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Prospective International Students (F-1 or J-1 Visa)

Welcome to UC Merced!

As the newest campus in the University of California system, UC Merced is a place where students from around the world come together to learn, grow, and thrive. Our campus opened in 2005 as the first American research university of the 21st century, and we’ve been building a strong global community ever since.

As an international student, you’ll be working with us here in the Office of International Affairs (OIA) at UC Merced for all visa and immigration matters during your time here. The OIA provides a wide variety of services and resources from assisting with visa regulations, arrival information and events to help better connect you with the campus and community.

Who is Considered an International Student?

You are considered an international student if you require an F-1 or J-1 student visa to study and live in the United States.

  • If you are a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, refugee, asylee, or hold another immigration status that allows study in the U.S., you are not considered an international student.

Admissions Information

Financial Requirements and Scholarships

International students must show proof of financial support to cover tuition, fees, and living expenses. For details on the cost of attendance, visit our Finances page.

UC Merced also offers the International Student Scholarship, designed to support high-achieving students from around the world.

Visa & Immigration Support

Once admitted, international students will request the Form I-20 (for F-1 visas) or DS-2019 (for J-1 visas) from us which is there Certificate of Eligbility. Students will then use that form to apply for an F-1/J-1 student visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate.

For further instruction, please visit out page for Newly Admitted Students for step-by-step guidance.

Prospective Student Frequently Asked Questions

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

If you have been admitted to a full-time degree program at UC Merced and you are not a U.S. citizen, legal permanent resident or in a status that permits full-time study, yes, you must obtain an F-1 student visa. Other visa categories that allow study: J-1, J-2, H4, E-2, TD. You may not study in B visa status or full-time in F-2 visa status.

2) Do I have to take an English Language Proficiency test?

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.

  • Score 24 or higher on the ACT English Language Arts (ELA)
  • Score 31 or higher on Writing and Language in the SAT
  • Score 3, 4 or 5 on the AP examination in English Language and Composition, or English Literature and Composition
  • Score 6 or 7 on an IB Standard Level examination in English (Language A only)
  • Score 5, 6 or 7 on an IB Higher Level examination in English (Language A only)
  • Score 6.5 or higher on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)* examination: Internet-based test (iBT) or iBT
  • Home Edition or iBT Paper Edition: Minimum score of 80 or better
  • Duolingo English Test (DET): Minimum score of 115

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. You will be able to speak with your International Student Advisor about your options.

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

Please visit our web page for information on the International Student Scholarship! 

Unfortunately, international students do not qualify for U.S. federal/state financial aid. There are few links to outside agencies that provide financial aid to International Students in the UC Merced Financial Aid website. Students are required to have funding secured for at least their first year of study in the U.S. 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 in the U.S. maintaining valid F-1 status, you may transfer your SEVIS record from your current institution to UC Merced. Request your current institution transfer your SEVIS record to begin the process. The transfer date can be scheduled for a future date once your program at that institution is complete.

6) 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 undergraduate 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. You will not be eligible for California residency while in F or J visa status. Check the UC Merced Registrar's website or our finances page for a cost break down.

7) What kind of housing is available in Merced?

Please view our housing page for more information!