Prospective Graduate Students
Tips for Filling Out the Graduate School Application
Undocumented students, with or without DACA, are welcome to apply for admission to UC San Diego. Immigration status is not required for admission to UC San Diego or any University of California campus.
When filling out your application, select your country of birth and choose "AP – Approved Petition" as your visa type.
Find undocumented student support at all 10 UC campuses .
Application Fee
The application fee for undocumented students is the same as U.S. citizens and permanent residents: $135.00.
Application Fee Waiver
- Complete the online application. The fee waiver option is available in the “Fee Waiver Request” section.
- Submit your request. Indicate which criteria you meet, upload documents, and submit your application for review.
- Check your email. You will receive a notification with your fee waiver status (approved, denied, or additional information needed).
Note: Submit fee waiver requests at least one week before the application deadline. Your full application must be submitted for review.
Social Security Number (SSN) or ITIN
- If you have an SSN, enter it on the application.
- If you do not have an SSN but have an ITIN, use your ITIN instead.
- If you have neither, leave the field blank.
- Ensure the number matches what you use on your California Dream Act Application.
FAQs
Graduate Program FAQs
Do I need work authorization to apply?
No. Work authorization is not required for admission. However, financial aid for graduate students is limited, and many students rely on employment to cover costs. Without work authorization, your options for funding may be more limited.
Do I need DACA to apply?
No. You do not need DACA status to apply. However, without work authorization, your options for covering program costs may be limited.
Is financial aid available for graduate programs?
Yes. Common options include:
- Dream Loans: Up to $4,000 per year ($20,000 max). Requires AB540 status and a California Dream Act Application.
- Program Funding: Many programs offer fellowships, scholarships, grants, and employment. Contact your program directly and ask about eligibility requirements (citizenship, AB540, work authorization).
- Undocumented Student Services Funding: Contact USS for available funding and resources. Some options may require AB540 and a Dream Act application.
- Private Scholarships & Fellowships:
- Private Loans: May require a co-signer for undocumented students.
Important: Do not submit the FAFSA. Undocumented students are not eligible for federal financial aid.
Is financial aid available if I am not AB540?
Yes, but options are limited. Students may access non-state funding such as departmental gifts, private funding, or endowed scholarships. Work directly with your program and Undocumented Student Services to explore options.
What if I’m not eligible for any funding?
Contact Undocumented Student Services to speak with a program coordinator about alternative strategies and support.
What employment options are available?
Students with DACA (with or without AB540) may work in roles such as Graduate Student Researcher (GSR), Research Assistant (RA), Teaching Assistant (TA), or Graduate Student Instructor (GSI).
Considering programs in different states?
Use the Undocu-friendly graduate school guide to explore and compare options across states.
What exams do I need to take for graduate or professional schools?
Graduate School Entrance Exams
Some graduate programs require entrance exams. When registering, you will need to provide identification. Below are common exams and what to expect.
GRE (Graduate Record Examination)
Some graduate programs require the GRE.
- View accepted identification requirements
- If you do not meet ID requirements, contact the ETS Office of Testing Integrity (OTI) at least 7 days before registering.
Email: TSReturns@ets.org
Phone: 1-800-750-6991
GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)
Required for many business school programs (e.g., MBA).
- View accepted identification requirements
- If you do not have proper documentation, you may request a waiver due to undocumented status.
Email: GMATCandidateServicesAmericas@pearson.com
Phone: 1-800-717-4628
LSAT (Law School Admission Test)
Required for law school in the U.S., Canada, and other countries.
- View accepted identification requirements
- Contact LSAC before the registration deadline if you cannot obtain valid ID.
Email: LSACinfo@LSAC.org
Phone: 215-968-1001
MCAT (Medical College Admission Test)
Required for medical school.
- Requires a Social Security Number (SSN) or DACA SSN to obtain an MCAT ID.
- If you do not have an SSN, contact AAMC to request an alternative ID.
- View identification requirements
MCAT phone: 202-828-0600
AAMC phone: 202-828-0400
DAT (Dental Admission Test)
Required for dental school.
- Requires two forms of identification:
- One with photo and full name
- One with signature
- Contact testing centers if you have questions about ID requirements.
Phone: 800-232-2162
In accordance with applicable Federal and State law and University policy, the University of California does not discriminate, or grant preferences, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and/or other protected categories.
More information about Proposition 209 can be found here.
More information about the University of California Anti-Discrimination Policy can be found here.
