Graduate students receive their primary funding through their department. For more information about graduate aid, please visit the Graduate Division website. If graduate support is limited, you may be eligible to apply for student loan options. Please note that graduate students are not eligible for UC Grant funding.
To apply for the loan programs complete the FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application for the upcoming year as early as possible. It is recommended that you complete the financial aid application in early spring for the upcoming fall quarter.
Graduate students may receive a Direct Unsubsidized loan or a graduate PLUS loan as a FAFSA filer, or a Dream Loan if a CA Dream Act Applicant filer. Graduate Dream loans are available and can award up to a $4,000 max per year to eligible students.
UC 2025-26 Priority Filing Deadline
If the FAFSA and CADAA are released as planned, the State and Institutional priority deadline for the 2025-26 academic year is extended to April 2, 2025.
How to Apply for Financial Aid
The first step to apply for financial aid is to submit the appropriate application, ideally by the priority deadline.
The FAFSA is available for US citizens and eligible non-citizens (ie, permanent residents).
The California Dream Act Application is available for undocumented students who qualify for the AB540 fee exemption.
Notes:
2024-25: If your financial circumstances have changed compared to the 2022 income information reported on your 2024-25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or CA Dream Act Application, you can file a Special Circumstances appeal with UC San Diego. Please visit Forms for details.
2025-26: If your financial circumstances have changed since you submitted your 2023 income information on the 2025-26 FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application, you may be eligible to submit a Special Circumstances appeal to UC San Diego. The appeal form will be available in late summer 2025.
Topics for Graduate Students
Eligibility & Enrollment Requirements
Learn what you need to do to maintain eligibility for the loan programs.
Cost of Attendance
Use this estimated cost of attendance to help decide how much money you'll need to attend UC San Diego and how much financial aid you may need to meet that goal.
Packaging Policy
Learn how the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office calculates how much financial aid you're eligible to receive, and in what order awards are made.
Timeline
Use this timeline to keep track of important filing deadlines and other events during the year before you enter UC San Diego.
How You Receive Your Financial Aid
Link to resources that can help you manage your financial aid award.
Net Price Calculator
Use this tool to see how much financial aid you may be eligible to receive for in the 2024-25 academic year.
Video Resources
Videos focus on applying for financial aid and offer tips on other methods of financing your education.
FAQ
Have questions? Use this resource to find answers to all your frequently asked questions.