Student Funding, Housing, and Benefits

Last Revised: Fall 2025

Fellowship Package for Rotation Program

Students in the Rotation Program receive the following fellowship package: 

• Tuition and Fees: Tuition & Fees
• Stipend: Please refer to your offer letter
• UCSHIP Health Insurance (If not Waived)

Rotation program students receive a $1,500 start-up fellowship to help cover the costs of moving.The program also provides a scholarship to attend the annual Society for Neuroscience meeting and a $500 bonus for first-years to purchase educational supplies.

These terms and conditions are subject to change as a result of action by federal/state governments or the Administration of the University 

Outside Funding

All students are encouraged to apply for outside sources of funding, such as fellowships. This can be a plus on your academic record and make more laboratories available for your thesis research.

Scholarships and scholarships are available, most notably through the National Science Foundation and National Institutes of Health (NIH). An extensive list of UCSD and national fellowships are listed on our Fellowships page. Information about other funding sources is available from the Graduate Division on the UC San Diego Graduate Funding Blog.

Health Benefits

Health, vision and dental coverage is included in the fees paid by the program or your PI. For more information, please visit the UC Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) website. 

Counseling services are available without charge from UCSD’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS).

Housing

Two years of graduate and family housing is offered through UCSD. For more information about the UCSD housing communities, application, and availability, please visit the UCSD Housing, Dining & Hospitality website. In addition to campus housing, many of our students live throughout San Diego. Popular locations include UTC, Hillcrest, North Park, University Heights, Normal Heights, and Little Italy. Check out Off Campus Housing Services to search property listings, find roommates, or post available rentals.

California Residency

All students (except international admits) are expected to establish California residency prior to the start of their second year. Students who do not establish residency will be responsible for their "Non-resident Supplemental Tuition" for approximately $16,000/year.

You should begin the process to establish residency immediately following your arrival to California. To qualify for residency, you must demonstrate that you have resided in California for at least one year. Residency is established by severing residential ties with other states and creating them with California: getting a California driver’s license and registering your car with the state; establishing a residence; registering to vote; and/or paying California taxes.

First year non-resident students will receive a listing of what to collect and/or establish within their first year in California to satisfy all reclassification requirements thorough emails from the Residency Deputy and Program Administrator.

For more information about establishing residency in California, check out these resources.