Graduate Application | Application Fee | Transcripts | Test Scores | Letters of Recommendation | Statement of Purpose & Personal History Statement
Program Requirements | Funding | Admitted Students | International Students | New Graduate Students | Continuing or Returning Students

Graduate Application

• Which terms do you admit for and when does the application open?

  Term availability varies by program, but we have some programs that are Summer or Fall only and some programs that admit for all quarters.

  The Summer and Fall application typically opens in early September one year prior to that quarter beginning (September 2024 for Fall 2025). The Winter application opens in March the year before (March 2025 for Winter 2026) and Spring opens July the year before (July 2025 for Spring 2026). 

• How can I apply for admission?

  Please visit our Requirements and Apply pages for more information about application requirements and how to apply.

• How can I contact the program I am interested in?

  Please visit our Graduate Programs page for a list of the graduate programs we offer and their contact information.

• How many applications can I submit per quarter?

  There is no limit. A separate application fee is required for each application submitted. Please note that you only need to apply to a program once for the same quarter. After your application is submitted it is possible to change your degree objective.

• Can I change my degree objective after I submit my application?

  Yes. Please email the Graduate Admissions Office for assistance.

• Can I change the term on my submitted application?

  No. Once your application is submitted we will not change the term. Please make sure that you verify you are applying for the correct term with the program prior to submitting your application. The Application Deadlines page shows when each quarter begins.

• Do you offer conditional admission?

  No, we do not offer conditional admission.

• Do you accept transfer graduate students?

  No we don't. If you are currently in a graduate program, you would need to apply and submit all required application materials. For those interested in transferring units from your current program to UCR, you would need to obtain approval from both the graduate program you are admitted to as well as Graduate Academic Affairs.

• Can I transfer some of my credits to UCR?

  With approval from your graduate program and Graduate Academic Affairs, you can transfer a maximum of 8 units.

• Can I take an individual graduate course without being admitted to a graduate program?

  This is possible through concurrent enrollment with University Extension.

• Can I apply for a duplicate graduate degree?

  Permission to work for a second master's degree in a NEW area may be approved on the individual merit of the application when there is little or no close relationship between the two subjects. Duplication of a master's degree in the same field is not permitted, and duplication of a doctorate is not permitted, regardless of the field of study. For example, if you hold an MS in Entomology you will not be approved to enter our master's program in Entomology but could be approved to enter a master's program in Statistics.

• How can I confirm my application was received?

  For applications submitted on or after September 12, 2022, log into our new online application system. At the time of submission, you will have also been sent an automatic email confirmation to the email address you applied with.

  For applications submitted before September 12, 2022 for Summer/Fall 2022, Winter 2023, and Spring 2023, visit GradSIS.

   

   

   

• When will I receive a decision on my application?

  It depends on the program. The majority of admission decisions are made from January - April for Summer/Fall quarter. If you have not received a decision by June, please contact the graduate program for an update. For all other quarters, it is best to check with the graduate program.

• How will I receive my admission decision?

  Official notification of an admission decision will be sent to your application email address with a link to the online application system.

• How can I make changes to my application?

  For changes regarding biographical information, please contact the Graduate Admissions office. Once submitted, we are unable to make any additional changes to your submitted application.

• Can I copy a previously submitted application?

  No. 

• Who do I contact for my application status?

  We recommend visiting your Application Status page to check your status. If a decision is released, you will be notified by email. The Graduate Admissions Office will not provide any updates regarding your application status.

Application Fee

• How much is the application fee?

  It varies by your status and program. Please visit  Application Fee section in Admission Requirements for more information.

• What forms of payment do you accept?

  We accept VISA, MasterCard, or Discover credit card payments only. The required application fee is non-refundable.

• What if I don't have the required form of payment?

  We recommend you find a family member or friend that can pay the application fee on your behalf.

• When do I have to pay the application fee?

  In order to submit your application, you will be prompted to pay the application fee.

• Can my application fee be used for multiple applications?

  No. Payment of the application fee is only valid for that application submitted.

• Do you offer refunds?

  No. The application fee is non-refundable.

• Who do I contact if my application fee was captured, but my application doesn not show submitted?

  Please contact the Graduate Admissions office. Please include your name, application reference number and the date that your credit card transaction was processed.

• Do you offer fee waivers?

  Yes we do. Please visit our Fee Waivers page for more information on the available options.

• I participated in a graduate preparation program, how do I get a fee waiver?

  Please visit our Fee Waivers page for programs that qualify and how to apply for a fee waiver.

Transcripts Needed for Application Review

• Do I have to send official transcripts and degree certificates for the review of my application?

  No. Programs can review your application off unofficial copies of your transcripts and degree certificates. Please make sure to include complete copies (including the transcript legend/key on the back). If you accept an offer of admission, official copies of your transcripts and degree certificates will be requested in your final admission letter. Please see the New Graduate Students section in this FAQ for official academic records requirements.

  All transcripts and/or academic documents uploaded to the online application system are considered unofficial.

• Can I upload my transcripts to my application?

  Yes. You are required to upload transcripts, degree certificates (diploma) - if already awarded and not posted on transcript, and certified English translations (if language of instruction is not English) to each entry Academic History before submitting your application. Once submitted, you will have access to add transcripts to your application, but the program will not review your application until all materials are received. 

• Do you accept electronic transcripts?

  Yes. Electronic transcripts from accredited U.S. colleges and universities sent via eSCRIP-SAFE, Docufide, Parchment Exchange or directly from the accredited U.S. college and university are accepted. We also accept transcripts from Indian colleges and universities via TrueCopy handled through Parchment Exchange. For Chinese colleges and universities, we ONLY accept CSSD transcripts and proof of degrees awarded sent to UCR via Parchment Exchange.

  The transcripts not sent through a third-party vendor must be sent to grdadmis@ucr.edu in order to verify the authenticity of the documents. Please note that it takes 7- 14 days to verify transcripts received.

  If you are sending them at the time you apply, please provide your graduate program's email address as the recipient of these transcripts. Graduate Programs will attach the electronic transcripts received to your online application.

• My undergraduate degree is in progress, when should I provide my transcript for review?

  We would like to see your most recent term completed grades. If Fall term grades are available before you apply, we recommend uploading that transcript.

• I attended UCR as an undergraduate or graduate, do I have to provide an official transcript?

  Effective Fall 2019, UCR current and previous students will no longer need to provide official transcripts. Unofficial copies can be provided for the review process and to also clear your registration hold for your final transcript.

• I took courses at a College for High School credit. Do I have to provide that transcript?

  Yes, if that coursework is counted as transfer coursework (without providing course name, grade, and units) on the transcript of any institution you attended since High School.

• I studied abroad during my undergraduate/graduate program. Do I have to provide the transcript from that international institution?

  If your study abroad program was hosted by the home institution you attended and all coursework (including course name, grade, and units) is listed on the home institutions transcript, we would not require a transcript from that international institution.

• Do you require international applicants to have their transcripts and degree certificates evaluated?

  No, third party evaluations should not be submitted for the application review phase. The Graduate Admissions office assists graduate programs in evaluating international transcripts and degree certificates provided by applicants. We require copies of your transcripts and degree certificates in the original language and certified English translation (if not exclusively taught in English) from your institution(s).

  Beginning Summer/Fall 2025, the WES ICAP will be required for fulfilling the official academic record requirements. Official records are submitted after an admissions offer is accepted.

• Do you accept evaluated transcripts and degree certifies from 3rd party agencies/companies (WES, etc.)?

  No. We require copies of your transcripts and degree certificates in original language and certified English translation (if not exclusively taught in English) from your institution. 

• How is my GPA calculated?

  We use the reported overall GPA on all transcripts for your GPA. If you attended an institution whose grading scale is not on a 4.0 scale, we will leave your GPA on the original grading scale and determine a US equivalency based on international credential evaluation resources.

• How should I report my GPA if it isn’t on a 4.0 scale?

  In the Academic History section you will be provided with a field to list your overall GPA and the scale used by your institution. For example, you GPA is a 9.2 out of a 10-point scale. 

• When do I need to send my official transcripts?

  The Graduate Admissions office will notify you when to provide your official transcripts. Most students will start providing documents from May to September for if they are starting Fall quarter.

• What do you mean by “official” transcript?

  An "official" transcript and degree certificate is a document that is certified by your home institution as being a true copy to what your home institution has on file. Certified copies must contain original wet ink stamp attesting that it is a certified copy to the original on file.

• What if my institution will not provide another transcript or degree certificate?

  If your institution will only provide one original transcript and/or degree certificate (diploma), please request that they provide a certified copy.

• What if my institution won’t seal my documents in an institution envelope?

  We will not be able to accept those documents as official. Your institution must place them in a sealed closed institution envelope and we must receive them in that same condition to assure the validity of those documents provided.

• What if my institution does not provide certified English translations?

  We recommend you either find a certified translator in the country your are currently residing. If you are residing in the U.S., we recommend you visit the American Translator Association site and use their Advance Search feature to find a translator close to your current location.

• Who do I send my official transcript to?

  You will only need to upload unofficial copies of your transcripts and degree certificates (if degree has been completed) for the initial review.

  If you accept an offer of admission, official transcripts and degree certificates (if degree awarded isn't posted on transcript) should be sent to the Graduate Admissions Office. Our mailing address is:

  Graduate Admissions

  University Office Building, Room 140

  900 University Avenue

  Riverside CA, 92521

• Can I provide my own English translation?

  No. They must be provided by a certified translator. This can be your institution or a certified translator within your country or the U.S.

• Do you require certified English translations?

  Yes.

• Can I get a copy of my transcripts?

  Your graduate program may assist you with this request.

• Can I request my transcripts be returned?

  No. Once submitted. Your official transcripts and official certified copies of your degree certificates (if applicable) become part of your record and cannot be returned. Due to this policy, please make sure to never provide your original degree certificate awarded to you.

Test Scores

• What test scores are required?

  Please review our test scores section on our Requirements page.

• Can I apply without test scores?

  Yes, you can apply without test scores. Your application will not be reviewed by your graduate program until an examinee copies of your required scores are added through your Application Status Page. When you add a test score, you only need to enter the test date.

• Are official scores required?

  No. Unofficial test scores are welcome for the initial review process. If admitted and you accept, the Graduate Admissions office would request official scores at that time.

• If I previously submitted my test scores to UCR, do I have to report my test scores again?

  No, if the exam date is still valid for the term entered on your application

  Those applying for re-admission, add a major, and change of major are not required to provide new test scores; unless your graduate program your started at UCR didn't require the GRE and the new graduate program does.

• Did you receive my test scores?

  Please log into your Application Status Page  to check the status of official test scores received. 

• Is the GRE subject exam required?

  Only for the graduate program in Biophysics and Physics. We recommend visiting the program website to see of the requirement is waived for the current application.

• What is UCR’s institutional code for the GRE/TOEFL exams?

  UCR's institution code is 4839.

• How do I find out the Department Code for the GRE exam?

  A department code is not required.

• What is the minimum GRE score required?

  We encourage you to speak to your graduate program (if it isn't posted on their website) on what score they are looking for, if required.

• Can I take the best scores from different exams?

  No. We will only use the score results from one exam date.

• How old can my GRE test score date be to be accepted by UCR?

  GRE scores are valid for 5 years per ETS. We allow test scores to be reported to UCR for Fall 2023 if they are dated January 2019. If your test score is older than that, we encourage you to speak to the graduate program to see if they are willing to request an exception for your expired score. 

• Do I have to provide an English Proficiency exam score?

  If any of your institutions attended where you earned a Bachelor's degree or higher were not exclusively taught in English, you are required to provide a valid and passing English Proficiency exam.

  If you received or will receive a Bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited (or recognized institution if outside of the U.S.) institution whose main language of instruction was exclusively English prior to the quarter you have applied to, the English Proficiency exam requirement is waived. We recommend visiting the Testing Requirements section of the application possible ways to waive this requirement.

   

   

• What English Proficiency exams do you accept?

  We accept the TOEFL (iBT and iBT Special At Home version) , the IELTS, and the IELTS Academic exams.

  Our office will not be accepting the Duolingo English Test, TOEFL ITP+, or the TOEFL MyBest™. If you don't have access to taking any of the approved English language proficiency exams, we recommend contacting your program of interest for another option.

• Do I need to provide an English Proficiency exam score if I earned a degree in the U.S.?

  The requirement is waived if that institution attended is regionally accredited and the degree awarded or will be awarded to you is a Bachelor's degree or higher.

• As a US Citizen or US Permanent Resident do I need to provide proof of English proficiency?

  Yes, if your native language is not English. We recommend visiting the Testing Requirements section of the application possible ways to waive this requirement.

• What are the minimum English Proficiency exam scores?

  Here are the overall minimum scores for the TOEFL and IELTS.

  TOEFL: 80 (iBT); 550 for pBT.

  IELTS: overall score of 7.0, with no individual component score less than 6.0.

• How old can my English Proficiency test score date be to be accepted by UCR?

  TOEFL and IELTS scores must be dated 2 years from the quarter you are applying for. For Fall 2023, test scores cannot be older than September 2021.

• Do you accept the TOEFL MyBest™ scores?

  No. Scores reported to UCR will be evaluated based on an exam where all sections were completed and scored for one exam date. Results from multiple exams cannot be combined to create a super score. 

Letters of Recommendation

• How many letters of recommendation are required?

  A minimum of three (3) letters of recommendation are required for most programs. If your program requires less, it will be noted in the Recommendation section of the graduate application.

• Can I submit more than the required number of letters of recommendation?

  You can, but it does not increase your chances of being admitted.

• When will a request to upload my letter of recommendation go to my recommender?

  Your recommender will be sent an email to upload their letter upon you entering and saving their contact information in the Reference section of the application. You will not be able to waive your rights after you have saved and sent the request to each recommender.

• How do I update a recommender’s information on my application?

  Applicants only have access to send a reminder, exclude a recommender, or add a new recommender in the Application status page. If information about your recommender is not correct, you will need to exclude and add that recommender again.

• I forgot to waive my rights to view the letter of recommendation, what do I do?

  Once you add contact information and send the request, you are not able to update your decision to waive your rights. 

• When are letters of recommendation due?

  Please check your Graduate Program's website for more details. A program can either require them to be submitted the same date as their application deadline or may accept them after the online application deadline.

• May I send a reminder to my recommender?

  Yes. You have access to send a reminder email to each recommender through your Application Status page. When you log in, select the application you need to send a reminder. At the bottom of that page, you will see 'To re-send notification emails to your recommenders, re-visit the recommendations page, click "Edit", and then click "Send Reminder". Hover over the 'recommendations page' to access that page.

• Did you receive my letter(s) of recommendation?

  Once a letter is submitted , you will receive email confirmation. You. may also check to see letters received by accessing your submitted application via the Application Status page.

• Do you accept letters of recommendation from Interfolio?

  Yes. Instructions are provide in the Reference section of the online application.

• How can I view my letter(s) of recommendation?

  If you have waived your rights to review the letter of recommendation, you will never be able to see the letter of recommendation. You may only review letters you have not waived your rights as a matriculated UCR graduate student. 

• Can I get a copy of my letter(s) of recommendation?

  No. If you qualify to see a letter of recommendation, you will only be shown a copy of eligible letters. Please review the above question for qualifications to review a letter of recommendation.

Statement of Purpose & Personal History Statement

• Do I have to submit both statements?

  Yes, unless application instructions indicate otherwise for this section in the online application.

• How long does each statement need to be?

  That depends on the individual and their responses to the writing prompts.

• How can I submit these statements?

  Both statements can either be uploaded (PDF or Word Document) to the Supporting Documents section. There is a 3,000 character limit (including spaces) recommended for all documents uploaded.

• How do I submit an updated or corrected one?

  Updated or corrected statements may be uploaded through your application status portal under the Upload Materials section. Make sure to select the correct material label.

Program Requirements

• How do I find out about program requirements?

  Please visit the Graduate Programs page for more information. Graduate Programs will also indicate if Writing Samples or other program requirements will need to be provided in the Additional Information section located at the bottom of the Statement of Purpose & Personal History Statement tab in the online application.

Fellowship (Funding) Questions

• What kind of funding is available?

  Fellowship funding is available to certain graduate programs and only certain degree objectives within a graduate program. We encourage you to check with the graduate program you are interested in regarding funding availability based on the program and degree objective you are interested in.

• Do I have to apply for fellowship?

  No. If the graduate program and degree objective selected are eligible for fellowship funding, you will be considered for it by the graduate program. The graduate program is who makes the admission recommendation to provide funding.

• How do I find out if I received a fellowship?

  Any fellowship funding will be noted in your offer letter and a financial chart showing the funding approved will be provided as well.

• I didn’t receive a fellowship. Is it possible to receive future funding?

  Depending on the graduate program applied to and degree objective chosen, we recommend you check with the graduate program.

Admitted Students

• When do I have to accept my offer of admission?

  Your offer letter will provide you with a required response deadline.

• Can I get a deadline extension to my offer of admission?

  Only with the graduate program's approval. You will need to contact them first. If approved, they will notify our office and we will adjust this date based on their recommendation and you will receive an automated email from our online application system confirming the new response date.

• Can I defer to another quarter?

  We are not offering deferments for offers made during the 23-24 admissions cycle.  If you are in a situation that would normally require a deferment, please reach out to the graduate program to which you were admitted for further advice.

• Is it possible to decline an offer after I have already accepted it?

  While we are sorry to hear that, yes it is possible. You will need to notify Graduate Admissions and copy your graduate program as well. Our office will confirm once your decision has been updated to a decline.

International Students

• What is the International Applicant Confidential Financial Statement?

  International applicants are required to complete the International Applicant Confidential Financial Statement section as part of the Graduate online application. This section will provide total required fees, required proof of living expense, and dependent proof of support for the 9-month academic year. Any dependent's (spouse or child) requiring an I-20 form from our office will require you to provide additional verification of support to our office. You will also be required to provide the type of sponsorship you have. 

  As fellowships are merit-based, indicating that you have a sponsor will not exclude you from consideration of a fellowship.

• What is the International Student Sponsorship Information Form?

  The International Student Sponsorship Information Form is available in the Confidential Financial Statement section of the online application. The form contains more information regarding acceptable sponsor types and proof of support. This form and accompanying proof of support is not required during the application review process. If admitted, your offer letter will provide you with more details on these requirements.

• How much does it cost to attend UCR?

  Total required fees and expenses are estimated at US$47,331.86 per calendar year (this figure is subject to change). This amount is for the student alone. This estimate includes $32,287.86 for fees for three quarters and $15,044.00 for basic living expenses for the nine month academic year only. All fees are subject to change without notice. Married students must verify an additional US$3,500 if accompanied by a spouse and another US$3,000 for a child; each additional dependent requires US$3,000.

  If you have applied to the MPAc, MFin, MBA (Management or Professional), or MPP, visit Financial Verification and Visa Procedures for the total verification of support required for those programs

• When do I have to provide verification of support?

  Verification of support does not need to be provided during the initial review process of your application. If you are admitted, your offer letter will confirm if this is a requirement and provide you with further instructions.

• What are my visa options?

  The I-20 form is issued to admitted applicants who are qualified for an F-1 (student) visa. The DS2019 form is issued to admitted applicants who are qualified for a J-1 visa. J-1 (exchange visitor) status is appropriate for students whose programs of study are substantially funded by the U.S. government, their home government, an international or nonprofit organization, or UCR.

  Questions related to your current situation (if in the US on another visa) should be directed to the International Students and Scholars Office (ISS) to determine what your best option is given your current situation.

• How soon will I receive my I-20?

  Once your Certificate of Eligibility form is submitted, ISS will prepare your I-20 within 1-3 business days. If you have a transfer I-20, your transfer will be prepared the next business day after your confirmed release date. 

• When can I enter the US?

  If you have an initial I-20, you can enter the U.S. 30 days prior to the start date listed on your I-20 form. Your I-20 form will list that entry date, to assist you in planning your travel arrangements.

New Graduate Students

• I just accepted my offer of admission, what happens next?

  The Graduate Admissions team will review and prepare your final admission letter and send it to you within 1-3 business days after you accept. For International students, a separate email regarding preparing your I-20 form will be sent.

  If you are International and you are required to provide verification of support, further instructions will be provided in your Grad I-20 email and form.

• Where do I find my student identification information?

  All of your student information can be found on your final admission letter.

• I forgot my password and didn’t setup my security questions. Who do I contact to have my password reset?

  Email grdadmis@ucr.edu and provide your Name, application ID# and let us know you need your password reset and we will assist you in initiating this process.

• How can I get more information about what I need to do before the quarter begins?

  Your final admission letter will provide lot's of information to help you set yourself up as a graduate student here at UCR. You can also visit Accepting Your Offer for assistance.

  We recommend you setup your R'Mail account as soon as you receive your final letter so that you can also receive important communications sent by other UCR campus departments.

• What orientations are available to new graduate students?

  Orientations for new graduate students are provided by Graduate Division, International Students and Scholars (ISS), and typically through your graduate program. Each orientation has a different focus and we encourage all new graduate students to attend. The Graduate Division orientation is only offered in Fall quarter and your graduate program and ISS will reach out to you if you were admitted for another quarter.

• I earned a degree from an international institution. How do I submit my official documents?

  Please refer to our Transcripts for Admitted Students page. All students admitted to Summer/Fall 2025 and beyond are required to submit the WES ICAP course by course evaluation for degrees earned outside of the United States.

Continuing or Returning Students

• Who do I contact to reset my password as a returning UCR graduate student?

  The Graduate Admissions office will be able to assist you. Please provide your name and student ID number to better assist you.

• How do I apply for re-admission, add a major, or change of major?

  Visit Returning & Continuing Students for more information about this process.

• How do I change my degree objective for the same program?

  This is handled by the Graduate Academic Affairs office. Visit Petitions and Forms for more information.

• Do I need to reapply when I come back from a Leave of Absence?

  This is handled by the Graduate Academic Affairs office. Visit Petitions and Forms for more information.

• Who do I contact if I can’t log into the Returning Student Application login?

  The Graduate Admissions office will be able to assist you. Please provide your name and student ID number to better assist you.