The first step in the application process involves choosing an area of study that is closely aligned with the applicant’s background and academic interests and goals. When making this decision, you will want to keep in mind the following:

• All graduate students, except those who have earned an undergraduate or Master’s degree from an institution at which English was the sole language of instruction according to the World Higher Education Database, are required to demonstrate oral English proficiency before they are admitted to a UCI graduate program.
• PhD students are generally admitted with a funding package that will include Teaching Assistant or Associate Instructor titles and therefore will need to demonstrate a higher level of English proficiency than what is required for admission. PhD students must have either earned an undergraduate degree from an institution at which English was the sole language of instruction within five years prior to admission to a graduate program at UCI; or pass the TOEFL exam with at least a 26 on the speaking portion of the test, or the IELTS with an 8 on the speaking portion. TOEFL or IELTS test scores are valid for two years after the test date. Please read the full policy on English proficiency for graduate admissions and how to search for your institution in the database on the Graduate Division website. The English proficiency requirement for TAs can be found here.

We will begin accepting applications in early October 2025 for Fall 2026 admission. For details on program requirements, please visit the individual program websites listed under Graduate Programs.

The following items are required in support of each application for PhD and Master’s degree admission:

• Domestic Applicants (US Citizens and Permanent Residents)
• International Applicants

Applicants can track their status through the UCI Graduate Admissions Portal.