There is no student-at-large classification at UCSD; application for admission must be made to a specific department.

Applicants who wish to take course work only within a department for non-degree study to satisfy a particular need or stated purpose, must have departmental approval before submitting an application. Admission as a non-degree student is for one year; a second year of non-degree study may be approved by the Dean of Graduate Studies upon recommendation of the department.

Applicants for non-degree study must satisfy all graduate admission requirements and, under campus policy, are not eligible for graduate student support. Exceptions to this policy may be granted by the dean of Graduate Studies in certain instances. Non-degree students are eligible for graduate student privileges.