How to Apply & Deadlines
Applications are submitted through the UC Merced Graduate Division online application. Applications are typically accepted for fall enrollment, with other terms considered on a case-by-case basis. The first LES cohort will enter in Fall 2027, following the 2026 application cycle.
- Priority Deadline: December 15, 2026 — Applicants are encouraged to submit by this deadline to be considered for internal fellowships.
- Regular Deadline: January 15, 2027 — Final deadline for Fall 2027 admission consideration.
Before applying, applicants are strongly encouraged to contact individual LES faculty to discuss shared research interests. All admitted students are matched with a faculty advisor at the time of admission; applicants who cannot be matched with an advisor will not be admitted.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must meet the UC Merced Graduate Division minimum requirements. Application materials include:
- Bachelor's degree (or equivalent four-year degree)
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 (exceptions considered by petition where strong academic or professional skills or extenuating circumstances are evident)
- Three letters of recommendation
- Official transcripts
- TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English test scores, if applicable
- Online application and fee by the stated deadline
- GRE scores are not considered
Applications are reviewed holistically. In addition to academic preparation, the committee considers personal experiences, resilience, contributions to diversity, and relevant post-graduate coursework or professional experience. Faculty commitment to mentor and fund a student is a key consideration. Meeting minimum requirements establishes eligibility but does not guarantee admission. Fee waivers will be offered to international students not covered by Graduate Division need-based waivers.
Funding & Financial Support
All Ph.D. students admitted to the Graduate Program in Life & Environmental Sciences (LES) receive a five-year funding guarantee through a combination of Graduate Student Researcher (GSR) positions, Teaching Assistantships (TAs), and fellowships, supported by the School of Natural Sciences guarantee.
Master’s students are admitted only when secured GSR funding is available, typically for two years.
Additional support includes Graduate Division block-grant funds for travel and summer GSR support, as well as one dissertation fellowship allocated to LES each year for advanced students.
Students are encouraged to pursue independent funding opportunities, including external fellowships and grants. Applicants who bring independent funding may be more competitive for recruitment, as external awards can expand funding opportunities and support graduate research.
For additional funding opportunities, visit the UC Merced Graduate Division funding and financial support resources.
