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Financial Aid Timeline
Graduate Students

The financial aid process begins as soon as you apply to UC San Diego. Use this timeline to keep track of important filing deadlines and other events during the year before you enter UC San Diego. Contact the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office, (858) 534-4480, for specific questions about your file.

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October

If you're a new financial aid applicant, register for your FSA ID from the Department of Education so you can electronically sign your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). 

November

December

  • The FAFSA and CADAA are scheduled to be available. Make sure to list UC San Diego school code 001317 on the application, so UC San Diego will receive your information.
    • Learn more about the FAFSA.
    • Students who have a Social Security Number must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students should not complete both applications.
    • The Dream Act Application is an application for state and university aid. It is not an application for federal financial aid. The application is for:
      • AB540 eligible students.
      • Students who cannot file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid FAFSA).
      • Students who attended at least three full years in a California public or private high school.
      • Graduated from a California High School or attained the equivalent prior to the start of the college term.
      • If without lawful immigration status, have or will file an affidavit with the college or university they are attending stating that they have filed an application to legalize their immigration status, or will file an application as soon as they are eligible to do so. This affidavit is filed with the college they attend.
  • FAFSA Filers: Verify Your FAFSA is Complete and Accurate.
    • If you've submitted a FAFSA, confirm that it's complete with the Department of Education.
    • If necessary, correct your FAFSA online.
    • Next, review your FAFSA Submission Summary carefully to ensure:
      • UC San Diego's school code (001317) is included
      • Your personal information (name, date of birth, and Social Security Number) matches exactly with your UC San Diego record with the Registrar’s Office.
        • If you find any errors, make corrections online as soon as possible to avoid delays in processing your financial aid.
    • Important: If your FAFSA or CADAA indicates you are 'Provisionally Independent', please note that you will still be required to submit a Dependency Appeal to the UC San Diego Financial Aid and Scholarships Office after you've been admitted. This additional step is necessary to verify your dependency status. For guidance on the appeal process and requirements, please contact our office for more information: https://fas.ucsd.edu/contact.

  • CADAA filers: Verify that your CADAA is Complete and Accurate.

    • Confirm that you submitted your CADAA application through the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) website.
    • After submitting your application,
      • wait for an email from CSAC with your unique 9-digit Dream ID number.
      • Check your spam/junk folders if you don't receive the email. Keep your Dream ID number in a secure location, as you'll need it for future reference.
      • Review your CADAA application for accuracy and ensure that UC San Diego's school code (001317) is listed.
        1. If you find any errors, make corrections online through the CSAC website.
    • By following these steps, you'll ensure that your CADAA application is complete and accurate, and that you can complete any future financial aid processes.

May

  • If your FAFSA Submission Summary indicates you've been selected for verification: Complete the requested independent verification worksheet and submit it to the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office.

  • Additional documents/actions deadline, May 1: Check the Financial Aid tool for additional documents or required actions. Submit any additional documents by the deadline to qualify for the best financial aid. Additional documents/actions may include verification worksheets, tax return transcripts, and resolving FAFSA processing holds indicated on your FAFSA Submission Summary.

  • Set up your UC San Diego e-mail account as soon as possible, and check your e-mail in-box often, for important communications from the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office. These messages may include requests for additional information to complete your application or to view and accept your official financial aid offer.

June

  • Graduate departments begin to notify the Financial Aid Office of any department support you'll receive as this may impact your other offered financial aid.

  • Continue to check your ucsd.edu e-mail account often for important communications from your department and the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office.

  • Begin saving money for expenses that you'll need to pay before you receive your fall quarter financial aid.

July

  • If your department has notified the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office of your department awards, the Financial Aid Office will determine your Graduate student loan eligibility.

  • Review your financial aid status and view and accept your offer using the Financial Aid tool.

  • If you're receiving any other support (including employment) not included on your financial offer, notify the Financial Aid Office.

  • If you've accepted an Unsubsidized Loan and/or Grad PLUS Loan:

  • If you've accepted a CA Dream Loan:

  • Continue to review national competitive scholarships and outside agency scholarships so you can meet application deadlines. Many require references, essays, and application forms that take time to complete. Carefully follow the application instructions required by each scholarship.

August

September

  • Enroll in direct deposit by the first week of September. As soon as university charges are taken from your account, any remaining accepted financial aid will be deposited into your bank account.