Applying to UCI

Some UC Irvine programs may have admissions criteria, deadlines or requirements that differ from the general university requirements. You should always contact your desired program to ensure that you meet specific admission criteria and deadlines established by the program, and to find its specific admissions requirements.

To learn about the exciting graduate degree programs that UCI offers, please see the Degree Programs listing in the Academics section of our website.

Application Checklist

These are required components of an application; please see below and follow the links for specific information. You must complete and submit your Application for Admission online. The following items are required to complete your application:

  • Choose a Degree Program (opens in a new window). The Degree Program page provides information on specific graduate programs, including areas of study, degrees offered, program contact information, and application deadlines.
  • Application FeeYour application cannot be reviewed until UCI has received your non-refundable application fee ($80 for U.S. Citizens and lawful U.S. Permanent Residents, and $100 U.S. for all other applicants). 
  • GREThis is sent electronically from the Educational Testing Service directly to UCIrvine. Please choose Institution Code 4859 on the GRE.
  • TOEFL or IELTS If required; scores will be sent directly to UCIrvine by the testing agency, please choose Institution Code 4859.
  • Letters of RecommendationThree letters of recommendation are required. These may be submitted electronically by your recommenders via the online application system; or paper versions are also accepted.
  • Transcripts: Submit two official transcripts of all college-level work. Official transcripts must be in sealed envelopes as issued by the school(s) you have attended. Request current transcripts from every post-secondary school that you have attended, including community colleges, summer sessions, and extension programs. If you have attended UCI, you must request official transcripts; we cannot obtain them on your behalf. All transcripts must be sent directly from the Registrar’s Office at your previous institutions to the academic programto which you applied (NOT to UCI’s Graduate Division).
  • Supplemental Materials: Some programs require submission of additional materials; please contact your program of interest to determine if any additional materials are required. Normally any supplemental materials would be mailed to the program to which you are applying.
  • Deadlines (opens in a new window). Application deadlines differ by program, so please determine the deadline for your program by visiting your program of interest in the Degree Programssection of the website.
  • You must supply a valid e-mail address that you will maintain at least 8 months after you apply. If you are admitted, you will be notified via this e-mail address.

Please note that once submitted, your application materials will not, under any circumstances, be returned to you or forwarded to another entity on your behalf.

Five business days after your completed application has been submitted, you may check the Application Progress Review system to see if your official test scores (GRE and TOEFL) have been received from ETS. You should also monitor progress on submission of your letters of recommendation via the Application Progress Review system.

Information for International Applicants

The application fee for international students is $100 U.S.; please note that international students do not qualify for a waiver of the application fee. Transcripts of all your undergraduate and previous graduate study must be sent via mail to the academic program to which you are applying.

  • Academic Qualifications: Applicants of recognized academic institutions outside the United States should have completed degree programs representing a minimum of 16 years of schooling with at least 12 years at the primary and secondary levels. Please refer to the list of academic qualifications by country as well as general documentation requirements and information.
  • English Language Proficiency: International applicants whose primary language is not English are required to demonstrate proficiency in English for admission consideration. International students are also required to submit TOEFL or IELTS test scores along with their application (there is a minimum acceptable English Language Proficiency test score; please follow the TOEFL link for more information).

Useful Resources for International Applicants

Additional Information and Resources for All Applicants:

Fees & Tuition

Information about UCIrvine student fee and tuition rates is available on the Registrar's website.

FAQ

See the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page for answers to the most commonly asked questions about applying to graduate school at UC Irvine. Please contact your academic program of interest for more specific information about the department, its admissions process and faculty research.

Application Evaluation

Because of the large number of highly qualified applicants, the University of California cannot accept all students who meet minimum admission requirements. Each applicant's file is evaluated by both the Dean of the Graduate Division and the faculty of the specific graduate program on the basis of the following factors:

  • Academic subject preparation
  • Scholarship
  • Letters of Recommendation
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Test Scores
  • Examples of applicant's previous work (if required by the program)
  • Whether the applicant's academic objectives can reasonably be satisfied by a graduate program on this campus

 Applicants With Disabilities

If you have a disability and you need assistance in completing the application please contact: Graduate Division, or by phone, (949) 824-4611. Alternately, you may contact UCI's Disability Services Center via email or at (949) 824-7494 (voice), (949) 824-6272 (TDD).

Additional Information