Graduate Students
- Eligibility Requirements
- Cost of Attendance
- Packaging Policy
- Financial Aid Timeline
- How You Receive Your Financial Aid
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.
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).
File the UC San Diego Graduate Studies application.
Check with your department of interest for application materials and deadline dates.
Complete the appropriate section of the online Application for Graduate Admissions to apply for financial assistance.
Important note: If you plan to apply for financial aid, then provide your Social Security Number on your Application for Graduate Admissions for your financial aid information to be processed.
Visit the Graduate Division for more information about financial assistance for graduate school.
In addition to aid you apply for on your application, you may also qualify for national competitive scholarships and outside agency scholarships. Review these lists often for new entries, and add the scholarship deadline dates to your personal calendar. Follow the application instructions required by each separate scholarship sponsor.
CADAA filers: Verify that your CADAA is Complete and Accurate.
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.
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.
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:
Complete a separate promissory note for each new program.
Complete the required online loan counseling.
Learn more about loans.
If you've accepted a CA Dream Loan:
Complete the online loan requirements through Heartland ECSI.
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.
Familiarize yourself with graduate eligibility requirements to make sure you take the minimum number of units for the quarter.
After you've enrolled, accepted, and using the Financial Aid tool, your accepted financial aid will be credited to your UC San Diego student account.
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.
Learn more about direct deposit.