International Programs
University & Professional Studies
Who will Benefit
If you are a high-achieving university student or professional who would like to take a full-time schedule of credit-bearing classes at UC San Diego or UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies while studying alongside American university students, the University and Professional Studies (UPS) program might be right for you. With UPS, it is possible to study at the Bachelor’s and Master’s levels, in many of the departments at UC San Diego.
Program Details
Classes:
In fall, winter, and spring quarters, you can take a full-time program (12 units) consisting of UC San Diego undergraduate, graduate or extended studies division courses for university credit. The following are examples of some of the subjects that previous University and Professional Studies students have studied:
- Academic Writing
- Aerospace Engineering
- Anthropology
- Bioengineering
- Biology
- Business (graduate international business courses through the School of Global Policy and Strategy, and many other course options through the Division of Extended Studies)
- Chemistry
- Communications
- Computer Science
- Electrical Engineering
- Geophysics
- History
- International Relations
- Literature
- Marine Biology
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Molecular Biology
- Music
- Oceanography
- Physics
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Spanish
- Stem Cell Biology
- Theatre/Dance
- Visual Arts
- and many more
For a complete list of all UC San Diego courses, please search tritonlink.ucsd.edu. For UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies course offerings, please see extendedstudies.ucsd.edu. Enrollment in all classes is on a space-available basis and requires instructor and/or departmental approval.
Note: UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies courses in Master of Advanced Studies programs, business courses at the Rady School of Management, or any courses in the School of Medicine or Pharmacy are not permitted for enrollment through UPS. Availability of graduate-level courses in other departments is strictly controlled for prerequisites. In 2024, undergraduate and graduate courses in the Department of Economics are minimally available.
Duration: 1 Quarter
Delivery Method: In-person
Visa: F-1 student visa
Program Schedule:
- 12-13 weeks each quarter
- Monday – Friday (occasional Saturday workshops)
- Schedule varies depending on classes chosen
Class choice is dependent on the track you select or are eligible to participate in. See Admission Requirements for more details.
Admission Requirements
We carefully review the background and qualifications of each applicant to ensure that those admitted to the University and Professional Studies (UPS) program will have a successful experience. The minimum acceptance requirements are listed below.
Age: 18+
Language Proficiency Requirement:
Track 1 | Track 2 | Track 3 |
English Proficiency | English Proficiency | English Proficiency |
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|
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For questions regarding alternative English proficiency exams, please email ipadmission@ucsd.edu.
Additional Admission Requirements for ALL tracks:
A copy of transcripts in English for the two most recent years of academic studies. Transcripts must clearly indicate excellent academic achievement.
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 Division of Extended Studies. Students must use the UPS Course List Form to submit their selections. UC San Diego courses are listed at tritonlink.ucsd.edu. For a list of all of UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies course offerings please see extendedstudies.ucsd.edu.
A one-page statement explaining your reasons for choosing UC San Diego for your study abroad experience.
Once admitted into the program, students must maintain above-average final grades in all coursework (“B” or better).
Dates & Prices
2025 Dates:
- January 2 - March 22
- March 24 - June 13
- June 18 - September 13
- September 17 - December 13
2025 Prices:
- Application Fee: $225 (nonrefundable)
- Tuition: $8,490
- International Student Service Fee: $500 per quarter
- UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies medical insurance: $780 per quarter
- Books/Materials: Approximately $200-$800 per quarter (Payment CANNOT be made in advance. Books and materials must be purchased upon arrival at UC San Diego.)
For all 2025 program dates and prices, visit the Dates and Prices page or download the 2025 Dates & Prices document. This document also lists the financial verification required for your program application if you need the Form I-20 for a student visa.
Additional Information
Note: Participating in this educational program does not provide preference in admission to the University of California (UC) degree programs. Students interested in applying to UC degree programs should refer to the UC Admissions website or the websites of other UC campuses they wish to attend for details about their admissions processes.
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For a complete list of all programs, please visit our Courses and Programs page.
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2025 Dates and Prices
Contact Us
+858-534-6784
ipinfo@ucsd.edu
Regular Mail Address
University of California San Diego
Division of Extended Studies
International Student Services, 0176D
9500 Gilman Drive
La Jolla, CA 92093-0176
USA
Physical Location & Express Delivery
University of California San Diego
Division of Extended Studies
International Programs
8980 Villa La Jolla Drive - suite 380
La Jolla, CA 92037 USA
USA