Q: What is UCSD's application fee?
A: The non-refundable application fee is:
US Citizens and Permanent Resident Applicants $70.00
International Applicants $90.00
The application fee is payable by major credit card: MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover, and JCB.
Q: Did you get my application?
A: If you completed an online application you will receive an application confirmation number. Return to the Application Management page of the online application to check the status of your application. You will need your application username and password to access this site.
Q: How long should a Statement of Purpose be?
A: Two pages is the general guideline for the Statement of Purpose. You may access information about preparing a Statement of Purpose along with specific requirements set by departments/programs on the Statement of Purpose website.
Q: I'm submitting my application online. How do I pay the application fee?
A: The application fee payment form is located at the end of the online application under the section “Begin Submit Process”. To pay the application fee you must use an acceptable credit card (Visa, Master Card, Discover, American Express, JCB) or debit card (Visa, Master Card). Your application cannot be submitted without fee payment. You will pay the application fee first and then submit your application.
Q: Can I submit a paper application?
A: The Admissions Office encourages all applicants to use the on-line application. It provides more information and is usually easier for the applicant as well. If you are unable to use the on-line application you must have department approval to submit a paper application. To get department approval, contact the department to which you wish to apply and explain the circumstances that prevent you from using the online application process. The department will determine whether or not to provide paper application materials.
If you have been approved to submit a paper application, please pay the application fee by check. If someone is paying the fee for you with a check, they must include with the payment your name, the name of the graduate department to which you are applying, and your date of birth on the check. This will insure that you are credited for the payment.
Q: My address has changed. Who should I notify?
A: If you are a graduate applicant you can update your contact information on the application website at Admissions Website . If you are a registered student at UCSD, contact the registrar's office for a change of address form.
Q: How do I get a Graduate Application fee waiver?
A: Only U.S. citizens and permanent residents may request a waiver of the application fee. Waivers are provided to applicants who are: 1) currently receiving need-based financial assistance from an undergraduate or graduate institution; or 2) claiming financial hardship based on current federal tax return income data; or 3) participating in selected federal, state and private graduate school preparation programs. For option #3, in the online application, you will mark the program in which you participated and provide the name and email address of the program director.
For all three situations, the fee waiver request must be completed online under the “Begin Submit Process” section of the graduate application. All fee waivers are granted provisionally and applicants are required to provide supporting information and documentation to finalize the waiver. Eligibility guidelines and directions for requesting a waiver of the application fee are located onthe Fee Waiver Website.
Q: What steps do I need to take to apply to UCSD?
A: The first step in preparing for application is to contact the department/program. Review the , and make contacts to insure your interests match with what UCSD has to offer. Some departments have pre-applications. DO NOT proceed with the application process until you have read the department requirements. Application deadlines and requirements vary by department. The UCSD online application for Graduate Admissions is the preferred form of application, accessible at Admissions Website.
The second step is to contact the Educational Testing Service and have GRE and, if appropriate, TOEFL scores sent to UCSD.
The third step is to arrange for three (3) letters of recommendation and order transcripts from all institutions attended after completing high school.
Q: Can I apply to more than one program?
A: Yes. You may apply to more than one program or major at UCSD. You may not apply to more than one program within the same department.
Q: How many applications can I make with payment of one application fee?
A: You may make up to two applications with payment of one application fee or three applications with one application fee waiver.
Submit your first application with the fee or fee waiver. For additional applications, re-enter the application website with your same username and password. Click on "Start a New Application". Change the major code and other information for the new department/major. For some majors different questions may be asked on the application so review the application carefully.
Please, DO NOT USE THE BACK BUTTON ON YOUR BROWSER TO START A NEW APPLICATION. In this case you will be asked to pay the application fee again.
After completing the additional application, click on submit. You will not be asked to pay the application fee for the additional application(s). You will receive an application confirmation number for each application submitted. Treat each application as unique and separate. All required transcripts, test scores, and letters of recommendation must be submitted to each department/program.
Q: How can I establish residency?
A: All questions regarding residency need to be addressed to the Residence Deputy at residencedeputy@ucsd.edu .
Q: I want to transfer to UCSD, what is the procedure?
A: There is no separate application for students interested in transferring. You will need to use the online application process available at Admissions Website. It is recommended that you contact the department you are interested in before making application.
Q: I already hold a Master's or Doctorate degree; can I apply for a duplicate degree in a different discipline?
A: Duplication of advanced degrees is not permitted. Holders of a master's degree or Ph.D. are advised not to apply for admission to a program for the same degree, regardless of the discipline of the first degree or the discipline to which they seek admission. A professional degree is not regarded as a duplication of an academic degree.