Applying for Graduate Admission
The Graduate Application for Spring 2020 is open!
Please check the Graduate Programs and Deadlines list for availability before creating an account.
Applicants may apply to only one single degree program or one concurrent degree program per admission term. UC Berkeley does not offer ad hoc joint degree programs or cotutelle agreements with other universities.
Haas Business, Boalt Law, and Optometry OD applicants should apply through their respective schools.
Explore Berkeley
When to do it: Now
Explore the 100+ graduate programs offered at Berkeley, visit the campus, get to know the strengths of our faculty and who you would want to pursue your studies with, and consider the financial and lifestyle aspects of attending graduate school.
- Graduate programs and deadlines
- Tuition, costs and fees
- Admission requirements
- Fellowships for entering students and financial aid
- Course Catalog
- Housing, student family services, health care
- CalDay and Campus Tours
Prepare Your Application
When to do it: Begin at least 3 months before you apply.
You can apply for Fall admission beginning in September the year before you plan to attend. To prepare be sure to complete the following steps:
- Take required tests
- Request required transcripts
- Identify and contact your recommenders (confirm their contact info)
- Write your personal statement
- Confirm and satisfy additional departmental requirements
- Read the Admissions FAQ
Apply Online
When to do it: September to December, but as late as February depending on the program.
You apply for graduate admission online, and will be required to submit the application fee using a major credit card. The application fee is not refundable. If you are a U.S. Citizen or current Permanent Resident, the application fee is $120; for all others, the fee is $140 (Application Fee Waiver Information). You will need to provide complete information about your academic and professional history, and may be asked to provide your CV, resume, or links to your portfolio. You will also be asked to upload your transcripts and provide the contact information for your recommenders. Your recommenders will receive an email at the email address you provide when you apply and will be asked to follow a link to submit their recommendation.
Check Your Application Status
When to do it: December through June.
After submitting your application, you may check the status of the materials received or processed, such as: fee waivers, test scores, letters of recommendation, and admission decision. You may also add additional recommenders. Please contact your department if you need to make any changes or need to provide additional application materials.
Reviewing Your Application
When it happens: February through June.
Admission decisions are based on departmental review, using a combination of factors, including academic degrees and records, the statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, test scores, your research interests, your background and life experience, how well your goals match the degree program, and your relevant work experience.
Faculty within the department will work to identify and recommend the top applicants.
The Graduate Division then reviews the recommended applicants and ensures they comply with the requirements for admission.
Receiving Your Application Decision
When it happens: February through June.
You will be notified of your application decision by email which will be posted on your status page.
If you have received a fellowship offer, you will be receiving a separate email announcing your award details.
If you have been offered admission, you will be asked to accept or decline the offer through the “Reply to Offer of Admission” form. For incoming students, be sure to mark your calendar for the New Graduate Student Orientation in August.
Have questions? Read the Admissions FAQ or contact the Graduate Admissions Office.