Additional Costs
International Student Services (ISS) Fee
Students have access to many University Extension resources, including computer labs, academic advising, visa counseling, housing assistance, campus Student Health Services, and many other general student needs.
2020 fees:
- $175 per short program or seminar of 1-4 weeks
- $380 per quarter or session of 5-12 weeks
- $760 for 2-quarter programs
- $1,140 for 3-quarter programs
Medical Insurance (required)
Medical Insurance is MANDATORY for all students.
- 2-week programs: $90
- 3-week programs: $135
- 4-week programs: $180
- Summer University Program: $270 (per 5-week session)
- ELI 8-week: $450
- UPS and Certificate Programs – 1 quarter: $585
- UPS and Certificate Programs – 2 quarters: $1,170
- UPS and Certificate Programs – 3 quarters: $1,800
NOTE: In December there is a gap in insurance coverage between academic quarters. UC San Diego Extension medical insurance coverage ends one week after each quarter’s end date. In December, there is a period when you will have no insurance coverage unless you purchase additional coverage. If you are an 8-week ESL or UPS student continuing from fall to winter quarter, you must purchase extra UC San Diego Extension medical insurance for the gap weeks between your fall and winter programs. You must pay for this insurance during the scheduled continuing registration times at the end of the quarter.
For information, contact our staff at iphealth@ucsd.edu.
ISS Program Change Fee ($150 USD)
This fee is required each time the applicant wants to change programs or program dates after submitting the original application for enrollment.
Late Arrival Fee ($200 USD)
This fee is required if a student does not arrive on the first day of the published program start-date.
Note: All continuing students must register in person for the next program, whether or not they have already completed some of the registration requirements for the next program. Showing up in person for registration so that we can confirm immigration status and local address, as well as all other registration requirements, is mandatory for continuing students. Failure to show up in person during the assigned continuing-student registration time or failure to provide all of the required items for registration by the last day of the assigned continuing-student registration period will result in the assessment of the $200 USD Late Registration Fee. We announce the continuing-student registration periods for all programs to all students by email far in advance of the registration period so that students can prepare for it in good time.
Airport Transportation
The San Diego airport is located in downtown San Diego, about 30 minutes from the UC San Diego campus by car and one hour and 30 minutes by public bus. Transportation information will be sent by email along with the acceptance and orientation information. UC San Diego does not provide transportation to and from the airport. Our homestay and near-campus apartments partners offer airport pick-up service at the San Diego international airport for a fee.
Books and Instructional Materials
Payment for all books and instructional materials CANNOT be made in advance and are to be purchased upon arrival at UC San Diego.
- ELI 8-week Programs: approximately $300-500 per program.
- ELI Short-term Programs: approximately $150-$175 per program (varies by program).
- Certificate and University Credit Programs: approximately $200-800 per quarter.
Computer Labs and Internet Access
All international students have access to two computer labs (46 stations) at UC San Diego Extension. Preference for computer lab use is given to class-related work. All computers have high-speed internet connections and are functional in multiple languages. Printing costs 10 cents per page; no cost for computer use.
Meals
The cost of meals varies greatly depending on budget and tastes, but a good meal on campus costs about $8-$10. Note that some housing choices include some meals. Homestay, for example, includes breakfast and dinner, and on-campus housing in summer includes three meals per day.
Housing
See more Information on housing options for UC San Diego Extension international students.
Library Card (optional)
You can use the campus libraries without charge. To borrow books; however, you must buy a library card: approximately $15 for three months.
UC San Diego Photo Identification Card
The cost of one UC San Diego photo ID is included in the International Student Service fee. Students will pay $15 to replace a lost photo identification card.
Recreation Card (optional)
To use the campus swimming pools, tennis courts, fitness centers, and other campus recreational facilities, you can buy a “Rec Card,” which is approximately $110 per quarter.
Transportation Options
- Bike rental: approximately $90 per week
- Bus pass: approximately $75 for a calendar month student pass. Unlimited use.
- Car rental: approximately $700 per month.
- Parking on campus: approximately $75 per month. See parking.ucsd.edu.
Activities and Weekend Excursions (optional)
We offer a variety of evening and weekend activities. Some are free of charge for Extension international students, and some have a discounted price that usually includes transportation and the admission ticket.
Optional Practical Training (OPT) Application Assistance (optional)
We provide advising and application assistance to students on an F-1 visa who apply to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for permission to work in the U.S. for up to one year under the Optional Practical Training program.
Cost: $200 (Government filing fees are a separate cost.)
All prices are subject to change.
Academic Training (AT) Application Assistance (optional)
We provide advising and application assistance to students on a J-1 visa who apply to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for permission to work in the U.S. under the Academic Training program. The duration of a J-1 student's Academic Training is limited to the length of time spent studying.
Cost: $200 (Government filing fees are a separate cost.)