University of California- Merced offers admission in Fall and Spring intakes. There are around 50 programs at UC Merced to choose from, at UG and PG level. University offers admission to three Schools: School of Engineering, School of Natural Sciences, School of Social Sciences, Humanities, Arts. The University of California-Merced acceptance rate is 85%.

The admission process for UC Merced are conducted completely online, for both undergraduate and graduate students. The application fee is 150 USD. The admission decisions are announced within 6 weeks of application submission.

University Of California – Merced Admission Deadlines

Academic sessions at University of California- Merced begin in Fall and Spring semesters. The application deadlines for undergraduate and graduate programs for the upcoming session are as follows:

Undergraduate Deadlines

  • The applications will start from August 1.
  • First-year and Transfer students admission deadline is November 30.

Graduate Deadlines

  • Application deadline for Fall semester is Janury 15.
  • Post the priority deadline, applications will be accepted on case-basis.

University Of California Merced International Student Admissions

More than one fourth of Student diversity comes from different countries. The university is selective and strict with academic requirements and documents submission. International students must apply well before deadlines for smooth processing.

Admission Requirements

  • All the academic records/transcripts from the previously attended institution(s):
    • Certified by the institution's office registrar.
    • Sent directly from the issuing institute a stamped and sealed envelope.
    • Official transcripts that are not in English, must be accompanied along with a certified English translation.
  • Must have a minimum of 3.4 GPA
  • Proof of English Proficiency
  • 3 Letters of recommendation (Graduate students)
  • An updated resume
  • Letter of Intent or Statement of purpose

Note: In addition to the general admission requirements, some departments require a separate departmental application, portfolio, audition or interview.

English Proficiency Test Score

International applicants can submit the TOEFL and/or IELTS scores to demonstrate English proficiency. The minimum required scores by the university are given below:

Test Minimum Score Required
TOEFL Score

pBT: 550

iBT: 80
IELTS Score 6.5
Duolingo 115

Visa Process for USA

  • International applicants will be issued Form I-20 from the university.
  • Applicants will need to provide the following documents to receive the Form I-20:
    • Copy of passport
    • Proof of financial support
    • Bank statement
    • Sponsor letter, if applicable
  • Complete the I-20 and pay the SEVIS I-901 fee.
  • Applicants then need to apply for the F-1 or J-1 visa. Submit the form and pay the application fee.
  • Schedule and attend the visa interview

University Of California- Merced Undergraduate Admissions

It offers 22 Majors and 24 Minors undergraduate courses to all the applicants. The basic admission process for all the courses is the same. The application process for the undergraduate programs are as follows:

Where to Apply: UC Merced- University Application

Application Fee: 80 USD

Admission Requirements:

  • High school diploma/transcript
  • Guidance counsellor’s recommendation
  • TOEFL Score of 80
  • Secondary school certificate of completion
  • GPA of 3.4 or above
  • Completion of 15 year long academic courses with a 3.4 GPA:
    • 2 years of history (in place of U.S. history, history of your country)
    • 4 years of composition and literature in the language in which you are instructed
    • 3 years (four years recommended) of college-preparatory mathematics that include the topics covered in elementary and advanced algebra and two- and three-dimensional geometry.
    • 2 years of laboratory science (biology, chemistry, and/or physics) OR 2 years of integrated science
    • 2 years of a second language
    • 1 year long course (or 2 semesters) of visual and performing arts

University Of California- Merced Graduate Admissions

University of California Merced offers 14 graduate courses to all the applicants. The Graduate student population comprises one third International students from 30 different countries.

Where to Apply: University Application

Application Fee: 80 USD

General Admission Requirements:

Where to Apply: University Application

Application Fee: 140 USD

  • Bachelor’s degree equivalent to a US degree.
  • A GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Letters of Recommendation
  • GMAT/GRE scores
  • Writing Samples
  • Work Experience

All graduate transcripts must be sent to below address

University of California, Merced

Attn: Graduate Division, SSB 310

5200 N Lake Road

Merced, CA 95343