Navigating the UCLA Payment Schedule: A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding the UCLA payment schedule is crucial for all students to manage their finances effectively and avoid potential penalties. This guide provides a detailed overview of the payment processes, deadlines, and available payment methods at UCLA.

Understanding BruinBill

BruinBill serves as the central platform for managing and paying tuition, fees, housing charges, and other campus-related expenses. Accessible 24/7 through MyUCLA (using your UCLA Logon ID), BruinBill provides a comprehensive view of your account and payment deadlines. Financial aid is typically applied to housing charges after tuition and fees are covered at the beginning of each quarter.

Key Aspects of the UCLA Payment Schedule

Timing of Assessments

Mandatory tuition, housing, and other fees are assessed before the start of each academic term. Miscellaneous fees, such as bookstore purchases, may appear throughout the term.

Due Dates

The due date for charges is typically the 20th of the month following the posting date. However, if the 20th falls on a weekend or holiday, the due date shifts to the last business day before the 20th. It's imperative to check BruinBill regularly for specific due dates to avoid late fees.

Monitoring Your Account

Students should consistently monitor their BruinBill throughout the term for any new charges to prevent delinquency fees. Even after your affiliation with UCLA ends, continue to monitor your account for up to six months.

Potential Changes to Fees

It is important to note that all posted tuition, fees, and charges are estimates and subject to change by the Regents of the University of California due to factors like state funding reductions.

Payment Methods

UCLA offers a variety of payment methods to accommodate different student needs and preferences.

Online Payments Through MyUCLA

The most convenient way to pay is online through MyUCLA. On your BruinBill landing page, select “Make a Payment” from the top ribbon. You’ll be redirected to a payment page.

Bank Account

Using a bank account (checking or savings) is the recommended method for online payments, as it avoids service fees and posts instantly.

Domestic Credit/Debit Card

Payments made with a domestic credit or debit card post instantly, but a non-refundable transaction fee is charged for each payment.

Read also: Navigating Tech Breadth at UCLA

International Payment Methods

For international students, UCLA offers options like Flywire and Convera. These services allow payments via bank transfers, international credit cards (with a service fee), and other methods. Compare rates across these vendors to determine the most cost-effective option. To initiate a Convera or Flywire payment, select “Pay by foreign currency” and follow the prompts.

In-Person Payments

Payments can be made in person at the Payment Solutions & Compliance Office located at 1125 Murphy Hall. In-person payments are processed on the same day.

Accepted Forms of Payment

The office accepts paper checks, cashier’s checks, and money orders made out to “UC Regents.” Be sure to include the student’s name, nine-digit university identification number, term, and the BruinBill account type. Cash is also accepted, but large-sum cash payments are discouraged for safety reasons.

Financial Aid and Refunds

Financial Aid Disbursement

Financial aid is applied to BruinBill at the beginning of each quarter, first covering tuition and fees, then housing charges. If anticipated financial aid does not fully cover the balance, students are responsible for paying the remaining amount by the deadline.

BruinDirect Refunds

Bruin Direct is the fastest way to receive a BruinBill refund (e.g., financial aid refund). Sign up directly on your BruinBill by clicking “Enroll” under “My BruinDirect” and providing your checking or savings account information.

Read also: Understanding UCLA Counselors

Third-Party Payments and Access

Third Party View

Students can authorize a third party, such as a parent, to access their BruinBill account through the Third Party View feature.

Third-Party Sponsors

If tuition is paid by a third-party sponsor, convenient online billing options are available.

Consequences of Late Payments

Failure to pay student services fees in full by the payment deadline can result in late fees, holds on the account, and class drops in accordance with the drop class deadline.

International Students: Fees and Payment Schedule

International students, particularly those on an F-1 visa enrolled in UCLA Extension Certificate and Study Abroad programs, have specific fee structures and deadlines.

International Program Fee

This fee covers various support services, including:

UCLA Bruincard (student ID card)
Library card
UCLA Recreation membership
Culturally-rich international student activities
Immersive international student orientation
Receptions, networking activities, and a graduation celebration for certificate students
Comprehensive immigration advising on F-1 status maintenance
CPT and OPT application support (when eligible)
Access to the UCLA Bruin Promise (alumni services) for Certificate Program graduates

The International Program Fee is $3,850 for the first quarter and $2,850 for each subsequent quarter of study at UCLA Extension.

Payment Schedule for International Students

First Quarter

The first quarter fee is charged in two parts:

Program Deposit: A $500 non-refundable deposit due within two weeks of acceptance.
Program Fee Balance: The remaining $3,350 is due at least 30 days before the quarter start date. Failure to pay by the deadline will result in cancellation of admission and Form I-20.

Subsequent Quarters

The $2,850 fee for each subsequent quarter is due at least 30 days before the quarter start date. Failure to pay by the deadline will result in cancellation of admitted status and Form I-20.

Accepted Payment Methods

Accepted payment methods include cash, check, credit card, or bank wire transfer.

Important Considerations for International Students

Health Insurance: International students must have health insurance for the duration of their studies. This is not included in the International Program Fee.
Housing and Living Expenses: UCLA Extension International Programs do not include housing and living expenses.
Additional Fees: Some courses may require special equipment, laboratory fees, or software, incurring additional costs.

Refunds for International Students

International Program Fee Refunds

The $500 program deposit is non-refundable.
If a student defers their program start date, the $500 deposit is valid for up to one year.
Denial or delay of a visa does not waive the refund policy. Students should purchase airfare after obtaining their visa (if applicable).
Refunds for the balance of the International Program Fee are based on the following schedule:
- 60+ days prior to program start date: 100% refund
- 59 - 45 days: 75% refund
- 44 - 30 days: 50% refund
- 29 - 15 days: 25% refund
- 14 or less days: 0% refund
Fees incurred to process a refund (e.g., wire transfer fees, postage fees) will be deducted from the refund amount.

Tuition Refunds

Tuition refunds adhere to the UCLA Extension Tuition Refund Policy.

Activities, Co-curricular, and Extracurricular Programming Refunds

The International Program Fee covers some activities, but students who choose not to participate are not eligible for a refund. All activities are non-transferable and may require advanced registration with limited availability.

Program Deferrals for International Students

International students can defer their program start date by up to one year from their original start date. One deferral is allowed at no additional cost. Subsequent deferral requests or requests received fewer than 30 days before the quarter's start will be considered on a case-by-case basis and are not guaranteed.

Application and Program Dates for International Students

For students applying for an F-1 visa for UCLA Extension Certificate and Study Abroad at UCLA Programs, here are the application deadlines:

Fall (September - December): August 15
Winter (January - March): November 15
Spring (March - June): February 15
Summer (June - September): May 15

Review the Academic Calendar for current quarter dates. While most Certificate Programs begin each quarter, some have limited intakes.

Understanding Residency and Fees

The fees for California residents are lower than those for non-residents and international students. This difference reflects the fact that California residents pay California State taxes, which support state universities. The higher fees for non-residents and international students help cover the costs of providing additional student services.

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