In April 2026, HYP Global officially established a recruitment partnership with the Paul Merage School of Business at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) for the Pre-Master Boot Camp (PMBC) program.

The collaboration marks another important step in HYP Global’s continued efforts to connect high-potential students with globally recognized graduate pathways and innovative academic opportunities.

About the University of California, Irvine

Ranked No. 32 among National Universities in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report rankings, the University of California, Irvine is widely recognized for its academic excellence, research impact, and strong industry connections.

Located in the heart of Orange County, California, UCI sits between Los Angeles and San Diego, just a few miles from Southern California’s coastline. The city of Irvine has consistently been recognized as one of the safest cities in the United States and has emerged as part of the region’s growing “Tech Coast,” offering students a dynamic environment for study, innovation, and career development.

The university spans approximately 1,500 acres and serves more than 37,000 students across undergraduate and graduate programs. UCI’s faculty, researchers, and students are committed to advancing discoveries and innovations that create meaningful global impact.

Surrounded by leading technology companies, financial institutions, cultural centers, and entertainment destinations, UCI offers students a unique balance of a close-knit academic community and access to one of the world’s most vibrant economic regions.

The campus is also conveniently connected to several international airports, including John Wayne Airport (SNA), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Ontario International Airport (ONT), and San Diego International Airport (SAN), providing students with easy access to destinations across the United States and around the world.

About the Paul Merage School of Business

The Paul Merage School of Business is recognized as one of the leading public business schools in the United States, particularly for its focus on leadership and business education in a digitally driven world.

Its graduate programs continue to achieve strong national rankings across multiple disciplines:

- Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA)  

  Ranked No. 10 nationally and No. 2 in California

- Master of Professional Accountancy (MPAc)  

  Ranked No. 10 nationally and No. 2 in California

- Master of Finance (MFin)  

  Ranked No. 15 nationally and No. 2 in California

- Full-time MBA  

  Ranked No. 27 nationally, with graduates reporting significant salary growth and strong career outcomes

The school is also recognized for its commitment to diversity and inclusive academic leadership, ranking among the top institutions globally for female faculty representation.

Featured Master’s Programs

The Merage School offers a portfolio of STEM-designated graduate programs designed to prepare students for leadership in rapidly evolving industries.

Master of Professional Accountancy (MPAc)

A 9-month STEM-designated program open to students from all academic backgrounds, with no prior accounting experience or work experience required.

Master of Finance (MFin)

A 12-month STEM-designated program emphasizing quantitative finance, analytical training, and applied industry practice.

Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA)

A one-year STEM-designated program focused on big data, analytics, and business intelligence applications.

Master of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (MIE)

A unique graduate program within the University of California system dedicated to innovation, venture creation, and entrepreneurial leadership.

Master in Management (MiM)

A 9-month STEM-designated program designed for recent graduates and early-career professionals seeking accelerated management training.

Full-time MBA (FTMBA)

A two-year STEM-designated MBA program that includes a summer internship component and is designed for professionals with at least three years of work experience.

PMBC Program Timeline

As one of the most competitive business schools in California, the Merage School continues to attract highly qualified applicants from around the world.

Delivered online, the PMBC program allows students to begin developing academic readiness and practical skills during their senior undergraduate year. The program is designed to strengthen applicants’ profiles and provide additional preparation for graduate study opportunities.

Further program details will be announced in the coming months.

Pathway Timeline

- 2026 Fall PMBC → 2027 Fall UCI Merage Master’s Programs

- 2027 Spring PMBC → 2027 Fall UCI Merage Master’s Programs

Final Opportunity for Fall 2026 Direct Applications

Alongside the announcement of the PMBC partnership, qualified applicants who are still seeking admission for Fall 2026 are encouraged to submit their applications before the final international deadline of May 15, 2026.

Application materials include:

- Academic transcripts (internal evaluation accepted; WES not required)

- Two letters of recommendation

- Resume

- Personal statement

- English proficiency:

  - TOEFL iBT 80

  - IELTS 7.0 (minimum 6.0 in each section)

- Application fee: USD 150

- Interview by invitation

For more information about the PMBC program and graduate admissions opportunities, please stay connected with HYP Global for future updates.