
The University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego) offers financial aid to its students, but the availability and type of aid depend on various factors. UC San Diego is a no-loan school, meaning its financial aid packages offer grants and scholarships instead of federal loans. While California residents are generally eligible for the full range of state, federal, and UC aid, non-residents and international students have more limited options. International students with an F1, F2, J1, or J2 visa are not eligible for federal or state financial aid and must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover their educational and living expenses. However, they may be able to receive funding from other sources, such as scholarships or their home countries. Additionally, students from host universities affiliated with UC's Education Abroad Program (EAP) may be considered for waivers of non-resident tuition fees and other awards.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| International students' eligibility for financial aid | Generally, international students are not eligible for federal or state financial aid. |
| International students with an F1, F2, J1, or J2 visa | Not eligible for financial aid |
| International students' proof of funds requirement | Yes, international students must prove they have sufficient funds to cover educational and living expenses. |
| Sources of financial aid for international students | The International Students & Programs Office (ISPO) Global Education and graduate departments may provide limited funding. |
| Outside scholarships | Students can use outside scholarships from private or non-profit organizations to supplement their financial aid package. |
| UC San Diego's financial aid package | Offers grants and scholarships instead of federal loans. |
| Tuition fees for in-state students | $37,040 |
| Tuition fees for out-of-state students | $67,112 |
Explore related products
$14.89 $18.99
$2.99 $14.95
What You'll Learn

International students' financial aid eligibility
International students at the University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego) are generally ineligible for student loans and scholarships. However, international students can receive financial aid through other means.
Eligibility for Financial Aid
International students with an F1, F2, J1, or J2 visa are not eligible for financial aid. To obtain a visa, international students must demonstrate that they have enough money to cover all of their educational and living expenses while studying in the United States. International students are encouraged to seek financial aid from other sources in their home countries.
Cost of Attendance
The cost of attendance at UC San Diego varies for in-state and out-of-state students. The sticker price for in-state students in California is $37,040, while for out-of-state students, it is $67,112. This includes tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, and other miscellaneous expenses. The cost of attendance typically rises each year and can be recalculated to account for price increases and changes in a student's financial situation.
Types of Financial Aid
UC San Diego is a no-loan school, which means its financial aid packages offer grants and scholarships instead of federal loans. This makes their financial aid more generous than most, helping to bridge the gap between cost and student need. Additionally, UC San Diego participates in the Western Undergraduate Tuition Exchange program, offering discounted tuition to residents of certain states outside of California.
Applying for Financial Aid
To apply for financial aid at UC San Diego, students must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA uses financial information from two years prior, allowing students to submit the form even if they haven't filed their taxes for the previous year. Students from other U.S. states are not eligible for California financial aid but can receive help from UC San Diego in obtaining federal aid for which they qualify.
International Student? Tips to Afford College Education
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$17.99 $17.99
$13.95 $16.95
$24.35 $30.99

UC San Diego's no-loan policy
UC San Diego is a no-loan school, which means that its financial aid packages offer grants and scholarships instead of the federal loans that are typically part of a package. This makes their financial aid more generous than most, helping to bridge the gap between cost and student need.
The university's financial aid packages are tailored to each student's financial situation. The cost of tuition at UC San Diego varies depending on a student's residency status. For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition is $14,906 for in-state students and $44,978 for out-of-state students. The total cost of attendance, including fees, room and board, books, and other expenses, is $37,040 for in-state students and $67,112 for out-of-state students. These costs can vary from year to year and typically rise over the four years of college. To get a personalised estimate of the cost of attendance, students can use the Net Price Calculator on the UC San Diego website.
To apply for financial aid, students must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the deadline of March 3, 2025. The FAFSA uses financial information from the year before the student submits their application. California residents are generally eligible for the full spectrum of state, federal, and UC aid. Students can also apply for outside scholarships to supplement their financial aid package. These are awards offered by private and non-profit organisations separate from the college.
UC San Diego also provides information on private education loan programs for students who need additional funding. Private loans can be obtained directly from a lender, and UC San Diego provides a list of recommended lenders on its website. Students must submit a self-certification form to the lender to receive the loan funds. It is important to note that international students who have been granted an F1, F2, J1, or J2 visa are not eligible to apply for financial aid and must prove that they have sufficient funds to cover their educational and living expenses.
Understanding W-4 Forms: International Student Edition
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$6.95

Scholarships and grants
International students at UC San Diego are not eligible for federal or state financial aid. However, they can receive financial aid from other sources. UC San Diego is a no-loan school, which means that their financial aid packages offer grants and scholarships instead of federal loans. The university helps bridge the gap between the cost of attendance and student need.
International students can also receive outside scholarships to supplement their financial aid package. These are awards offered by private and non-profit organisations separate from the university. Additionally, students from the host universities affiliated with UC's Education Abroad Program (EAP) may be considered for waivers of non-resident tuition fees and other awards.
UC San Diego is in a state that participates in the Western Undergraduate Tuition Exchange program. This means that residents of Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, or Wyoming may be eligible for discounted tuition at UC San Diego.
International students admitted to UC San Diego must prove that they have sufficient funds available to meet their educational and living expenses. They are encouraged to seek financial aid funds from additional sources in their home countries. Many graduate departments award limited funding to international graduate students. Both undergraduate and graduate international students can seek advice and resources from The International Students & Programs Office (ISPO) Global Education.
International Students: Getting Your SSN Easily
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$14.6 $19.99

Tuition fees for international students
International students at UC San Diego are not eligible for federal or state financial aid. To be granted a visa, international students must prove they have sufficient funds to meet all estimated expenses for studying in the US. International students with an F1 or F2 student visa, or a J1 or J2 exchange visitor visa are not eligible to apply for financial aid. However, many graduate departments award limited funding to international graduate students. Both undergraduate and graduate international students can seek advice and resources from the International Students & Programs Office (ISPO) Global Education.
The tuition fees for international students at UC San Diego are the same as for out-of-state students, which is $67,112 per year. This includes the cost of tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, and other miscellaneous expenses. The cost of attendance typically rises each year.
There are very limited opportunities for employment, either on or off-campus, except as a teaching or research assistant. Students who hope to secure employment or financial assistance after enrolling at UC may be unable to complete their studies.
International students can use outside scholarships to supplement their financial aid package. Outside scholarships are awards offered by private and non-profit organisations separate from the college. Students from the host universities affiliated with UC's Education Abroad Program (EAP) may be considered for waivers of non-resident tuition fees and other awards.
UC San Diego is a no-loan school, which means that their financial aid packages offer grants and scholarships instead of federal loans. This means that their financial aid is more generous than most, and they help bridge the cost and student need gap.
International Students: EBT Application Eligibility
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Additional sources of funding
International students at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) are generally ineligible for student loans and scholarships. However, they can explore various additional sources of funding to support their educational and living expenses. Here are some options for additional funding sources:
Home Country Sources:
International students are encouraged to seek financial aid from sources within their home countries. This could include scholarships, grants, or loans specifically available to students studying abroad. The International Students & Programs Office (ISPO) Global Education at UCSD can provide advice and resources to help students identify these opportunities.
Departmental Funding:
Many graduate departments at UCSD award limited funding to international graduate students. These opportunities may vary by department and could include teaching or research assistant positions, scholarships, or grants. Both undergraduate and graduate international students can inquire about these possibilities within their respective departments.
Outside Scholarships:
Students can use outside scholarships to supplement their financial aid packages. These are awards offered by private and non-profit organizations separate from the university. There are various vetted and reliable outside scholarship opportunities that students can explore to help fund their education at UCSD.
Employment Opportunities:
Although limited, there may be some employment opportunities on or off-campus, particularly as a teaching or research assistant. International students hoping to secure employment to support their studies should be mindful of the potential impact on their academic commitments.
Tuition Fee Waivers:
International students from host universities affiliated with UC's Education Abroad Program (EAP) may be considered for waivers of nonresident tuition fees and other awards. The procedures for granting these waivers vary among host institutions, so students should contact the resident director of the UC EAP in their country for detailed information.
Western Undergraduate Tuition Exchange Program:
UCSD participates in the Western Undergraduate Tuition Exchange program. Residents of certain states, including Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming, may be eligible for discounted tuition at UCSD through this program.
It is important for international students to carefully review the eligibility criteria and application processes for each funding source, as they may vary. Additionally, UCSD provides a Net Price Calculator on their website, allowing students to estimate their tuition costs based on their financial situation.
Participating in the Green Card Lottery as an International Student
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
No, international students are not eligible for federal or state financial aid. However, many graduate departments award limited funding to international graduate students.
UC San Diego is a no-loan school, meaning their financial aid packages offer grants and scholarships instead of loans.
International students can use outside scholarships to supplement their financial aid package. Undergraduate and graduate international students can also check with The International Students & Programs Office (ISPO) Global Education, which provides advice and resources.





























