Additional Costs

International Student Services (ISS) Fee

Students have access to many UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies resources, including computer labs, academic advising, visa counseling, housing assistance, campus Student Health Services, and many other general student needs.

• $250 per short program or seminar of 1-4 weeks
• $500 per quarter or session of 5-12 weeks
• $800 for 2-quarter programs
• $1,200 for 3-quarter programs

Medical Insurance (required)

Medical Insurance is MANDATORY for all students. The cost for UC San Diego Medical Insurance will be:

2025

• 4-week programs: $240
• 8-week ELI: $600
• UPS and Certificate Programs - 1 quarter: $780
• UPS and Certificate Programs - 2 quarters: $1,560
• UPS and Certificate Programs - 3 quarters: $2,340

NOTE: In December there is a gap in insurance coverage between academic quarters. UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies medical insurance coverage ends one week after each quarter’s end date. In December, there is a period when you will have no insurance coverage unless you purchase additional coverage. If you are an 8-week ESL or UPS student continuing from fall to winter quarter, you must purchase extra UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies medical insurance for the gap weeks between your fall and winter programs. You must pay for this insurance during the scheduled continuing registration times at the end of the quarter. 

For information, contact our staff at deshealthandsafety@ucsd.edu.

Airport Transportation

The San Diego airport is located in downtown San Diego, about 30 minutes from the UC San Diego campus by car and one hour and 30 minutes by public bus. Transportation information will be sent by email along with the acceptance and orientation information. UC San Diego does not provide transportation to and from the airport. Our homestay and near-campus apartments partners offer airport pick-up service at the San Diego international airport for a fee.

Books and Instructional Materials

Payment for all books and instructional materials CANNOT be made in advance and are to be purchased upon arrival at UC San Diego.

• ELI 8-week Programs: approximately $300-500 per program.
• ELI Short-term Programs: approximately $150-$175 per program (varies by program).
• Certificate and University Credit Programs: approximately $200-800 per quarter.

Computer Labs and Internet Access

All international students have access to two computer labs (46 stations) at UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies. Preference for computer lab use is given to class-related work. All computers have high-speed internet connections and are functional in multiple languages. Printing costs 15 cents per page; no cost for computer use.

Meals

The cost of meals varies greatly depending on budget and tastes, but a good meal on campus costs about $8-$10. Note that some housing choices include some meals. Homestay, for example, includes breakfast and dinner, and on-campus housing in summer includes three meals per day.

Housing

See more Information on housing options for UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies international students.

Library Card (optional)

You can use the campus libraries without charge. To borrow books you will need to activate your OneCard for no extra charge using the Library Registration Form.

UC San Diego Photo Identification Card

The cost of one UC San Diego photo ID is included in the International Student Service fee. Students will pay $25 to replace a lost photo identification card.

Recreation Card (optional)

To use the campus swimming pools, tennis courts, fitness centers, and other campus recreational facilities, you can buy a “Return to Rec Membership,” which is approximately $110 per quarter.

Transportation Options

• Spin Bikes: approximately $0.50 cents to unlock and $0.12 per minute to use
• Bus pass: approximately $72 per a calendar month. Unlimited use.
• Car rental: approximately $700 per month
• Parking on campus: See parking.ucsd.edu.

Activities and Weekend Excursions (optional)

We offer a variety of evening and weekend activities. Some are free of charge and some are offered at a discounted price. When planning activities we take into consideration the season, amount of enrolled students, and availability of tickets and transportation. Check the student newsletter, IP Weekly, to receive updates about which activities will be offered through Division of Extended Studies International Programs, around campus, and in San Diego. 

Optional Practical Training (OPT) Application Assistance (optional)

We provide advising and application assistance to students on an F-1 visa who apply to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for permission to work in the U.S. for up to one year under the Optional Practical Training program.

Cost: $200 (Government filing fees are a separate cost.)

All prices are subject to change.