiting)	~$385 per unit	~$385 per unit	~$2,200 – $3,100 (Program Fee)
App. Deadline (2026)	May 1, 2026	June 1, 2026	March 15, 2026

H2: Mastering the Future: Engineering at UCLA Summer Sessions (USA)

The Samueli School of Engineering at UCLA is consistently ranked among the best in the world. During the UCLA Summer Sessions (USA), the barriers between high school and university research are lowered, giving you access to the same resources as full-time "Bruins."

1. The Engineering Design Series

For high school students, the Engineering Design track is the most popular. In 2026, this program is split into specialized sub-tracks:

• Aerospace (Rockets): Learn flight dynamics and systems engineering by building and launching dual-stage rockets.

  
  

• Mechanical (Go-Karts): Dive into CAD (SolidWorks), machining, and electric motor performance to build a functional racing vehicle.

  
  

• Electrical (Rovers): Use Arduino and sensors to program autonomous rovers that can navigate unknown terrain.

2. Internet of Things (IoT) & Machine Learning

Modern engineering is as much about code as it is about hardware. The Internet of Things Precollege Institute at UCLA focuses on connecting physical devices to the cloud. You’ll learn how to write machine learning algorithms that allow sensors to recognize motion patterns—a skill fundamental to the 2026 autonomous driving industry.

3. The SCIP Advantage

The Summer College Immersion Program (SCIP) is UCLA’s most rigorous track for high schoolers. You enroll in 1–2 undergraduate courses alongside current UCLA students. For an engineering aspirant, taking CS 31 (Introduction to Computer Science) or Physics 1A at UCLA not only earns you credit but proves to admissions officers that you can handle the "Big Ten" academic pace.

H3: Why 2026 is the Year to Choose UCLA Summer Sessions (USA)

In 2026, UCLA has integrated "Silicon Beach" partnerships into its summer curriculum. This means students often get to attend guest lectures from engineers at companies like SpaceX, Google, and Northrop Grumman.

• Professional Development: Beyond the labs, the program includes workshops on the UC application process, personal insight questions (PIQs), and how to secure engineering internships.

  
  

• Global Community: You won't just be meeting students from California. The 2026 cohort expects attendees from over 50 countries, providing a global networking opportunity that is rare at the high school level.

  
  

• Research Exposure: Even in a short summer stint, students are introduced to the Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) methodology, learning how to document findings and present them at a formal symposium.

Admissions & Financial Aid: Making it Happen

The application for UCLA Summer Sessions (USA) officially opens in February 2026.

1. GPA Requirements: Most engineering-track programs require a minimum unweighted cumulative GPA of 3.2. For the SCIP program, this rises to a 3.8.

   
   

2. Scholarships: California high school students may be eligible for Summer Scholars Support, which provides need- and merit-based financial aid. The deadline for this is typically March 15, 2026.

   
   

3. Rolling Admissions: Many institutes, especially the popular Engineering Design tracks, fill up within weeks of opening. Early registration in February is highly recommended.

FAQ: UCLA Summer Sessions (USA)

1. Can I live on campus during the UCLA Summer Sessions (USA) 2026? Yes. Residential housing is available for students who are 15 years or older by the start of the program. Staying in the iconic UCLA residence halls (like Spieker or Holly) allows you to fully immerse yourself in the "Bruin" lifestyle, with meals included at award-winning dining halls.

   
   
   
   

2. Is the Engineering Design program available to international students? Yes, international students are welcome. However, since some Precollege Focus Series are shorter than 18 hours per week, you may not require an F-1 visa and can enter on a B-1/B-2 visitor visa. Always check the latest 2026 I-20 requirements on the UCLA International Student page.

   
   
   
   

3. Do I get college credit for the 3-week Engineering Design tracks? While the Engineering Design track is a "Focus Series" that provides a certificate and deep technical training, it is typically non-credit. If you want transferable UCLA credit, you should look into the Summer Courses or the SCIP program.

   
   
   
   

4. What supplies do I need for the 2026 Engineering tracks? Students in the IoT and Microcontrollers tracks are usually required to bring their own laptop (Windows or Mac). Specialized equipment, like the Arduino kits or rocket components, is provided by UCLA and covered by your program fees.

   
   
   
   

5. What happens if a course is full? UCLA uses a waitlist system. If you are on a waitlist, you are encouraged to attend the first day of class, as instructors often "add" students if there is space. However, for specialized engineering labs, capacity is strictly limited for safety reasons.

Conclusion: Launch Your Career in the City of Angels

The UCLA Summer Sessions (USA) represents more than just a line on a resume; it is a preview of your future. By spending your summer at UCLA in 2026, you are placing yourself at the intersection of academic excellence and real-world innovation. Whether you are launching a rocket into the California sky or coding a neural network in a Boelter Hall lab, the skills and confidence you gain here will last a lifetime.

The "Bruin" legacy is built on the spirit of Optimism. This summer, bring your curiosity and your drive to Los Angeles, and see how far an engineering education can take you.