Admissions

Prospective students applying to our Anthropology Ph.D. program are encouraged to review our program requirements, listing of faculty, and current students' research.  

Application

UCSD's Admissions for the Fall 2025 term is now open. Applicants must apply and submit all requested documents online. We only accept students during the Fall of each academic year.

Application Deadline

The deadline to apply for the Fall 2025 term is December 16th, 2024.

Incomplete files and late applications will not be considered. Upon request, we will accept letters of recommendation, test scores and transcripts after the deadline. Applicants are responsible for ensuring all materials (application, TOEFL scores, letters of recommendation, and transcripts) are received by the deadline or should communicate with the Graduate Coordinator at anthrophd@ucsd.edu to request permission to submit materials after the deadline.

Required Application Materials 

Submit the following items online at UC San Diego Graduate Admissions to be considered for Anthropology's PhD program:  

1. *NEW* Beginning in fall 2023 term amd beyond, the GRE requirement has been permanently waived for Anthropology.  
2. *NEW* In lieu of the GRE, a writing sample is required: 

At least one sample of your academic writing. This may include a publication, a full-length research essay or term paper, or a set of shorter essays. Up to 3 writing samples accepted.

1. Three letters of recommendation

1. Resume/CV

1. Statement of Purpose (1900 maximum word limit) addressing:
   1. What are your principal research interests and ultimate professional goals?
   2. What relevant preparation have you undertaken for graduate study in Anthropology (i.e. course work, field study, internship, etc)?
   3. How can the Anthropology program at UC San Diego help you realize your interests and goals? Why is it a good fit? With whom would you like to work?

1. Transcripts from all college/university work
2. English Proficiency Exams (international applicants only). A test of English language proficiency is required for 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 where English is a dominant language. The following test(s) are accepted: TOEFL, IELTS and PTE.

1. Anthropology has regarded a TOEFL score of 85 as representing the minimum English competence at which a student can function successfully in our program.

1. Application fee is $135 for US applicants and $155 for international applicants. An application fee waiver is available for applicants who meet the eligibility requirements.

Admission Results

We will notify students of our admission results in mid to late February. 

Unfortunately, if you are not admitted, we are not able to provide feedback to each applicant. Part of our admission decision is which students are a good fit for our program based upon their research interest/goals. If students are selected into our program, they are assigned a Faculty Advisor to work with for their first two years.  

Financial Support

Our graduate students receive financial support for five years. For more information, visit our Financial page.

For additional questions, please contact:

Graduate Program Coordinator: anthrophd@ucsd.edu