Under the new policy adopted by The UC Regents, students who attended high school for at least three years in California and graduated from a California high school may be eligible to pay the same fees as California residents. Students who fulfill the qualifications but who do not have lawful immigration status must certify that they are taking steps to legalize their immigration status or that they will do so as soon as they are eligible. Eligible students will pay the same fees as California residents.

Eligibility for the Tuition Exemption

• You must have:
1. Attended a high school in California for 3 or more years,
             AND
2. Graduated from a California high school or attained the equivalent thereof:
1. A high school Equivalency Certificate issued by the California State GED office
   or
2. A Certificate of Proficiency resulting from the California High School Proficiency Examination
   AND
3. Enrolled, or be in the process of enrolling, at the University of California after Jan. 1, 2002.
• A student who does not have a lawful immigration status, but otherwise meets the requirements, will be eligible if s/he certifies that s/he is taking steps to legalize her/his immigration status or will do so as soon as s/he is eligible.
• Undergraduate and graduate students may be eligible for the new exemption regardless of their current class level.

Students Ineligible for Exemption

• Non-immigrant students are not eligible for this exemption. Non-immigrants, as defined by federal immigration law, may hold one of the following visas: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, TN, TD, V, TROV and NATO.
• Students "home-schooled" by a parent who does not hold a CA teacher credential are not eligible because that "school" does not meet the exemption definition of a "high school in California."
• Students living out-of-state and enrolling in a private California "Internet high school," completing course work via distance learning and correspondence, do not meet the requirements for the exemption of a "high school in California." For purposes of exemption eligibility, this type of school does not meet the requirements of the California Education Code, Section 48222.

Fees Covered by the Tuition Exemption

The tuition exemption will cover the Nonresident Tuition Fee. In addition, for undergraduate and graduate students who are not subject to the Fee for Selected Professional School Students, the tuition exemption will also cover the Educational Fee differential that is charged to nonresidents.

Helpful Information

• High school enrollment must be a minimum of three years, but the three years do not have to be consecutive or from the same high school.
• For purpose of eligibility for the tuition exemption, enrollment in the 9th grade, whether at a middle or a high school counts toward the CA high school attendance criterion.
• The exemption applies regardless if there has been a lapse in time between graduating high school and entering the University of California.
• Eligibility standards and requirements for financial aid are not affected by the exemption. However, it could impact the amount and possibly type of financial aid received.
• Residency status will not be changed. The tuition exemption is for fee purposes only.
• You can find answers to FAQ's, or you may send e-mail to regres@uci.edu

Application Process

Application forms are available online or at the Office of the Registrar / SAIS, 215 Aldrich Hall. Submit applications and official transcripts from all high schools attended in California to the Office of the Registrar / SAIS.