Destination UC San Diego Event

General Event Questions

What is Destination UC San Diego?
Destination UC San Diego is UC San Diego’s annual virtual Graduate Programs Open House. The event gives prospective students an opportunity to explore graduate programs, attend information sessions, and connect with faculty, staff, and current graduate students.

When is Destination UC San Diego?
Destination UC San Diego will take place virtually on October 6, 2026.

Is the event free?
Yes. Destination UC San Diego is free for prospective students to attend.

Is Destination UC San Diego an in-person or virtual event?
The event is entirely virtual and will be hosted through Zoom Events. You can participate from anywhere with an internet connection.

Who should attend?
The event is designed for prospective graduate students who are exploring or preparing to apply to master's and doctoral programs at UC San Diego. Whether you're just beginning to explore graduate school or are preparing an application, you're welcome to attend.

Do I need to be ready to apply to attend?
No. You do not need to have decided whether you will apply to UC San Diego. The event is a great opportunity to learn more about programs and determine whether UC San Diego may be a good fit for you.

Can current UC San Diego students attend?
Yes. UC San Diego undergraduate students who are considering graduate education are encouraged to participate.

Registration & Access

How do I register for the event?
Follow the link in your email invitation or use this general link to register: https://events.zoom.us/ev/AsnsSDVGSFT3YjDY2UlImjYyXfeLbQdE0bs-VpY9SlRcQ_2M3ZPg~AtgQoW_NEX43wHdjbsB60tD5nw-HhxaLbdvzhvVaqg5Y66KiwB4_3xZIgB9bnCgEGd7pHkWsDesrhQuCjSyMOQxLRw

Do I need to register for individual sessions?
Once you register for Destination UC San Diego, you will be able to explore the event schedule and choose the sessions you would like to attend.

Will I receive a confirmation after registering?
Yes. After registering, you will receive information about accessing the virtual event and additional event details.

Can I attend if I don't live in California?
Absolutely! Destination UC San Diego is virtual, so prospective students can participate from anywhere in the U.S. or around the world.

Can international students attend?
Yes. International students are welcome to attend and explore UC San Diego's graduate programs.

Do I need a Zoom account?
Yes. Participants need to have a valid Zoom account.

Sessions & Programs

What will I be able to do during the event?
You'll be able to attend general sessions and program-specific sessions, learn about graduate programs and the student experience, and connect with UCSD faculty, staff, and current graduate students.

Will I be able to talk directly with graduate programs?
Yes. Participating graduate programs will host virtual sessions where prospective students can ask questions and learn more about their programs.

What types of sessions will be available?
Sessions may include program information sessions, faculty or student panels, presentations, Q&As, and informal conversations with graduate program representatives.

How do I know which sessions are right for me?
The event schedule will include information about participating programs and sessions. We recommend reviewing the schedule in advance and selecting sessions that align with your academic interests and graduate school goals.

Can I attend sessions from multiple programs?
Yes! We encourage you to explore different programs and sessions throughout the event.

What if two sessions I want to attend happen at the same time?
We recommend prioritizing the session most relevant to your interests. You can also explore other opportunities to connect with the program afterward.

Will sessions be recorded?
No

Questions About Applying

Can I apply to a graduate program during the event?
Destination UC San Diego is primarily an opportunity to explore programs and connect with the UC San Diego graduate community. Applications are submitted separately through the appropriate graduate program.

Will I be able to ask questions about admissions requirements?
Yes. Program representatives can answer questions about their program and admissions process. Because requirements vary by program, we encourage you to attend sessions hosted by the programs you're interested in.

Can I talk to someone about whether I'm a good fit for a particular program?
Yes. Program-specific sessions are a great opportunity to ask questions and learn more about what programs look for in prospective students.

Can I speak with current graduate students?
Many participating programs will include current graduate students in their sessions. This is a great opportunity to ask about the student experience, research, community, and life at UC San Diego.

Will I be able to learn about funding and financial support?
Yes. General and/or program-specific sessions may provide information about funding opportunities, fellowships, assistantships, and other forms of financial support. Be sure to check with individual programs because funding opportunities vary.

 Accessibility & Technical Questions

Will accommodations be available?
UC San Diego is committed to making Destination UC San Diego accessible to all participants. Live Transcription and Closed Captions from Zoom will be available during event sessions and lobby live streams.

What technology do I need to participate?
You'll need a device with internet access and a web browser. A computer is recommended for the best experience.

What time zone is the event schedule listed in?
All event times will be listed in Pacific Time (PT).