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UNIVERSITY CREDIT PROGRAMS AT UCSD IN THE CITY OF SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
Study a semester or a full academic year at the University of California San Diego in 2025 or 2026. Contact a representative to get a quote, to receive more information, and a pdf brochure
STUDY ABROAD AT UCSD
Join the university credit programs at the University of California San Diego, from the outstanding California University system.
GREAT OPPORTUNITIES TO STUDY CREDIT PROGRAMS AT UCSD
In UC San Diego you can take a whole variety of courses as part of its credit programs, and in some cases, even apply these credits towards your degree.
ENHANCE YOUR STUDIES IN A FANTASTIC CITY SUCH AS SAN DIEGO
San Diego, in California, is a fantastic place for international students, who will experience its great weather, awesome tourist spots, and fun activities, all while enhancing their studies with a solid teaching from UCSD.
UNIVERSITY CREDIT PROGRAMS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA SAN DIEGO
UCSD EXTENSIONUCSD Extension offers University Credit Programs for international students
The following programs are available at the University of California San DiegoUNIVERSITY & PROFESSIONAL STUDIES
The UPS program is an opportunity for international students with strong academic backgrounds who would like to take a full-time schedule of credit-bearing courses at UC San Diego or UC San Diego Extension while studying alongside American university students.
Main Features
- 12-week program (1 quarter)
- Classes are on campus
- Three different tracks depending on your English level. All tracks have 12 course units.
- Official transcript of UC San Diego or UC San Diego Extension grades — credit may be transferable to another college or university in the U.S. or your home country
- Regular academic advising sessions
- Students must achieve above average final grades in all coursework (“B” or better).
- In the fall, winter, and spring quarters, UPS students take a full-time program (12 units) consisting of UC San Diego and/or UC San Diego Extension courses.
- Access to University facilities as libraries, gym, etc
- Extra-curricular activities
- Applied for a student visa
Requirements
- English Proficiency Requirement:
- Track 1:TOEFL ibT 80, IELTS 6.5, contact us for other options
- Track 2:TOEFL ibT 85, IELTS 7, contact us for other options
- Track 3:TOEFL ibT 90, IELTS 7.5, contact us for other options
- A one-page statement explaining your reasons for choosing UC San Diego for your study abroad experience.
- UPS Course List Form: UPS Course List Form of 12-15 courses per quarter, organized by quarter, that you would like to take at UC San Diego or UC San Diego Extension. Students must use the UPS Course List Form to submit their selections. Request the form with a representative.
- A copy of transcripts in English for the two most recent years of academic studies. Transcripts must clearly indicate excellent academic achievement – top 10% in his/her school.
More information about the University and Professional Studies Program (UPS)
The University and Professional Studies program provides a flexible study abroad opportunity for academically excellent students and professionals. Universities in many countries count these credits towards their own bachelor’s or master’s degree programs. Transferability is at the discretion of the home university and must be verified in advance by the student.
Enrollment in all classes is on a space-available basis and requires instructor and/or departmental approval after the student arrives
According to your English level you can apply to Track 1, 2 or 3.
Track 1
- Maximum of 4 main campus credits
- 3 credits in either Oral Presentations or Academic Writing & Research
- 5 credits in Extension courses (Business, Engineering, Computer Science, etc.)
Track 2
- Maximum of 8 main campus credits (including all subjects available for all tracks)
- 4 units of Extension courses (Business, Engineering, Computer Science, etc.)
Track 3
- 12 units of main campus or Extension courses
Example of classes
The following are examples of some of the subjects that previous University and Professional Studies students have studied:
SUMMER UNIVERSITY PROGRAM
The 5-week Summer University Programs are for students who have a strong academic background and who would like to take a full-time or part-time schedule of credit-bearing Summer Session courses at UC San Diego. UCSD
Main Features
- 5-week program
- Classes are on UCSD campus
- Official transcript of UC San Diego or UC San Diego Extension grades — credit may be transferable to another college or university in the U.S. or your home country
- The study workload is very rigorous. A schedule of 8 units (usually two classes) is considered full-time study.
- Students must achieve above average final grades in all coursework (“B” or better).
- Access to University facilities as libraries, gym, etc
- Extra-curricular activities
- Applied for a student visa
Requirements
- English Proficiency Requirement: TOEFL ibT 80, IELTS 6.5, contact us for other options
- A copy of transcripts in English for the two most recent years of academic studies. Transcripts must clearly indicate excellent academic achievement – top 10% in his/her school.
- UPS Course List Form: UPS Course List Form of 12-15 courses per quarter, organized by quarter, that you would like to take at UC San Diego or UC San Diego Extension. Students must use the UPS Course List Form to submit their selections. Request the form with a representative.
- International students must have graduated from high school in order to participate in any Summer University Program.
- A one-page statement explaining your reasons for choosing UC San Diego for your study abroad experience.
More information about the Summer University Program (UPS)
Example of classes
The following are examples of some of the subjects that previous "Summer University Program" students have studied:
With the University & Professional Studies program, it is possible to study at the Bachelor’s and Master’s levels, across nearly all the departments at UC San Diego. Official transcript of UC San Diego or UC San Diego Extension grades – credit may be transferable to another college or university in the U.S. or your home country
PRICES & DATES
Complete the contact form to get a quotePRICES AND DATES UNIVERSITY CREDIT PROGRAMS AT UCSD 2025 - 2026
How much does it cost to study a semester abroad at the University of California San Diego?Table with costs and dates of the Credit Programs 2025 - 2026
| Program | Dates | Duration | Program Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| University & Professional Studies | Jan. 4 - Mar. 25, 2023Mar. 28 - Jun. 16, 2023Jun. 28- Sep. 8, 2023Sep. 19 - Dec. 16, 2023 | 12 weeks | $8,000 |
| Summer University Program | Session I: Jun. 24 - Jul. 30, 2022Session II: Jul. 29 - Sep. 3, 2022 | 5 weeks | $6,570 |
Other Costs to consider
With the University & Professional Studies program, it is possible to study at the Bachelor’s and Master’s levels, across nearly all the departments at UC San Diego. Official transcript of UC San Diego or UC San Diego Extension grades – credit may be transferable to another college or university in the U.S. or your home country.
- Application fee: it is a USD$200 non-refundable fee paid upon your application.
- International Student Service Fee: USD$380 per quarter.
- FedEx fee: this fee (US$50) is optional, but recommended, for your acceptance documents to be sent via express mail.
- Visa costs: international students who enroll in a full-time program in the USA need the F-1 student visa. Costs related to the F-1 visa include the I-901 SEVIS Fee (US$350 approx.) to register on the Student Exchange Visitor Information System and a Visa fee (US$160 approx.). These are costs set by the U.S. government.
- Accommodation in San Diego: since you will be living and studying abroad, you should consider housing costs. Down below, you can read some of the options UCSD recommends for international students.
- Health insurance: all those who are on a student visa in the US must have mandatory health insurance, which is offered by UCSD, and costs approximately USD$585 per quarter.
- Books and supplies: these materials are not included within your tuition fees and vary greatly according to each certificate program.
- Flight Tickets from your country to San Diego, USA
- Food: you should consider food costs when planning your budget, which will depend on where you eat.
Click for Your Customized Quote!
Click to find out how much money you need.HOW TO APPLY FOR A UNIVERSITY CREDIT PROGRAM AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA SAN DIEGO
All the application process is online. Follow the instructions belowSteps to apply for a program
1. Application Process
2. Acceptance Process
3. Visa Processing
4. Payment
5. Classes start!
1. Application Process
Documents must be sent to ucsdvivecampus.com
Documents needed to apply
1. Application Form
Download and complete the application form. Do not forget to sign the form.
Download Form and Instructions2. Passport Copy
Clear Copy of the identification page of your passport. The passport must be valid for 6 months after the first day of classes.
3. Financial Verification
Bank letter or bank statement showing that you or your sponsor have at least the "Estimated Total Expense" of the program (amounts can be in US dollars or your local currency).
The estimated total expense is an estimate made by the university that includes tuition fees and an estimate of what you might spend in medical insurance, housing, meals, books, and supplies. Flight tickets are not included in this estimation.
Bank document must show at least the following amount per program:
- University and Professional Studies: USD$15,600
- Summer University Program: TBA
4. Application Fee
There is a non-refundable application fee of $200 dollars paid to the UCSD Extension. After receiving confirmation from one of our representatives, you must pay the application fee online, following the representative's instructions.
Send your application documents
A representative needs to review all your documents are correct.
Your application documents must be sent to ucsdvivecampus.com
*If you are a US resident or a transfer student from another US school. Please contact us for more details. The application process is different
2. Acceptance Process
After we have received all your application documents and you have paid the application fee, you will be contacted by the admission office within 2 weeks.
If you are applying for a full-time program, you will need an F-1 student visa. After you have been accepted into the program, the admission office will send you the acceptance documents plus the form I-20, required to apply for the F-1 student visa.
3. Visa Processing
Please check with us what type of visa you need, depending on the program you are interested in at UCSD.
- If the program you are applying for is a full-time program (18hrs/week or more), you will need the F-1 student visa. With an F-1 visa, you can extend your stay in the United States as long as you continue studying.
- If your program is less than 18 hours a week, you will have to travel to the U.S. as a tourist with a B1/B2 tourist visa or visa waiver ESTA. As a tourist, you can only stay in the U.S. the time your tourist visa allows since your primary purpose in the U.S. should be tourism.
Please check the website of the U.S. embassy of your country to see the steps you need to apply for a visa.
Generally, for an F-1 student visa, students must do the following:
- Complete the DS-160 form
- Schedule an appointment at the U.S. embassy
- Pay for the F-1 student visa (approx. US$160)
- Pay for the I-901 SEVIS Fee (approx. US$350): https://www.fmjfee.com/i901fee/index.html
- Go to the embassy on the scheduled day
You must confirm these steps on the website of the U.S. embassy in your country. You can look for your nearest U.S. embassy here: https://www.usembassy.gov/
4. Payment
Next, you need to make full payment of all remaining fees, which is due 30 days before the program start date and can be done by credit card, debit card, money order, or bank draft in U.S. dollars and from an US Bank. You will receive more information regarding dates once you begin the application process.
5. Arrival at School
It would be best to arrive a week before the program start date to attend the orientation at the end of registration week. In your admission letter, you can find more information about the orientation and the initial placement test. On the first day at school, you should bring your passport, F-1 student visa, I-20, and a bank statement.
Important: We suggest that you apply at least 2 months in advance.
ACTIVITIES FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
You will be able to participate in several activities during the programSOCIAL, CULTURAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES IN SAN DIEGO AND ACTIVITIES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA SAN DIEGO
Most of the activities are free!ONE OF THE BEST WAYS TO KEEP IMPROVING YOUR ENGLISH OUTSIDE OF THE CLASSROOM IS BY PARTICIPATING IN SOCIAL, CULTURAL, SPORT, AND OTHER ACTIVITIES OFFERED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA SAN DIEGO.
International students can participate in activities as:
- Whale watching tours
- Conversation cafés
- San Diego Padres Baseball Games
- Sport activities inside UCSD
- Snorkeling
- Beach bonfires
- Hiking
- Kayaking
Students at UCSD can participate in a great variety of activities while studying at this awesome school. These include trips to local tourist spots; visits to nearby cities; on-campus sport activities, including surfing, sailing, soccer, basketball, and tennis; social activities such as conversation cafés or beach bonfires; or event extracurricular activities such as whale watching tours. All of these are fantastic opportunities to meet people and put your English into practice, while having lots of fun.
Information about the city of San Diego, California
Located right on the southwestern coast of California, San Diego is known for its mild year-round climate (great weather), natural deep-water harbor, extensive beaches, safety, tourist attractions and recent emergence as a healthcare and biotechnology development center. San Diego is the perfect base for exploring California, the Southwest, and nearby Mexico. It has over 100 kilometers of beaches, mountains up to 2,000 meters, and the best year-round climate in the United States. San Diego's average temperature is 21° Celsius, with mild winters and perfect summers. It was also voted one of the “Best Rides in America” by Bicycling Magazine.
The largest urban cultural park in the U.S., Balboa Park, is located in the heart of San Diego. The 1,200-acre park is home to 19 museums, botanical gardens, and cultural venues, and the San Diego Zoo, which is the largest zoo in the world.
Information about The University of California San Diego
UC San Diego has been part of the University of California system since 1959 and is one of the top universities in the United States. It has been rated as one of the best universities for science by Newsweek, it is fifth in the nation for federal research dollars, and it has six Nobel prize winners currently on faculty. UC San Diego has welcomed thousands of international students. No matter how diverse their backgrounds, UC San Diego students have one thing in common: they choose UC San Diego because of its worldwide research reputation, its prize-winning faculty, and the innovative character of the San Diego region.
Photos of a semester abroad at The University of California San Diego
Videos of a semester abroad at The University of California San Diego
HOUSING IN SAN DIEGO
Most common housing options for international students in San DiegoSTUDENTS FROM THE UNIVERSITY CREDIT PROGRAMS AT UCSD EXTENSION HAVE 3 MAIN HOUSING OPTIONS:
Check housing options for international students at UCSD in San Diego- Apartments on Campus
- Apartments
- Homestay
Apartments On Campus
Students can apply for on-campus housing in one of the apartments in the UCSD campus. These are fully furnished and include all the amenities needed. This type of housing allows you to meet other people, live a short distance from your classrooms, and includes all meals at the campus cafeterias.
You can find more information here:
Apartments
The Anatolia apartments are located close to UC San Diego and include everything you need to feel comfortable. It includes shared-room, single, and family apartments.
More information can be found here:
Homestay (Living with a family)
Homestays are a type of housing in which students live with a local family in the same house, share common areas, and follow household rules, just like any family member. This can be a good option for younger students that don't feel ready to live on their own yet.
Some of the options are:
FINDING A PLACE TO LIVE DEPENDS EXCLUSIVELY ON THE STUDENT.
There are many options available near the campus of the University. If the housing option is off-campus, students must contact the housing provider directly.
FAQS
Do you have any question about studying a semester abroad at UCSD?FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT STUDYING A SEMESTER ABROAD AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA SAN DIEGO
If you do not find the answer, please contact a representative filling the form belowWhy should I study a semester abroad at UCSD?
UC San Diego has been part of the University of California system since 1959 and is one of the top universities in the United States, which assures you will be studying in a great environment and learning from some of the best faculty.
Why should I choose to study in San Diego, California?
San Diego is a great place in Southern California, from where you can visit other cities, great natural destinations, and have lots of fun. It is also a diverse place where students from all different backgrounds meet and thrive, so you can except lots of networking at all times.
I am not a student in my country. Can enroll on these university credit programs with a Student Visa?
The University Credit Programs at UC San Diego are available for everyone, including those who are not currently studying. You only need to meet the minimum requirements of the program you wish to study.
Does the University of California San Diego offer scholarships?
No, UCSD does not offer any type of scholarships.
What kind of comments and reviews do the university credit programs at UCSD have?
UCSD have? UC San Diego is among some of the best higher-education institutions in the world and the US, and therefore, students trust the high quality of its education and the excellence displayed by its teachers. Therefore, international students write great reviews and comments about the University of California San Diego.
Are classes taught inside UCSD?
Yes, all classes are taught inside the UCSD campus.
Can I use the different on-campus facilities at the University of California San Diego?
All students can use the on-campus facilities, and you can also make use of UCSD’s fantastic sport facilities by paying an additional fee.
Which are the different steps of the application process for the F-1 student visa to study a credit program at UCSD?
Please check with us what type of visa you need to take the program you are interested in.
- All full-time programs in the U.S. require a F-1 student Visa. With an F-1 visa, you can extend your stay in the United States as long as you continue studying.
- Part-time programs (less than 18 hours a week) can be taken with a tourist visa or visa waiver ESTA. With a tourist visa, you can only stay in the U.S. the duration your tourist visa allows, since your main purpose in the U.S. should be tourism.
If you need an F-1 student visa, please apply as soon as you receive your acceptance documents (I-20 form) from the UCSD Extension at The University of California San Diego. In some countries it can take several weeks to obtain a visa interview at the U.S. embassy.
You must confirm these steps on the website of the U.S. embassy in your country. You can look for your nearest U.S. embassy here: https://www.usembassy.gov/
Do I need to take the TOEFL or IELTS exams to apply for the credit programs at UCSD?
Yes, you will need to submit the results of an English proficiency test, which can be TOEFL iBT, IELTS, among other options.
Will I need a high school diploma to study a credit program at UCSD?
In some cases, you might need to show proof of high school graduation. You might also need to provide transcripts.
Will I need health insurance to study a university credit program at the University of California San Diego?
Health insurance is mandatory for all students.
Will I need to buy books to study a university credit program at UCSD?
Yes, you should consider a certain amount of money for books, which will vary depending on your program and courses.
Is there an application fee to study at the University of California San Diego?
Yes, all programs have a US$200 application fee.
When do I need to pay for the program? What are the payment methods?
You need to make the full payment 30 days before the program start date, which can be done by credit card, debit card, money order, or bank draft in U.S. dollars and from an US Bank.
Can I work while studying in San Diego, California?
Only those with an F-1 Student Visa can work up to 20 hours a week inside the campus. Nonetheless, these positions are really limited, so you probably will not be able to find a job as an international student.
Do I need immunizations to apply for the credit programs at UCSD?
No, you will only need to submit a tuberculosis form filled in by a licensed healthcare provider.
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