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Application Fee Questions

What is UC San Diego's application fee?

Applicants may apply to multiple programs for the same term, but are required to pay a fee for each application. However, each application must be submitted to a different department. Please note the application fee is non-refundable.

  • US Citizens and Permanent Resident Applicants: $135.00
  • International Applicants: $155.00

The application fee is payable by major credit card: MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover, and JCB.

What is the application fee and fee waiver process for undocumented students?

The application fee for undocumented students is the same as US Citizens and Permanent Residents: $135.00.

When filling out your application, be sure to select your country of birth and "AP – Approved Petition" as your visa type.

How do I pay the application fee?

The application fee payment form is located at the end of the online application. To pay the application fee you must use an acceptable credit card (Visa, Master Card, Discover, American Express, and JCB) or debit card (Visa, Master Card). Your application cannot be submitted without payment.

How can I apply for a waiver of the application fee?


  1. Complete the online application. The option to request a fee waiver is provided on the "Fee Waiver Request" section of your application.
  2. Complete the "Request Fee Waiver" tab, upload documents, and submit. After reviewing the qualifications for a fee waiver, you may indicate which criteria you meet and upload the corresponding documents for review of your request. Submit your application when you have completed it so that your fee waiver request may be reviewed.
  3. Check your email. You will receive an email notifying you of your fee waiver status (Approved, Denied, or Further Documentation Needed).

Please note all fee waiver requests must be submitted at least one week prior to the application deadline. Your application must be fully submitted for your fee waiver to be processed.

How many fee waivers can I apply for?

If you are applying to multiple programs, you will only be eligible to receive one fee waiver for your first application. Any subsequent applications will need to be paid for to be considered for admission.

How long do I have to submit an application fee waiver request?

All fee waiver requests must be submitted at least one week prior to the application deadline. Your application must be fully submitted for your fee waiver to be considered and processed. Please refer to our program directory for program deadlines.

I have participated in a Special or Graduate Preparation Program/Conference, which qualifies me for a fee waiver. How do I submit the application to receive the fee waiver?

Applicants who participated in certain programs/conferences are eligible for an application fee waiver. In the application under "Other", select the program/conference that you participated in and provide the additional information requested. A list of eligible graduate prep programs can be found on our website