FAQ

SUMMER SESSION FAQS

FORMS

Summer Session provides both online and fillable PDFs due to the move for remote instruction and student support. Students can download the forms needed, complete them and email them out for approval via their UC Merced email. Students are responsible for sending forms out via email and for submitting them to Students First Center for processing when required. No wet signatures are required--effective immediately we are accepting approval via your @ucmerced.edu email address. We will also accept email approval from your faculty member. No need for you or your faculty member to sign the form. 

FEES
  • Unit fees for summer 2026 are $436 per unit for undergraduate and $601 for graduate courses. Fees may be changed at the direction of the Regents of the University of California.
  • All summer students are responsible for paying Campus-Based Fees regardless of the mode of instruction.

HOUSING

FINANCIAL AID

  • You must be a current UC Merced student (including students who have submitted their SIR for fall) enrolled in at least six (6) units to be eligible for summer financial aid at UC Merced.
  • Have questions about understanding your bill? Try our helpful videos.
  • Want to learn more about how financial aid is applied to your account? Visit: Financial Aid - Disbursement
  • If your authorized aid is less than expected, please review your checklist to ensure you have completed all financial aid requirements. Contact the Students First Center for assistance only after reviewing your checklist and completing any outstanding financial aid requirements. 
  • Need help? Contact the Students First Center.
  • TIP: visit the Students First Center before the end of the spring semester to ensure you are prepared for summer session.

ONLINE

  • Summer Session includes face-to-face and online courses. Please check the schedule of classes to confirm course modality and meetings. 

RESOURCES
 

  • Basic Technology Needs for Students
    • A laptop or computer
    • A webcam (if not already built into your computer or laptop)
    • Reliable access to the internet
 
WHO IS SUMMER SESSION FOR?
  • Continuing UC Merced students looking to get ahead or stay on track
  • Incoming UC Merced first-year or transfer students who want a jump start on their academic career and transition into university life
  • Non-UC college students looking for a hard-to-find course while at home for the summer
  • Non-Continuing UC Merced Students or Other UC Students
  • High School Students
  • UC Employees
WHAT CLASSES SHOULD I TAKE?
 
Take classes that count toward your degree requirements! See your Academic Advisor and discuss your summer course plans to be sure the courses you wish to take will help you get closer to your degree.
 
HOW MANY UNITS CAN I TAKE?
Students are advised to take a maximum of 12 units during Summer Session. Units above the maximum are allowed only with the permission of a student's academic advisor. Most courses are 4 units. You must complete a minimum of six (6) semester units for Summer Session financial aid.
 
HOW MUCH DOES SUMMER SESSION COST?
Course fees are $436 per unit for undergraduate courses and $601 per unit for graduate level. Click here for a full list of Summer Session costs and fees.
 
WHAT COURSES ARE OFFERED DURING THE SUMMER?
There are a variety of courses offered in the summer to support students at all levels. Incoming first-year students have an opportunity to take high-demand courses like Math 005, MATH 11 or MATH 21, CHEM 001 or 002, or WRI 001 or 010. Many additional disciplines offer first-year courses. Incoming transfer students have many options as well, as there are a wide variety of JR and SR level courses offered across all three schools.
 
HOW DO I ENROLL IN SUMMER SESSION COURSES AS A NEWLY ADMITTED STUDENT?
As a newly admitted student, you will need to submit a brief online application available. When your application has been processed, you will receive instructions on how to enroll in your Summer courses. Please note the following application deadlines.
 
Visiting Student's Application Deadlines:
The deadline to apply is two weeks (14 days) prior to the start of the session. 
 
WHERE CAN I PARK?
Parking is available on campus. For more information on securing a summer parking permit, please visit their website for more information. 
CatTracks, the UC Merced bus system, is also available during the summer for transportation to and from campus.
 
DO I HAVE TO LIVE ON CAMPUS?
No, you do not have to live on campus. However, housing is offered at a greatly reduced rate with options for six, eight, and 12-week housing and meal plan contracts. More information is available here.
 
IS FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE?
Financial aid is available to current UC Merced students. Visiting UC students should apply for financial aid at their home campus. To be eligible for Summer Financial Aid, you must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 units and have a prior year FAFSA on file.