Prospective Students
Admissions
Undocumented students, with or without DACA, are welcome to apply to UC San Diego. You do not need immigration status to apply or be admitted to UC San Diego or any UC campus.
Find undocumented student support across all UC campuses .
Application Fee Waivers
The UC system may waive application fees for up to four campuses for students who are AB 540–eligible and meet income guidelines.
You may qualify based on:
- Citizenship status (select “No selection” if applicable)
- California high school attendance (3+ years)
- Family income and household size
Fee waivers apply to up to four campuses. Additional applications cost $70 each.
Tips for Filling Out the Application
Social Security Number (SSN)
- If you have an SSN, enter it.
- If you have an ITIN, use it instead.
- If you have neither, leave it blank.
- Ensure consistency with your California Dream Act Application.
Country of Citizenship
Select “No Selection” if you are undocumented. This avoids unnecessary questions about visa or residency status.
California Residency
You will be asked questions such as:
- Did you attend a California high school for 3+ years?
- How long have you lived in California?
- Is your parent/guardian a California resident? (if under 18)
- Is your parent or partner affiliated with UC?
Use this step-by-step guide for completing residency questions.
Refer to the AB 540 FAQ guide for more detailed support.
Note: Being a California resident for admissions does not automatically qualify you for in-state tuition. Learn more about nonresident tuition exemptions .
Personal Insight Questions
You may choose whether to share your undocumented status. It is not required, but can provide helpful context. This information is used only for educational purposes and is not shared with immigration enforcement.
Parent Citizenship Information
You may be asked about your parents’ citizenship status. You are not required to answer, but if you do, answer truthfully. This information does not affect your admission decision and is only used to determine residency classification.
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