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Applying to the PhD Program

Planning your application for Fall 2013 Admission

Thank you for your interest in applying to the joint PhD program in Political Science and International Affairs with the UC San Diego Political Science Department. We look forward to working with you throughout the process of completing your application for admission.

Application Information

The IR/PS admissions process uses the UC San Diego online application system. The system is meant to make the application process as easy and convenient as possible. Once you begin your application, you have the ability to log in and out of the system and make edits to your application as many times as you wish. However, you can only submit your application one time. If you have updates to any information you have submitted, please notify the IR/PS Office of Admissions.

Application Deadlines

Preferred deadline: December 10, 2012

Standard deadline: January 15, 2013

Students will be notified within 4 - 6 weeks of receipt of entire application.

Admissions Requirements

Students interested in pursuing the PhD degree must have earned a four-year bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an institution of comparable standing to the University of California with a minimum grade-point average of 3.3 (on a 4.0 scale). For International applicants, the U.S. GPA equivalencies will be determined. Preferential treatment will be given to applicants with strong quantitative coursework in their undergraduate degree.

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is required for international applicants whose native language is not English and who have not studied full-time for one uninterrupted year at a university-level institution in a country where English is the official language.

Application Materials

Application to the PhD program requires the submission of the materials listed below. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that all application materials are received by the application deadline. All materials, except official academic transcript(s) can be submitted through the UC San Diego graduate online application website.

The application requires the following:
  • Personal statement
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Transcripts: You will also need to submit official academic transcript(s) for each college or university attended, even if degree studies were not completed. Transcripts may be submitted online in .pdf format for initial admission consideration.
  • Standardized tests:
    • GRE test scores minimums: Verbal (560), Quantitative (720) and Analytical (5.0). GMAT scores are not accepted.
    • TOEFL test scores minimums: paper based (600), computer based (250) and internet based (100)

Application Fee

The fee to apply is $80 for U.S. citizens, and $100 International applicants. Fee is non-refundable and payable by major credit card. Fee waivers are available for U.S. citizens and permanent residents with certain income levels. More information is available through the Office of Graduate Studies.

Mailing Supplemental IR/PS Application Materials

Except for transcripts, all application materials are submitted electronically through the online application. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that all application materials are received by the deadline.

IR/PS - PhD Admissions
University of California, San Diego
9500 Gilman Drive, 0520
La Jolla, CA 92093-0520
United States of America

Reapplying to IR/PS

Students who were not offered admission to IR/PS may reapply in subsequent years. Applicant files are kept for one year. Please contact IR/PS Office of Admissions to notify us of your intent to reapply and to confirm your application materials are still on file.

All individuals reapplying to IR/PS must submit a new application, pay the application fee, and adhere to any new application requirements. Certain materials, such as test scores, transcripts, and letters of reference may be used again. Please keep in mind it is the responsibility of the applicant to verify test scores have not expired and that letters of reference are up-to-date. Notify the IR/PS Office of Admissions in writing and indicate which documents, if any, you wish to reuse.


IR/PS adheres to all University of California policies and procedures regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. For more information, please visit the UC San Diego Office of Graduate Studies.

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