A bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited university awarded (conferred) prior to the quarter in which admission is sought.

Unofficial transcripts are accepted for the application process.

Three (3) letters of recommendation are required, up to 5 may be submitted. All recommendation letters are required to be submitted electronically through the online application.

You will need a passport from your own government and visa from a U.S. Consulate to enter this country.

Required of all applicants. This statement will be used in conjunction with your application for graduate admission and financial support. Note that the Personal History Statement should not duplicate the Statement of Purpose. Recommended length is a concise 1-3 pages. UC Santa Cruz is interested in a diverse and inclusive graduate student population. In an essay, discuss how your personal background informs your decision to pursue a graduate degree. Include any educational, familial, cultural, economic, or social experiences, challenges, or opportunities relevant to your academic journey; how you might contribute to social or cultural diversity within your chosen field; and/or how you might serve educationally underrepresented segments of society with your degree.

Please describe your plans for graduate study or research and for your future occupation or profession. Include any information that may aid the selection committee in evaluating your preparation and qualifications for graduate study at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Recommended length is a concise 2-4 pages.