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How to Withdraw From UCSD (Undergraduates)

Important notes:

  • Do not use this form to withdraw your admission with the University; instead, you must contact the Admissions Office directly (see detailed instructions below).
  • Filing your form promptly helps you avoid undeserved "F" grades and generates the maximum fee refund.

Undergraduate students, find out what you need to know about withdrawing from UCSD. For information on withdrawing from Summer Session, see the Summer Session withdrawal instructions (PDF).

If you are a first-time student and wish to withdraw from the University prior to or on the first day of instruction, you must notify the Office of Admissions and Relations with Schools that you want to decline your offer of admission by e-mailing sirdecline@ad.ucsd.edu. If you are requesting a withdrawal after the first day of instruction, you must complete the Undergraduate Withdrawal form.

Carefully consider your decision to withdraw:

  1. Check with your college advisor to discuss the details and consequences of withdrawal.

  2. Consider the effect on your academic history:

    • If you withdraw before or during weeks 1-4, no course entries will appear on your transcript.

      Note: If you drop certain laboratory courses after the second scheduled meeting period, you'll receive a "W" grade. Refer to the quarterly schedule of classes for specific labs affected.

    • If you withdraw during weeks 5-9, a "W" grade will appear on your transcript for each course in which you are enrolled. Academic regulations permit only one "W" per course.
    • Although you cannot withdraw in weeks 10 or 11, you can request Incomplete grades if appropriate. (See additional information about grades.)

  3. Consider the effect on your financial aid awards and loans:

  4. Schedule of Refunds:

    • Pertains only to Fall, Winter and Spring quarters. For information about Summer Session refunds, link to the Summer Session calendar.
    • Refers to calendar days, beginning with the first day of instruction (Day 1)
    • Recognizes the "date of withdrawal" as the day you file your withdrawal form. If you claim an earlier date of withdrawal, and therefore a higher refund, you must submit written evidence, to support your claim of extenuating circumstances, to your college or the Office of Graduate Studies.
    • Applies to all quarterly registration fees. "Percent of refund" does not apply to Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP). In certain cases, SHIP may not be refunded.

Schedule of Refunds
Number of days into quarter 0-1 days 2-7 days 8-18 days 19-35 days 36 days and over
Percent of refund 100% 90% 50% 25% 0%
SHIP refunded? YES, 100% NO NO NO NO

Follow these steps if you decide to withdraw:

  1. Complete the Undergraduate Request for Withdrawal (E-Form) if:

    • You are in the first 9 weeks of the current quarter OR

    • You are enrolled for next quarter and want to cancel your classes

  2. If you receive financial aid and are enrolled in Summer Session and drop all summer courses, your electronic withdrawal request will be submitted to the Registrar's Office.


Make sure you complete other essential tasks:

  1. If you live on campus, contact your college's Residential Life office.

  2. If you have a parking permit, contact Transportation and Parking Services to return your permit and avoid being billed for the full year.


If you have questions, contact your college.

International Students:

Contact the International Student Office, (858) 534-3730, before you withdraw.

Withdrawal