Information for Prospective International Students

Apply to UC Merced

Fees and Costs 

F-1 Visa Information

Frequently Asked Questions

Applying to the University of California, Merced

If you are interested in applying to the University of California, Merced as either an Undergraduate freshman, a transfer student (transferring from another university in the U.S.) or as a Graduate student (a student pursuing a Masters or Doctorate program) but have not yet done so, then you are a Prospective Student.  

International students requiring visas to attend the University should be aware of UC Merced application deadlines and processing time needed for applying for your visa. We advise you to begin researching a minimum of nine to twelve months before the start term. 

To apply to UC Merced, we recommend you  research the University of California Admissions page for international students. This page explains the admissions process in detail.

For more information on campus specific requirements and deadlines

Undergraduate Students - Undergraduate Admissions Office

Graduate Students  - Graduate Division

Estimated Costs of Attending UC Merced

The estimated cost for the 2011-2012 academic year (two semesters) for international students is $49,019 USD for undergraduate students and $46,014 USD for graduate students based on off-campus living.

*Fees are subject to legislative and gubernatorial action and therefore, may change without notice.

Basic Visa Information for Students

Link to the U.S. Department of State/Studying in the U.S. provides information on how to apply for a student visa.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for SEVIS Fee information.

The F-1 visa is for non-immigrants to enter the United States for the purpose of engaging in full-time study. This is a non-immigrant classification of visa status, so students applying for the F-1 visa must show the intent to return to their home country of permanent residence after completion of their studies.

Upon admission to UC Merced, students may obtain an F-1 visa by visiting a U.S. embassy or consulate, and presenting a Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility) that is issued by the International Student & Scholar Office, which is part of the UC Merced Office of International Affairs. Generally, F-1 students are expected to attend the educational institution that issued the I-20 before they are eligible to transfer to another school.

Upon arrival to the United States, students should check their I-94 card and I-20 form to confirm they were approved for entry in F-1 visa status and for the "duration of status."  Check for the "F-1" and "D/S" (duration of status) notations on your I-94 card and your I-20 form "duration of status" (D/S on form I-94 and I-20 form). The "D/S" notation on your I-94 card and I-20 indicates you are approved to remain in the United States through the end of your F-1 program, as long as you are in compliance with F-1 regulations.  Upon the completion of your F-1 program, you are eligible to stay in the United States for 60 days to travel and prepare for departure.  You cannot work during this 60-day grace period!

Upon completion of their studies, F-1 students also may be able to apply for up to an initial 12 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT).  Students are strongly advised to meet with an international student advisor at least 4 months in advance of the requested OPT start date.

The benefits of on-campus employment, program extension, institution transfer, Curricular Practical Training, and Optional Practical Training are only available to those students who are in status and who meet the criteria established for each benefit.

PDF files containing specific instructions and forms required to request a benefit can be found under Important Resources.

While there are different visa categories international students may hold, the Official of International Affairs requires that all students holding F-1 or J-1 status check in with an International Student and Scholar advisor upon arrival, and remain in contact with the International Student & Scholar Office (ISSO) regarding maintenance of their status. The International Student Handbook (PDF) covers many of the questions regarding the F-1/F-2 visa requirements. To discuss student visa concerns in more detail, please call or e-mail ISSO.

Frequently Asked Questions by International Students

1) Do I need a student visa (F1) to enroll in classes at UC Merced?

Yes. If a student is admitted to a full time degree program at UC Merced they must obtain an F-1 student visa. To apply for an F-1 visa, the student must be admitted to the campus and receive an I-20 document to present to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate to apply for their visa.

2) Do I have to take the TOEFL and SAT tests?

Yes. UC Merced does require proof of proficiency in English for applicants whose native language is not English, and whose high school or college/university education was in a country where the language of instruction was not English.

We require a TOEFL score 550 or higher for the paper-based test or 220 or higher for the computer-based test, 83 or higher for the internet-based test and a minimum score of 7 for IELTS.

3) Can I work in the United States during my studies?

Yes. You may work up to 20 hours a week on-campus during the semester. Full-time employment (anything more than 20 hours per week) is permitted during semester breaks. No special authorization is required for students in valid F-1 status to work on campus.

However, off-campus employment requires special authorization and is not easy to obtain. Speak with an International Affairs advisor about your options.

4) Is there any financial aid available to International Students?

Unfortunately, international students do not qualify for any financial aid. There are few links to outside agencies that provide financial aid to International Students in the UC Merced Financial Aid website and on the International Student and Scholar website. Students should have funding secured at least for their first year at the time of visa interview.

5) I am currently in the United States on an F-1 visa. What must I do to transfer to UC Merced?

If you are currently maintaining a valid F-1 status, you may transfer that status from your current institution to UC Merced. Complete the Transfer Verification Form available on the Office of International Affairs website so that your current school can transfer your SEVIS record to UC Merced. You may enroll in classes at UC Merced with visa issued under your previous institution's name, however, if you leave the United States you will have to apply for a new F-1 visa using your UC Merced issued I-20.

6) I am currently in the United States on another visa type, can I attend your institution?

Your visa type determines if you can register for classes without being in violation of your visa. It also determines the tuition rate you will be charged. If you require more information, contact the Office of International Affairs.

SOME EXTRA QUESTIONS...

How much will it cost to attend UC Merced?

As an International Student, you will be required to register as a full-time student (minimum 12 credits for undegraduate students and 8 for grad students without TA or GSR credits). You will be charged out-of-state tuition, which is higher than the amount paid by California residents, and you cannot declare residency. Check the UC Merced Registrar's website or the Office of International Affairs website for a cost break down.

Can I leave the United States during school breaks?

Yes. If you plan to travel, contact the International Student & Scholar advisor to have your I-20 signed prior to leaving. Failure to have a recent signature might prevent you from re-entering the United States.

What kind of housing is available in Merced?

Undergraduate students in F-1 status are welcome to live on-campus. Visit the on campus housing website.

The Student Housing Office also can help connect students with many off-campus housing options. The Off-Campus Housing (OCH) website allows landlords to list properties (homes/duplex, apartments/townhouses) available for rent and renters to find properties to rent and/or to do roommate searches.