Please visit our general Application Requirements page, for a further breakdown of the requirements.
I have a question about my visa.
For questions about your visa documents, contact UC Merced International Affairs office at iss@ucmerced.edu or visit their website.
Are international students eligible for income-based fee waivers?
Unfortunately, the Graduate Division does not offer fee waivers to international applicants. Graduate application fee waivers are available to eligible U.S. citizens or permanent residents only but you may reach out to your program of choice to see if there is anything they can offer. We hope this does not discourage you from submitting your application.
Please visit our general Application Requirements page, for a further breakdown of the requirements.
Can undocumented students apply for admission to UC Merced?
Yes, UC Merced welcomes applications from undocumented students.
I am an undocumented student, how should I answer the citizenship question on the application?
Under the Personal Background tab:
1) Select "no" to U.S. citizen and permanent resident
2) Select the best option that describes your citizenship (International non-U.S. or other AB 540 elgible status)
3) Select your country of citizenship
4) Select if you are able to provide documentation demonstrating you are legally authorized to work in the U.S.
Please answer the questions to the best of your ability
Are application fee waivers available to undocumented students?
Fee waivers are available for any domestic applicant who meets the eligibility criteria eligibility.
Can undocumented students receive in-state tuition rates?
Yes, with an approved AB540 application, which is available online.
What funding options are available for undocumented students?
Typically, our undocumented students are funded similarly to any other graduate student. Most Ph.D. students are awarded Teaching Assistantships and/or Graduate Student Researcher positions. You may need to request consideration for DACA status to obtain work authorization.
The Rose R. Ruiz fellowship is a particularly good opportunity to explore, as AB540 students are given priority for the award. Here is a link of different funding resources for students who qualify for D.A.C.A. or AB 540.
Are there any services on campus to help undocumented students navigate resources in and around campus?
Yes, we have a Services for Undocumented Students office that serves the entire campus population of undocumented students.
Are there any additional resources at the UC systemwide level for undocumented students?
Undocumented students of all ethnicities and nationalities can find a safe environment and supportive community at the University of California. Please find more information by following this link.
Click here to view the deadlines of all our graduate programs.
My transcripts, test scores, letter of recommendations, are not ready. Should I wait until I receive them to submit my application?
Do not miss the application deadline waiting on test scores, transcripts or letter of recommendations. Be sure to note your test date and registration number on your application and remember to send a reminder to your recommender. Unofficial transcripts may be submitted with pending course work.
Are official transcripts required to submit my application?
Official transcripts are NOT required until an applicant has been admitted. While submitting your application please upload scanned copies of your transcripts for all college-level academic work including community college, summer session, and study abroad. Unofficial copies will suffice for the initial review process.
Am I required to take a GRE subject test?
The GRE requirement varies by program. To find out if your graduate program requires the GRE, please visit our Application Requirements page.
Are test scores required to be verified for my application?
Yes, test scores must be verified by the testing company.
University of California, Merced
Attn: Graduate Division, SSB 230
5200 N Lake Road
Merced, CA 95343
To find out if your graduate program requires the GRE, please visit our Application Requirements page.
What are the minimum GRE test scores required to apply?
There is not a specific score requirement. UC Merced values a holistic admissions approach where each piece of the application is considered valuable to assessing a prospective student’s potential for success. GRE scores are one component that is factored into the overall consideration. To find out if your graduate program requires the GRE, please visit our Application Requirements page.
Am I required to take an English-proficiency (TOEFL/ IELTS) test?
All graduate applicants, regardless of citizenship, whose preparatory education was principally in a language other than English, must show evidence of having taken the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or TOEFL-Internet Based Test or the International English Language Testing Service (IELTS) examination within the past 2 years. Note: some programs require higher scores, please check the program for details.
Please visit our International Student page for more information.
My test scores and/or transcripts were sent but my application checklist still shows it’s missing.
For documents mailed to our office: Mail can take a couple extra days to reach our office once it arrives on campus. When received, we will add it to your record, and you will see it marked as 'received' in the application portal.
For documents sent via ETS: Please ensure that your name on your test scores and application matches. Test scores take approximately 10-15 days to be received by the institution.
Every graduate group has a graduate coordinator who can answer academic or procedural questions about that particular graduate program. You can browse our Academic Studies to familiarize yourself with our programs, faculty research interests and expertise.
Yes. Previous applicants must submit a new application, including all supporting documents, and pay the application fee.
For questions regarding graduate education at UC Merced, contact the Graduate Division at 209-228-4723 or email grad@ucmerced.edu.
What is required to apply to UC Merced?
The minimum graduate admission requirements are: (1) a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution; and (2) a satisfactory scholastic average, usually a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (B) on a 4.0 scale.
There are additional or higher requirements than those mentioned above, and satisfying minimal standards does not guarantee your admission. Please visit our requirements page for a further breakdown.
Additional requirements for international students can be found here.
What is UC Merced's graduate application fee?
The application fee is $135 for domestic applicants, and $155 for international applicants.
When is the graduate application deadline?
The general deadline in January 15, but can vary by program. Click here to view the application deadline by graduate programs.
When should I expect an admissions decision?
Admissions decisions are based on a rolling basis and vary among programs. In general, you can expect an admissions decision to be sent between March-June.
How can I check the status of my application?
Once you submit your application, you will receive an email with a link to a portal to check your status and any pending documents that need to be submitted.
Can I submit my application after the general January 15th deadline?
The application system will not accept submissions after a program’s deadline. Please refer to the Application Deadlines page to ensure you submit on time. Financial support may not be available to late applicants.
If I want to re-apply, do I need to fill out a new application?
Yes. Previous applicants must submit a new application, including all supporting documents, and pay the application fee.
How do I apply to graduate school at UC Merced?
Applicants may only apply to one program per cycle. The electronic application can be accessed through our Online Application System.
How do I decide which academic discipline is right for me?
You can browse our Academic Programs to familiarize yourself with our programs, faculty research interests and expertise.
Does UC Merced offer spring admissions?
UC Merced Graduate Studies only offers admissions for the fall semester. However, an exception may be made by individual programs to offer spring semester admissions. Please contact the program of interest for their spring admission policy.
When is the deadline for letter of recommendations?
Your application and all required documents should be submitted by January 15th, however, we will still accept letters after this date. Please note, each piece of an application is considered valuable in assessing a prospective student's potential for success, including letters of recommendation. Letters of recommendation provide information on an applicant's potential for success and should be submitted as soon as possible to provide a complete application for faculty to review.
How do I submit a letter of recommendation?
Letters must be submitted directly by the recommender listed on your application. They will receive a link to complete a survey and upload their letter. Please ensure their information is correct when you enter it in the application. Graduate Admissions will not accept letter of recommendations that come directly from an applicant.
What does it mean if I waive my right to examine my letter(s) of recommendation?
Selecting "Yes" waives your right to examine the letter of recommendation. UC Merced does not provide a copy of the recommendation. Responding "Yes" gives your recommender the option to keep their letter confidential, and the graduate program will know that the recommender had the opportunity to provide an honest assessment.
Selecting "No" indicates that you may later have access to your letter. Please keep in mind by selecting “No” some recommenders may not submit a letter out of preference and may need to find a new recommender.
Can I update my list of recommenders?
Yes, you may update your list of recommenders. Please log back onto your application and select the "Recommendations" tab.
What if my recommender has not received a link?
If your recommender has not received a link, please log back into your application to ensure the contact information is correct then click "resend link." Recommenders may also directly send their letter to grad@ucmerced.edu if issues persist.
