Applying to Graduate Programs at UC Santa Cruz: Eligibility, Fees, Deadlines, and Funding Options

## Overview The UC Santa Cruz Graduate Admissions Help page provides general guidance on applying to graduate programs, including eligibility standards, application requirements, fee information, and contacts for assistance. It does not list program‑specific deadlines or detailed funding packages. ## Eligibility Requirements - Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) from an accredited institution before the quarter of intended enrollment. - Minimum B average in the last two years of undergraduate coursework. - Demonstrated English proficiency (specific test scores not detailed in the source). - Only one application per admission cycle; simultaneous applications to multiple departments are not permitted. - Required materials: online application, 3‑5 letters of recommendation, statement of purpose/personal history, unofficial transcripts, and any department‑specific items (e.g., resume, writing sample). ## Application Process 1. Apply online via https://applygrad.ucsc.edu/apply. 2. If internet access is limited, users can save progress, use public computers, or prepare answers offline and paste them later. 3. Submit the online application before the deadline; supporting documents can be uploaded later but must be received by the official deadline. 4. After submission, the applicant can view the application status online, but recommender letters and transcripts are not visible to the applicant. 5. Changes to the intended program must be made before final submission; after submission, changes are generally not allowed. ## Application Fees and Waivers - Standard fee: $135 for domestic applicants, $155 for international applicants (plus ~$4 credit‑card processing fee). - Fees are non‑refundable and cannot be deferred. - Domestic applicants (U.S. citizens, AB 540, or permanent residents) may request a fee waiver if they meet strict financial‑need criteria (Student Aid Index ≤ 6,656; family income limits based on family size). Required documentation includes a financial‑aid officer statement, FAFSA/CAL‑Dream submission summary, or a recent tax return. - Certain qualifying programs (e.g., ABRCMS, MARC, Fulbright, military service) may offer fee exemptions; applicants must indicate participation during the payment step. - International applicants are not eligible for the Graduate Division’s fee waivers, though individual programs might offer exemptions. ## Funding and Financial Support The page references a “Financial Support” section but does not provide details on scholarships, fellowships, or assistantships. Prospective students should consult individual department pages or contact program coordinators for specific funding opportunities. ## Deadlines The source states that all materials must be submitted by the “official deadlines” and advises submitting well in advance. Exact dates are not provided; applicants must verify program‑specific deadlines on the Graduate Programs page or by contacting the department. ## Unknowns and Source Limitations - No specific application or material‑submission dates are listed; deadlines vary by program. - Details on eligibility for departmental funding, assistantships, or external scholarships are absent. - The information may be outdated; web pages can change, and pandemic‑related delays in test‑score reporting are noted. - The source does not cover admission criteria for specific fields (e.g., GPA thresholds beyond a “B average”). - Fee‑waiver eligibility thresholds are presented, but the process for confirming waiver approval is not fully described. ## How to Get Help - General admissions questions: gradadm@ucsc.edu or (831) 459‑5905. - Technical issues with the online portal: gradapphelp@ucsc.edu or (831) 459‑2281. - Program‑specific inquiries should be directed to the individual graduate department. Source: https://graduateadmissions.ucsc.edu/help-for-applicants/ Checked: 2026-10-23T08:01:32.012344+00:00 Confirm details with the official institution before applying.