Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) -
UC MEXUS-CONACYT Doctoral Fellowships for Mexican Students
General Questions:
- Where can I obtain information about the University of California (UC) system?
- How many campuses are there in the UC system?
- I am interested in obtaining a doctoral degree. Can you send me information about a specific graduate program?
- What UC campuses does the UC-CONACYT agreement cover?
- I am interested in obtaining a doctoral degree in political science. Is it possible to obtain a fellowship in the social sciences under the UC-CONACYT agreement?
- Which campus offers the best graduate programs?
- Where can I find information on the UC MEXUS-CONACYT doctoral fellowship?
- What does the UC MEXUS-CONACYT cost-sharing program provide?
- Can you put me in touch with current UC-CONACYT doctoral fellows?
- Why should I choose the UC over any other US institution of higher education?
- To which UC campus should I apply to?
Applying to the UC
- What are the UC graduate admission requirements? What do I need to do?
- May I apply to more than one UC campus or one academic graduate program?
- When should I start the UC application process?
- Where can I find the application for admission to the UC?
- How much is the application fee at UC?
- Do I need a UC sponsor to study in a doctoral program?
- Do you recommend that I contact faculty members and/or investigators of the department from which I am seeking admission? Why?
- What exams must I take? Where and when?
- What is the minimum score for the TOEFL and GRE?
- What if I do not have the minimum TOEFL or GRE requirement? Can I still apply?
- What is the deadline to apply for UC admission?
- If I miss the UC deadline, can I still apply for admissions to a graduate program?
- When do UC campuses mail out acceptance letters?
- Whom can I contact if I have questions about the UC admission process and/or the CONACYT fellowship?
- I was admitted to the UC and must obtain a visa. When will I receive the visa and what are the requirements to obtain the visa? Do I need a J1 or an F1 visa? Whom may I contact regarding visa issues?
Applying for a CONACYT Fellowship
- Where can I obtain information about the 2008 CONACYT Convocatoria? When is the Convocatoria published?
- I would like to apply for a fellowship under the UC-CONACYT agreement, what are the requirements I must follow?
- What is the deadline to apply for a CONACYT fellowship?
- I am a current UC student from Mexico who needs funding for the next few years. Do I qualify to apply for a CONACYT fellowship?
- I applied for a CONACYT fellowship and was told I need a letter of acceptance. Can UC MEXUS provide an acceptance letter to obtain a CONACYT fellowship?
- Can I apply for a fellowship to obtain a master’s degree under the UC-CONACYT agreement?
- Do I need to have a master’s degree to apply for a doctoral program?
- If I was not awarded a CONACYT fellowship, does UC MEXUS offer any other type of fellowship for international Mexican students?
- If I have a question regarding the CONACYT Convocatoria and its requirements, who may I contact?
General Questions
1. Where can I obtain information about the University of California (UC) system?
Information about the 10 UC campuses, academic departments, and graduate programs is available at the following UC website: http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/admissions/graduate.html.
2. How many campuses are there in the UC system?
The University of California consists of 10 campuses: Berkeley, Davis, Irvine, Los Angeles, Merced, Riverside, San Diego, San Francisco, Santa Barbara, and Santa Cruz.
3. . I am interested in obtaining a doctoral degree. Can you send me information about a specific graduate program?
To obtain detailed information about any UC graduate program, we recommend you visit the following UC website: http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/admissions/graduate.html.
UC also offers a publication, "Continue the Journey," that offers general information about the 10 UC campuses. It provides a list of the UC graduate programs at each campus (pgs. 30-36). The publication is available online: www.ucop.edu/journey.
4. What UC campuses does the UC-CONACYT agreement cover?
The UC-CONACYT agreement covers all 10 campuses. However, it is important to apply to multiple campuses to increase the chances of being admitted.
5. . I am interested in obtaining a doctoral degree in political science. Is it possible to obtain a fellowship in the social sciences under the UC-CONACYT agreement?
Yes, you may apply for all academic areas but the arts. Contact Clara Quijano at 951-827-3582 or clara.quijano@ucr.edu directly for questions about specific areas of study.
6. Which campus offers the best graduate programs?
All 10 UC campuses offer excellent graduate programs. It is critical to research each campus and academic program to find which programs fit your academic needs and research interests. For information about graduate programs at each campus, consult the website: http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/admissions/graduate.html
7. Where can I find information on the UC MEXUS-CONACYT doctoral fellowship?
Please refer to this website's "Funding Opportunities" page. Also consult the CONACYT website www.conacyt.mx in the section "Becas para Estudios de Posgrado" for information about the UC-CONACYT agreement and the Convocatoria.
8. What does the UC MEXUS-CONACYT cost-sharing program provide?
The program provides up to five years of support for doctoral studies. Support includes non-resident tuition and fees, monthly stipend, and support towards health insurance. During the 1st and 2nd year, CONACYT provides non-resident tuition and fees, monthly stipend, and support towards health insurance. During the 3rd and 4th year, CONACYT continues to provide non-resident tuition and fees, and support towards health insurance; UC MEXUS provides the stipend. During the 5th year (if necessary), UC MEXUS provides non-resident tuition and fees, stipend, and support towards health insurance.
9. Can you put me in contact with current UC MEXUS-CONACYT doctoral fellows?
Some UC campuses have a Mexican Graduate Student Associations whose members are current UC MEXUS-CONACYT doctoral fellows. They are happy to answer questions about housing and the campus. Contact Clara Quijano at 951-827-3582 or clara.quijano@ucr.edu for this information.
10. Why should I choose the UC over any other US institution of higher education?
UC offers a vast number of graduate programs at all 10 campuses. It is also internationally recognized as one of the finest university systems and it draws graduate students from all over the world. UC awards nearly 10 percent of all Ph.D. degrees in the United States. The UC provides a quality education, the opportunity to work with award-winning faculty members, (including Nobel Prize winners), and a diverse academic community. Currently, there are more than 100 UC MEXUS-CONACYT doctoral fellows from Mexico registered in the UC system who are supported by the UC-CONACYT Agreement Cost-Sharing Program.
11. To which UC campus should I apply?
Prospective graduate students tend to apply only to the best-known campuses such as UC Los Angeles and UC Berkeley because they assume that they have the best academic programs. It is true that UCLA and Berkeley have some of the top ranked programs in the nation and are ranked the highest overall among UC campuses (e.g. "U.S. News and World Report"). But specific programs at other UC campuses also excel. In fact, all 10 campuses have a number of top-ranked graduate programs and the majority rank among the top schools nationwide.
The decision about where to apply should have less to do with program and campus rankings, than with which campus provides the best "fit" for you and your area of study. Applicants should research programs at all UC campuses and pay special attention to the following considerations:
1. The Faculty
- How many of the faculty specialize or conduct research in your particular area of study?
- Is there a particular faculty member who specializes exactly in your interest or area of study?
- Have you already contacted someone who you feel would be a good mentor?
- Have faculty members in Mexico that you know and have worked with collaborated with faculty at UC campuses?
- Are there specific UC doctoral programs that are seeking Mexican applicants?
2. The Department
- How large is the department? Do not assume that bigger is better. Often, a smaller department provides graduate students with individualized attention and offers additional sources of funding such as teaching assistantships and research assistantships because fewer graduate students are competing for the same resources.
3. The Location
- Does the geographical location lend itself in some way to your area of study or research? For example, if you are interested in citrus or agricultural studies, UC Riverside is geographically well-suited to this topic of investigation. If your area of study would benefit from an urban location, then UC Los Angeles might be a better fit.
4. Student Makeup
- How many international students attend a particular campus? Though UC campuses tend to attract many international students, UC Riverside has the largest percentage of international students (31%) and UC Davis has a very active Mexican student association. Though these factors should not play a primary role, they may be significant if you are selecting between two campuses.
Applying to the UC
12. What are the UC graduate admission requirements? What do I need to do?
The requirements can vary among departments and campuses. It is important to consult specific UC campus and the departmental websites. However, there are certain requirements that exist in all UC campuses and departments:
- UC admissions application
- Statement of purpose
- Three letters of recommendation
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
- GRE (Graduate Record Exam)
- Official transcripts
Please refer to this website's "Funding Opportunities" page. The section "Administrative Process and Timeline" will guide you on a month-to-month basis in seeking admissions to UC and applying for a UC MEXUS-CONACYT doctoral fellowship.
13. May I apply to more than one UC campus or one academic graduate program?
You should apply to more than one UC campus. Although you may prefer a particular campus, application to more than one UC campus increases your chances of admittance.
14. When should I start the UC application process?
Begin the application process at least one year prior to the date you intend to begin graduate studies. Consult the webpage under the section "Administrative Process and Timeline" for detailed information. Do not wait until the last minute to apply.
15. Where can I find the application for admission to the UC?
UC admissions applications are available online at each UC campus website. If you are applying to more than one campus, you will need an application for each campus.
16. How much is the application fee at UC?
It depends on the campus. You will need to confirm the amount at the campus website.
17. Do I need a UC sponsor to study in a doctoral program?
No, you do not need a sponsor to study at the UC. However, it helps to contact a faculty member and/or investigator in the department to which you are applying.
18. Do you recommend that I contact faculty members and/or investigators of the department from which I am seeking admission? Why?
It helps to contact faculty in departments where you seek admission because they can ensure that your application receives careful attention during the evaluation process and they can sometimes help with the application. Contact with faculty also helps you determine whether this is the best program for your academic needs and goals.
19. What exams must I take? Where and when?
Most departments and campuses require that you take the GRE (Graduate Record Exam) and the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). Some may also require that you take the GRE Subject Test. Consult the department website for additional information.
You may take the GRE and TOEFL at various locations in Mexico. The website www.ets.org will provide information on locations. You should give yourself enough time to prepare for both exams with the goal of taking the test a year before you intend to begin your graduate studies. However, December is usually the final opportunity to take the exams because graduate admissions must receive exam results before the application deadline.
20. What is the minimum score for the TOEFL and GRE?
The minimum score will vary from campus and department. Consult the department website.
21. What if I do not have the minimum TOEFL or GRE requirement? Can I still apply?
If you do not have the minimum TOEFL or GRE score, you may still apply. The evaluation review committees not only take into consideration GRE or TOEFL scores but also factors such as GPA, recommendation letters, and the statement of purpose. If you are not satisfied with your test results and have time to take the exam again, you may do so. However, some UC department will average your scores, whereas others view them independently, so it is important to check with the specific program.
You may also wish to wait an additional year to apply for admission in order to improve your language skills and retake the TOEFL and GRE when you feel better prepared.
22. What is the deadline to apply for UC admission?
The deadlines to submit an admission application to UC vary from campus and department but generally range between December and March. However, we recommend you consult the campus and departmental website for the exact deadline. As an international applicant, we also suggest submitting your application before the deadline.
23. If I miss the UC deadline, can I still apply for admissions to a graduate program?
It will depend on the campus and department. Some departments receive many applications for admission and do not allow applicants to submit late applications. However, other departments allow applicants to apply for admission later than the deadline. Contact the department and/or UC MEXUS for help.
24. When do UC campuses mail out acceptance letters?
Usually, offices of graduate admissions begin to mail acceptance letters in March, however, letters can be sent as late as June.
25. Whom can I contact if I have questions about the UC admission process and/or the CONACYT fellowship?
If you have questions or need additional information, contact Clara Quijano, International Academic Programs Assistant at UC MEXUS by email clara.quijano@ucr.edu or by phone at 951-827-3582.
26. I was admitted to the UC and must obtain a visa. When will I receive the visa and what are the requirements to obtain the visa? Do I need a J1 or an F1 visa? Whom may I contact regarding visa issues?
Contact the academic department or the Office of International Students and Scholars (SISS) at the UC campus you will attend. They can provide detailed information and answer questions about the visa requirements and documentation. UC MEXUS is unable to assist prospective students in obtaining a visa.
Applying for a CONACYT Fellowship
27. Where can I obtain information about the 2008 CONACYT Convocatoria? When is the Convocatoria published?
Consult the CONACYT website at www.conacyt.mx under "Becas para Estudios de Posgrado."
28. I would like to apply for a fellowship under the UC-CONACYT agreement. What are the requirements I must follow?
There are two separate application processes. First, you must apply and be admitted to a UC campus. (Consult this site under Funding Opportunities.) Second, you must apply for a CONACYT fellowship. Consult the 2008 CONACYT Convocatoria on the CONACYT website: www.conacyt.mx. (Dates of publication of the Convocatoria will be announced in the next coming months.) The 2008 Convocatoria will contain detailed information including requirements, deadlines, calendar, application, and contact information. You may also contact Ing. Martin Winocur, Subdirector de Enlace, at CONACYT at mwinocur@conacyt.mx.
29. What is the deadline to apply for a CONACYT fellowship?
For the 2008 Convocatoria, there will be two deadlines. Dates will be announced in the coming months. Consult the CONACYT website at www.conacyt.mx.
30. I am a current UC student from Mexico who needs funding for the next few years. Do I qualify to apply for a CONACYT fellowship?
Absolutely, you may apply directly to CONACYT. Consult the 2008 Convocatoria on the CONACYT website.
31. I applied for a CONACYT fellowship and was told I need a letter of acceptance. Can UC MEXUS provide an acceptance letter to obtain a CONACYT fellowship?
UC MEXUS cannot provide an acceptance letter. The Graduate Admissions office of each UC campus provides the applicant with an acceptance letter, if the department considers the applicant a good candidate for graduate studies and the applicant fulfills UC requirements. UC generally begins to send out acceptance letters in March.
32. Can I apply for a fellowship to obtain a master's degree under the UC-CONACYT agreement?
You may not obtain a fellowship under the UC-CONACYT agreement for a master's degree.
33. Do I need to have a master's degree to apply for a doctoral program?
You may apply to a doctoral program at the UC without a master's degree.
34. If I was not awarded a CONACYT fellowship, does UC MEXUS offer any other type of fellowship for international Mexican students?
The only support UC MEXUS offers is through the UC-CONACYT Agreement Cost-Sharing program. However, UC offers fellowships to graduate students. Research the UC website to learn about graduate fellowships the University offers and their requirements.
35. If I have a question regarding the CONACYT Convocatoria and its requirements, who may I contact?
You may contact Ing. Martin Winocur, Subdirector de Enlace, at CONACYT (mwinocur@conacyt.mx).