Graduate Application Fee Vouchers

UC Merced encourages applications from prospective graduate students with strong academic records. We understand that the application fee can be a barrier for some prospective students. To support access to graduate education, the Graduate Division offers several application fee voucher programs for qualified domestic students.  Application fee vouchers are awarded based on financial need or eligible program participation.

Eligibility Details

There are two pathways to qualify for an application fee voucher:

1)  Special Programs or Conference Participation: If you have participated in any of the eligible programs or conferences listed here you may qualify for an application fee voucher. Proof of program participation will be required upon application submission.

2)  Demonstrated Financial Need: Eligible U.S. citizens or permanent residents may qualify for a financial need-based fee voucher. Click here to submit a voucher request. You must submit your request at least five business days before your program's application deadline.

Financial need is determined by the Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) amount listed on the applicant’s Student Aid Report (SAR), or by the Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) on the applicant’s tax return.

To be eligible for the Fee Voucher, EFC cannot exceed $5,000, or the annual family income cannot exceed the maximum AGI listed in the Family Income Guidelines chart below.

You will be required to upload one of the following income verification documents: 

1. University Financial Aid Verification: Students who have received financial aid from their current university should upload one of the following: 

•  A statement of need from a financial aid officer at the college or university that the applicant is currently attending. This statement must include Estimated Family Contribution (EFC), the financial aid officer’s signature, and the applicant’s signature verifying that the information reported is correct.
• OR A photocopy of the applicant’s 2024 – 2025 Student Aid Report (SAR) or 2025 – 2026 Student Aid Report (SAR). The SAR is generated from the information that is provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) (http://www.fafsa.ed.gov) form and includes the applicant’s Estimated Family Contribution (EFC). Do not submit copies of the FAFSA.

OR

2. Household Income Verification: Household size is determined by the number of people you report or claim on your income tax forms for the previous year. If you are claimed as a dependent, your household size is determined by the total number of people claimed on that tax form. If you are independent and have no earned income, you must document how you supported yourself for the past year and why you do not have sufficient funds to pay the application fee. Upload:

• A copy of the applicant's 2023 Federal Income Tax return. Provide either Form 1040, if listed as an independent, or a copy of the parent’s or guardian’s 2023 Federal Income Tax return, if listed as a dependent.

If your circumstances are unusual and you think that the information provided by the documents listed above will not accurately reflect your financial situation, you may also submit a detailed letter describing how the information provided in the supporting documents does not reflect your current economic, social, or educational situation.

International Applicants: Unfortunately, the Graduate Division is unable to provide application fee vouchers to international applicants. International applicants are encouraged to reach out to their program of application to determine if assistance might be possible. 

How to Claim Your Voucher

If you have received a fee voucher, it must be claimed within the graduate application. Follow these steps:

1. Once your application is complete and ready to be submitted, access the "Application Fee Voucher" section using the application sidebar menu.
2. You can select the option relevant to you and upload your supporting documents.
3. The final step is to SUBMIT your application. Your application fee voucher will not be processed until your application has been submitted. You will not be charged an application fee upon submission
4. After submission, your fee voucher request is sent to our team for verification. If waiver eligibility cannot be verified, you will be contacted and asked to submit payment.

Additional processing instructions can be found here.

Important Information

• The application fee is non-refundable under any circumstances. Do not submit payment if you are requesting a voucher approval.
• Applications will NOT be processed or reviewed until an application fee has been received or a fee waiver has been approved.
• The UC Merced graduate application fee is $135 for domestic applicants and $155 for international applicants. 

Contact our team with questions: grad@ucmerced.edu