Eligibility
| Who is an international applicant? | We consider you an international applicant if you are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and you need an F-1 or J-1 non-immigrant student visa in order to study in the United States. |
| Who is an international first year student applicant? |
You are completing (or have already completed) secondary school with very good grades and earned a certificate of completion that enables you to be admitted to a university in your home country. AND You have not enrolled in a regular session at any college or university after completing secondary school. |
| Who is an international transfer student applicant? | You are now enrolled or previously were enrolled in a regular session at a tertiary institution (college or university) after completion of secondary school. You cannot disregard your college record and apply as a first year student. |
Requirements: First Year Students
You are considered a first year applicant if both of the following apply to you:
- You are completing (or have already completed) secondary school with very good grades and earned a certificate of completion that enables you to be admitted to a university in your home country.
AND - You have not enrolled in a regular session at any college or university after completing secondary school.
Academic Requirements
- Secondary school certificate of completion
- GPA of 3.4 or above
- Completion of 15 yearlong 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 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.* (Approved integrated math courses may be used to fulfill part or all of this requirement.)
- 2 years of laboratory science (biology, chemistry, and/or physics) OR 2 years of integrated science
- 2 years of a second language
- 1 yearlong course (or 2 semesters) of visual and performing arts
- 1 additional course from any subject area above
* Math courses taken in the seventh and eight grades/intermediate school may be used to fulfill part of this requirement. Integrated math courses (e.g. Math I, Math II, etc.) with geometry content may be equated with a standard course in geometry.
- See details for completion of country-specific admission requirements.
English Language Proficiency Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate strong abilities in reading, writing, comprehension and verbal communication in the English language.
Learn more about demonstrating English language proficiency.
Requirements: Transfer Students
UC Merced accepts junior-level students AND lower-division transfers.
Academic Requirements
Junior-Level Requirements
- Complete at least 60 semester (90 quarter) units of UC-transferable credit.
- Earn at least a 2.8 GPA in UC-transferable courses.*
- Complete (with grades C or better) the UC 7-course pattern. Each course must be transferable and worth at least 3 semester (4-5 quarter) units.
- 2 courses in English composition
- 1 course in mathematical concepts and quantitative reasoning
- 4 courses selected from at least two of the following subject areas: arts and humanities, social and behavioral sciences, physical and biological sciences
- Complete the courses required for your major.
Lower-Division Requirements
- Enrollment at a college or university after secondary school graduation and fewer than 60 semester (90 quarter) UC-transferable units completed prior to enrollment at UC Merced
- Met requirements for the University of California upon secondary school graduation (required GPA, examinations and all “a-g” courses)
- Maintain a minimum 2.8 GPA in all UC-transferable coursework*
- Please note that at UC Merced, major-specific courses are required for selection.*
*Some majors require a higher GPA for admission selection.
Learn more about the pathway to transferring to UC Merced.
English Language Proficiency Requirements
Transfer students can demonstrate English proficiency by completing one UC-transferable college course (3 semester or 4-5 quarter units) in English composition with a grade of C or better at an accredited U.S. college or university.
Note: UC Merced does not accept English composition courses from international universities where the language of instruction is not English.
Find more ways to demonstrate English language proficiency.
About the UC Merced Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) program
If you are enrolled at a California Community College, you can use ASSIST.org to determine if your college courses are transferable and our major articulation page to determine which
The Global Access Program Scholarship
This program is targeted at increasing student access to the high-quality programs offered at the University of California, Merced and providing them the opportunity to thrive at a research university. The Global Access Program Scholarship provides $20,000 a year for eligible non-resident students with a GPA of 3.25 or higher. This scholarship is for the duration of their time as a non-resident at UC Merced. Requirements to maintain the scholarship include a minimum cumulative 3.00 GPA, full-time enrollment, and meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements.
About the UC Merced Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) program
If you are enrolled at a California Community College, you can use ASSIST.org to determine if your college courses are transferable and our major articulation page to determine which courses are required for your major. Students transferring from a California Community College also are eligible to participate in the UC Merced Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) program.
TAG contracts specify the courses to be completed and GPA you must earn at a California Community College to be guaranteed admission to UC Merced in the major of your choice.
Learn more about the UC Merced Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) program.
Office of International Affairs
Welcome to the Office of International Affairs at UC Merced! Our team comprehensively supports international students, ensuring a smooth transition to campus life and fostering success throughout your academic journey. From expert guidance on visa and immigration matters to cultural adjustment support and academic assistance, we are here to help you thrive. Explore our workshops, events, and global engagement opportunities to enrich your experience and prepare you for success in a diverse and interconnected world. We are committed to providing personalized assistance and resources to help you make the most of your time at UC Merced. Welcome to our vibrant international community!
Speak with our International Advisor, today!
