How to Apply

1. Learn About Graduate Studies at UCSD

2. Create Your Online Account

3. Take the English Tests (Foreign Students Only)

Sign up for the TOEFL or IELTS. Choose a test that has a Speaking component if possible. Ask that your scores be sent to our Office of Graduate Studies. UC San Diego's institution code for the TOEFL is 4836. The department code is 98.

4. Gather Documents

  • Ask all university-level institution you attended to send one set of official transcripts to the UCSD Literature Department at the address provided at the bottom of this page
  • Request letters of recommendation (3 minimum)
  • Write your Statement of Purpose
  • Complete the San Diego Fellowship statement if applicable (see Appendix A)
  • Format your writing sample

5. Apply

  • Submit MFA and San Diego Fellowship applications online
  • Submit letters of recommendation online with application, or as hard copies
  • Email your writing sample to litgrad@ucsd.edu

Hard copies should be mailed to the address provided at the bottom of this page.

You may complete the application in sections over the course of several weeks. It will not be submitted for review until you pay the application fee and certify your digital signature on the online application.

QUESTIONS? Contact UCSD Graduate Admissions if you have questions about your online account or payment of the application fee. For everything else, contact the MFA program coordinator.

MAILING ADDRESS:

UC San Diego
Department of Literature - MFA Application
9500 Gilman Drive, #0410
La Jolla, CA 92093-0410