Get ready to apply for Fall 2026 admission consideration
Applying to the NLP MS Program at UCSC
The NLP MS program is intended for students seeking a career in the generative AI, who have a computer science background, with experience in programming, computer science, probability, statistics, and linguistics. We review applications holistically, and have students from a wide range of undergraduate degrees thrive in the NLP MS program.
Below please see a list of recommended courses and requirements that will help you be successful in our program. In your application, you can explain any gaps between your background and the admission guidelines below.
Please check the Registrar’s website for the most recent tuition and fee information.
Admission requirements:
- A B.A. or B.S in Computer Science or equivalent
- An overall GPA of 3.0 or better on the 4.0 GPA scale or the equivalent
- Excellent programming skills either through academic coursework and/or significant professional experience
- TOEFL or IELTS scores (if applicable)
- Minimum TOEFL score of 89
- Minimum IELTS score of 7.0
Essential courses to highlight in your application:
- A class in Discrete Math (the equivalent of UCSC’s CSE 16: Applied Discrete Mathematics)
- An advanced class in Data Structures and Algorithms (the equivalent of UCSC’s CSE 101: Introduction to Data Structures and Algorithms)
- At least one class in Probability and Statistics with a grade of B or better (the equivalent of UCSC’s CSE 107: Probability and Statistics for Engineers or STAT 131: Introduction to Probability Theory)
Desirable (but not required) additional requirements include:
- A class in NLP or Linguistics (the equivalent of UCSC’s CSE 143: Introduction to Natural Language Processing)
- A class in Machine Learning (the equivalent of UCSC’s CSE 142: Machine Learning)
- A class in Formal Languages and Automata Theory (the equivalent of UCSC’s CSE 103: Computational Models)
Want to learn more? Connect with our Support Team
There are lots of ways to get support with your application. The NLP Support Team is ready to assist with any questions you may have about the program, our industry-informed curriculum, and applying to UCSC.
Visit our Contact page to connect with our NLP Support Team today.
Application Materials
Required application materials
- Application fee:
- Domestic: $135
- International: $155
- Application Fee Waivers and Exemptions
- The NLP MS program offers a limited number of fee waivers to current undergraduates and alumni of any University of California, California State University, or private college located in California. You may request this application fee waiver directly from the NLP MS program
- Review the Graduate Admissions website for information about other fee waivers and exemptions for members of select organizations.
- GPA: minimum 3.0 on 4.0 scale or equivalent.
- Transcripts: unofficial transcripts are accepted for application purposes but official transcripts may be required if admitted to the program.
- Letters of Recommendation: 3 letters required from professors and professional contacts who may best speak to your abilities and academic potential in your chosen field of study.
- TOEFL or IELTS (if applicable)
- TOEFL: minimum score of 89
- IELTS: minimum overall score of 7.0
- Personal History Statement:
- Recommended length is a concise 1-3 pages, single-spaced.
- UCSC is interested in a diverse and inclusive graduate student population. In the essay, discuss how your personal background informs your decision to pursue a graduate degree.
- Include any educational, familial, cultural, economic, or social experiences, challenges, or opportunities relevant to your academic journey; how you might contribute to social or cultural diversity within your chosen field; and/or how you might serve educationally underrepresented segments of society with your degree.
- Statement of Purpose:
- Recommended length is a concise 2-4 pages, single-spaced.
- Please describe your plans for graduate study or research and for your future occupation or profession.
- Include any information that may aid the selection committee in evaluating your preparation and qualifications for graduate study at UCSC.
- CV required, preferably from a link to a personal web page containing CV
NOTE: GRE (no minimum) – The GRE requirement has been waived for Fall 2026 admission consideration for NLP MS applications. You are welcome to submit your official scores, but please note the inclusion of your official GRE score will not be a deciding factor for admission.
Application Instructions & FAQ
We’re here to help! Visit our Contact page to connect with a member of our support team. You can also email the NLP Program Team directly at nlp@ucsc.edu.
Funding opportunities: MS students are typically self-supported. While a small number of partial fellowship packages are extended to eligible NLP students each year, the NLP Program encourages students to seek external support for covering graduate education expenses. Recipients of these fellowships are selected based on financial need and merit. We strongly recommend eligible applicants complete the optional Statement of Financial Need in the application to be considered for financial support. Instructions for completing this statement are available on the Graduate Admissions website.
Visit the NLP Financials page to review additional information about the estimated costs of attendance and financial support options.
Join an info session to learn more! The NLP Program Team hosts virtual information sessions each year about the unique benefits of studying NLP at UCSC. At each session, you’ll have an opportunity to meet members of our community including faculty and staff, and to ask any questions you may have about the program and application. Below is a schedule of upcoming information sessions you can attend from anywhere in the world:
- Tuesday, November 4th, from 11 AM – 12 PM (PDT) – Register now
- Tuesday, December 2nd, from 7 PM – 8 PM (PST) – Register now
- Tuesday, January 13th from 8 AM – 9 AM (PST) – Register now
For parents and families of prospective students: We know that going to graduate school can involve a significant investment of your time and personal resources. As you consider your options for graduate studies, you may also want to include your support network in your decision-making process. We’ve put together a guide for parents and family members to provide insight into life at UCSC, as well as the support and resources available to our graduate students. Please always feel welcome to contact our Support Team if you or your family members have any questions.
Application Instructions & FAQ
We’re here to help! Visit our Contact page to connect with a member of our support team. You can also email the NLP Program Team directly at nlp@ucsc.edu.
Funding opportunities: MS students are typically self-supported. While a small number of partial fellowship packages are extended to eligible NLP students each year, the NLP Program encourages students to seek external support for covering graduate education expenses. Recipients of these fellowships are selected based on financial need and merit. We strongly recommend eligible applicants complete the optional Statement of Financial Need in the application to be considered for financial support.
Visit the NLP Financials page to review additional information about the estimated costs of attendance and financial support options.
Join an info session to learn more! The NLP Program Team hosts virtual information sessions each year about the unique benefits of studying NLP at UCSC. At each session, you’ll have an opportunity to meet members of our community including faculty and staff, and to ask any questions you may have about the program and application. Below is a schedule of upcoming information sessions you can attend from anywhere in the world:
- Friday, November 4, 2025 from 11 AM – 12 PM (PDT) – Register now
- Wednesday, December 9, 2025 from 7 PM – 8 PM (PST) – Register now
- Tuesday, January 13, 2026 from 8 AM – 9 AM (PST) – Register now
For parents and families of prospective students: We know that going to graduate school can involve a significant investment of your time and personal resources. As you consider your options for graduate studies, you may also want to include your support network in your decision-making process. We’ve put together a guide for parents and family members to provide insight into life at UCSC, as well as the support and resources available to our graduate students. Please always feel welcome to contact our Support Team if you or your family members have any questions.