Navigating the UCLA Graduate Program Application Process: A Comprehensive Guide

Applying to a graduate program at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is a significant step toward advancing your academic and professional goals. This article provides a detailed overview of the application requirements, procedures, and important considerations for prospective graduate students.

General Application Information

The UCLA application for graduate admission serves as the gateway to nearly all graduate programs, with a few exceptions such as the M.D. in Medicine, the J.D., S.J.D, and L.L.M. in Law, the D.D.S. in Dentistry, and M.B.A. and M.F.E. It is crucial to identify the most suitable program before submitting your application, as UCLA policies restrict applicants to applying for only one major/degree, except for concurrent or articulated degrees.

Application Types

First-Time Applicants: If you are applying to UCLA as a graduate student for the first time, or if you have applied before but were not admitted, complete all parts of the application.
Renewal Applicants: Applicants who filed an application for graduate admission at UCLA within the last year and were admitted but did not register, be sure to select Renewal from the dropdown menu at Application Type in the application and submit only the application, and any additional or updated information or records. After the first renewal the application fee must be submitted with each subsequent application.
Returning Students: If you have ever registered as a graduate student at UCLA, whether you completed a graduate program or not, complete all parts of the application. Formal application for readmission is not required of a student returning from an official leave of absence.

Application Deadlines

It is imperative to consult your specific UCLA graduate program for the specific deadline for your proposed major. While applications to some programs may be considered if received after a program’s stated deadline, this is contingent upon enrollment limitations not being exceeded.

Application Fee and Waivers

The application fee is \$135.00 for U.S. citizens and permanent residents and \$155.00 for all other applicants. This fee covers the administrative costs associated with processing applications and is non-refundable, regardless of the application outcome, filing date, review timeline, or withdrawal.

Fee Waiver Eligibility:

UCLA offers fee waivers to eligible applicants based on participation in specific programs or demonstrated financial need.

PPIA Fellowship Program: Applicants sponsored by the Public Policy and International Affairs Fellowship Program are eligible for a deferral of the application fee. In the application, on the Plans for Graduate Study page, select PPIA under Program Participation.
Event-Based Waivers: Inquire about event-based fee waivers at designated conferences and recruitment events. Event-based waivers may waive the 2026-2027 application fee for PhD and state-supported doctoral programs. Please note that this program is subject to change or termination.
Other Fee Waivers: Participants in certain programs are eligible for fee waivers.

Academic Requirements

Bachelor's Degree

A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, comparable in standard and content to a bachelor’s degree from the University of California is required.

Grade Point Average (GPA)

Graduate admission through the regular process requires an overall scholastic average, including any post-baccalaureate study, of B (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) or better, or its equivalent if the letter grade system is not used. However, through the “Dean’s Special Action” (DSA) process, departments are able to admit applicants who do not meet this GPA requirement when other aspects of the applicant’s file suggest readiness for graduate study. The DSA process requires no additional action on the applicant’s part; it is at the department’s discretion to initiate it.

Transcripts

Official transcripts are not needed during the initial stages of application. Please upload an unofficial copy of your transcripts to the online application. Official transcripts are only required if you are accepted in the program and receive an admission letter.

If you are a university/college senior, do not risk missing the deadline by waiting for senior-year grades to be posted before submitting your application and transcript.

International applicants should submit transcripts in both the original language AND the authorized, complete, and exact English translation certified by the issuing institution. Degree and diploma certificates (or other evidence of conferral of all degrees, diplomas, or professional titles) must accompany the transcripts and must also be submitted in the original language AND in English. This evidence may be in the form of officially certified copies of the actual diploma, entries on official records or official statements from granting institutions.

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Submitted records become the property of the University and cannot be returned.

Standardized Tests

GRE (Graduate Record Examinations)

For the 2025-2026 admissions cycle for some programs, students who wish to apply for admission to our graduate program for the 2025-2026 academic year (applications for this cycle are due December 15, 2024) are not required to take the GRE or submit a GRE score report as part of their application package. However, students may voluntarily submit GRE test scores and they will be reviewed as part of the holistic application consideration. All students applying for fall who wish to take the GRE test early in the fall before the application deadline (Dec. 15). The test must have been taken within five (5) years of the submission date of the UCLA Graduate Division online application. Check the testing schedule and registration information on the GRE homepage. The UCLA institution code is 4837. The Computer Science department code is 0402. Official scores should be sent to UCLA as soon as possible. The GRE computer science subject exam is not reviewed by the department. Applicants must take the exam well before the December 15 deadline. Reports on exams taken in November will be received in time for review.

English Language Proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS)

Any applicant whose first language is not English must certify proficiency in English when applying to UCLA and, if admitted, upon arrival. Such applicants must submit scores received on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) as part of their application. The TOEFL is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). IELTS is administered by local IELTS test centers throughout the world.

If your first language is not English, you must certify proficiency in English when you apply to UCLA. The MQE requires you submit TOEFL or IELTS scores as part of the admissions process. Official test scores will be required if you are admitted. TOEFL scores must be at least 87 on the internet-based test or 7 or higher on the IELTS. These scores represent the minimum required for acceptance to a graduate program at UCLA. If you score 100 or higher on the TOEFL iBT, or 7.5 or higher on the IELTS, you do not need to take UCLA’s English as a Second Language Placement Examination (ESLPE). If you score less than 100 on the TOEFL iBT, or less than 7.5 on the IELTS, you are required, upon arrival at UCLA, to take the ESLPE. Depending on your results on the ESLPE, you may be required to complete up to two English as a Second Language courses, beginning in your first term at UCLA.

Applicants who hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from a university within the United States or in another country in which English is both the primarily spoken language of daily life (for the country) AND the medium of instruction, or have completed two years of full-time study at such institutions (i.e. accredited US university or accredited university where English is the primary spoken language of daily life (for the country) and the medium of instruction), are exempted from the TOEFL/IELTS requirement.

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Applicants must take the exam on or before the December 15 deadline. Reports on exams taken in November will be received in time for review.

Required Application Materials

Statement of Purpose

The statement of purpose gives applicants the opportunity to demonstrate to the Admissions Committee how their previous academic training, research or interest areas, work experience, and any other relevant evidence-based qualifications have prepared them to contribute to the UCLA MQE program and to the field.

What is your purpose in applying for graduate study in your specified degree program? What experiences have prepared you for advanced study or research in this degree program? What relevant skills have you gained from these experiences? Why is the UCLA graduate program to which you are applying is the best place for you to pursue your academic goals?

Admissions committees want to hear your voice: your academic goals, personal experiences, and unique perspective. These are what make your essay compelling. Your application must be truthful and reflect your own work. Essays that rely heavily, or entirely, on AI may be treated as academic dishonesty. Your story, in your own words, is the most powerful part of your application. Your statement of purpose will be used in conjunction with your application for consideration for graduate admission and financial support.

Personal Statement

The Personal Statement is an opportunity for you to provide additional information that may aid the selection committee in evaluating your preparation and aptitude for graduate study at UCLA.

Are there educational, personal, cultural, economic, or social experiences, not described in your Statement of Purpose, that have shaped your academic journey? If so, how? Describe challenge(s) or barriers that you have faced in your pursuit of higher education.

Letters of Recommendation

Two letters of recommendation are required from individuals, preferably academic or professional supervisors, who are well acquainted with your performance in academic or work settings. Although only two letters are required, a third letter will be reviewed if provided. The letters should be uploaded by the letter writer to the online application.

Resume/CV

Applicants must submit a resume or CV.

Program-Specific Requirements and Considerations

Master of Quantitative Economics (MQE)

Prerequisites: If your undergraduate degree is not in economics, it is recommended that you have Calculus I and II for engineering and math majors, Intermediate Microeconomics and Intermediate Macroeconomics.
Work Experience: Prior work experience is not required for admission to the MQE program.
GRE: The GRE is not required for admission to the Master of Quantitative Economics (MQE) program. Applicants may choose to submit official GRE scores, which will be considered as part of a holistic review process.
Rolling Admissions: The MQE program reviews applications on a rolling basis. For the 26-27 admissions cycle, the MQE will follow the review dates listed below. Applicants who apply by November 1, 2024 will receive a response from the MQE program by December 15, 2024. Applicants who apply by December 1, 2024 will receive a response from the MQE program by February 15, 2025. The deadline to be considered for the 2025-26 program is March 15, 2025.
Tuition: For the 2025-2026 academic year, MQE tuition is \$1,228 per unit for both California residents and non-residents. For students completing 48 units in one academic year, estimated tuition is \$58,944.
Financial Aid: The MQE program considers all accepted applicants for merit-based fellowships. No additional application is necessary.

MBA Program

Concurrent Degree Programs: The M.B.A. has 8 concurrent degree programs designed to allow a student to complete two degrees with a limited number of overlapping units. The time savings is achieved by allowing students to complete the M.B.A. with fewer than 94 units. In some cases, the other program has reduced their unit requirement, as well. Students should consult with the other program for their course and unit requirements. Students are expected to complete all aforementioned required MBA core courses (unless waived), internship requirement and capstone project requirement.

Computer Science Department

Application Limit: Students may apply for either the Ph.D. program or the M.S. program but not both. Admission to the Ph.D. program is more selective than for the M.S. program.
Letters of Recommendation: At least THREE (3) letters of recommendation must be submitted using the graduate application link above.
GRE: GRE Requirement for Fall 2025-2026 Admissions Cycle OnlyStudents who wish to apply for admission to our graduate program for the 2025-2026 academic year (applications for this cycle are due December 15, 2024) are not required to take the GRE or submit a GRE score report as part of their application package. However, students may voluntarily submit GRE test scores and they will be reviewed as part of the holistic application consideration.
Statement of Purpose: All CS applicants submit an SOP (500 word limit) in their online application. The SOP is considered to be the writing sample.
Personal Statement: All CS applicants submit a personal statement (500 word limit) in their online application.
Resume/Vitae: Applicants are not required to submit a resume or vitae.

Electrical & Computer Engineering Department

Application Timeline: Applications should be submitted only between mid-September and December 15. Late applications will not be considered. Updates to application materials will not be accepted.
Letters of Recommendation: At least THREE (3) letters of recommendation must be submitted through the UCLA Application for Graduate Admission. Late letters will be accepted until January 1 5:00PM Pacific Time.
GRE: Applicants for the 2026-2027 academic year are not required to take the GRE or submit GRE scores as part of their application package. Applications with GRE scores included will not be given greater weight than those that do not include scores.
Statement of Purpose: All ECE applicants must submit a Statement of Purpose (2-page maximum) in their online application.
Personal Statement: The Personal Statement is part of the University application. However, it is not required by the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department.

Master of Applied Statistics and Data Science (MASDS)

Academic Background: A bachelor’s degree is required, but a major in statistics is not required to enter the MASDS program. Strong applicants will have a strong quantitative background including: linear algebra, multivariate calculus, probability and statistics and programming/coding in some language.
Proficiency: Proficiency in the use of R and Python is desirable but not necessary, and will be gained as students complete the MASDS coursework.

Additional Considerations

Student Code of Conduct

As an applicant, you must follow UCLA’s Student Code of Conduct. The Code applies to applicants who become students for offenses committed during the application process.

Review Process

Submitted application materials are reviewed by faculty admissions committees in each major program who select the best qualified applicants. These admissions committees base recommendations for admission upon a careful comparison of applications, and this may take considerable time. Recruitment, Outreach and Admissions, therefore, cannot guarantee that the applicant will receive a response, favorable or unfavorable, on or before any specific date.

Name Discrepancies

If you applied to UCLA before (or were an employee or a student), there may be a mismatch between your name or other personal data on the application and what is already in UCLA’s database. Many of these discrepancies (such as a name change) are resolved by the Division of Graduate Education staff without further need for communication, and the situation does not impede review of your application by the program.

Admission Conditions and Registration

If admitted, the conditions of admission and information and instructions concerning registration (via a link to the Statement of Intent to Register and a Statement of Legal Residence) will be included as part of the offer of admission letter, which can be printed out from the Division of Graduate Education site.

Deferrals

In most cases, UCLA does not offer deferrals for graduate admission.

Active Military Service: Admitted students with active military orders may request a deferral for the duration of their service.
Graduate Council-Approved Temporary Allowances: On occasion, the Graduate Council may authorize programs to offer deferrals under specific circumstances.

Resources for Admitted Students

Housing

There is a variety of both University and privately-owned housing available to UCLA graduate students.

Parking

Student parking assignments are made on a need-based point system that considers such factors as class standing and commute distance, and favors those students who demonstrate the greatest need.

Summer Sessions

The UCLA Summer Sessions offer approximately 500 undergraduate and graduate courses each summer.

Disability Services

The University of California, Los Angeles actively encourages persons with disabilities to apply for admission. Federal Law (Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973) prohibits the University from requesting disability related information prior to admission.

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