Instruction for Submission: Steps to Submit

At the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, prospective students are invited to explore research opportunities in their preferred field of study by reaching out to faculty members and browsing the research website.

The application process for graduate programs is straightforward. Applicants may submit applications to up to two programs, and the UC San Diego Application fee is $135 for U.S. Citizens and $155 for International Applicants.

Official transcripts of all college-level work must be uploaded as a PDF. Three English proficiency exams are accepted for graduate study at UCSD: TOEFL, IELTS, and Pearson Test.

The Statement of Purpose is a crucial component of the application, with a maximum of 2 pages, a 2500 word limit, and a minimum font size of 10 points.

MS applicants can select a degree major from Earth Sciences, Marine Biology, or Oceanography (SI80, SI81, and SI82 are the MS majors). Applications should be submitted through the UC San Diego Graduate Application, Grad Apply.

Applicants will also need to select a program: Climate-Ocean-Atmosphere (COAP), Geosciences of the Earth, Oceans, and Planets (GEO), or Ocean Biosciences (OBP).

The TOEFL examinations must be taken no later than November for the scores to arrive before the application deadline. Demonstrated proficiency in the English language is required for all international applicants whose native language is not English and who have not studied full-time for one uninterrupted academic year at a university-level institution in which English is the language of instruction and in a country in which English is a dominant language.

Three letters of recommendation must be submitted electronically. International students who are admitted, and accept their offer of admission, will be required to submit a WES or TEC course-by-course evaluation to the Division of Graduate Education & Postdoctoral Affairs team for review in order to finalize their admission.

GRE scores are not required for admission, but can be included if already taken. Scores should be reported to Institution Code 4836 (UC San Diego).

Application fee waivers are available for United States citizens and permanent residents, with specific qualification criteria detailed on the UC San Diego Graduate Division fee waiver website. LATE APPLICATIONS ARE GENERALLY NOT ACCEPTED. Exceptions for special circumstances will be considered by petition.

Scripps does not admit in the winter and spring quarters. For the latest updates and information, please refer to the official policy requirements available online. The Fall 2026 application will open soon.