Paying Tuition and Fees

Once you have enrolled in at least one class, tuition and fees will be assessed to your CalCentral student account by the Office of the Registrar. Berkeley Social Welfare PhD students are assessed “Graduate Academic” fees; for the most current information see the Registrar’s Current Fee Schedule.

To be considered officially “registered”, you must pay your registration fees by the published deadline each semester – either in full, or with the first installment under the Fee Payment Plan. If your fees are not paid on time, your enrollment in classes may be subject to cancellation, and fellowship or stipend payments may be placed on hold, and you may not be able to access campus services or obtain a bus pass.

The Graduate Division will not release fellowship stipend payments until a student is officially registered. If your registration is not complete and you are receiving a fellowship award, your fellowship stipend payment will not be sent to your CalCentral account.

How to Pay Registration Fees

Students use their CalCentral > My Finances dashboard for all billing and payment activities. You may make payments online with eCheck at no charge; by credit card for a convenience fee; or with foreign funds through Western Union. For complete details about payment options and instructions, please visit Student Billing Services.

Billing statements are generated monthly by Billing and Payment Services, and posted online to your CalCentral account under My Finances. Students do not receive paper bills; your only notification will be by email. Before making a payment, be sure to log on to CalCentral to view your updated balance and any additional new charges, adjustments, aid disbursements and payments.

Registration and Health Insurance Fees

Registration fees include required health insurance coverage. The University requires all students to carry health insurance as a condition of enrollment, and provides the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) to meet this requirement. All students are automatically enrolled in SHIP, administered by University Health Services, and assessed fees for SHIP in CalCentral. For more information please see the Guide to Graduate Policy: D1.5 Registration and Health Coverage.

You have the option to waive the University's plan and not pay the insurance fee if you can show comparable proof of insurance. Deadlines for submission of waiver forms must be met in order to receive credit for the health insurance fee. For more information, please see University Health Services' Waiving SHIP Information.

Direct Deposit

All students are strongly encouraged to sign up for Direct Deposit to expedite receipt of their disbursements or refunds via direct deposit to a personal bank account. Students using Direct Deposit receive their refunds faster and avoid standing in line. Refunds paid to students by a paper check can be picked up in person at the Cal Student Central office located at 120 Sproul Hall. Checks that are not picked up in a timely manner will be mailed to the local address on file in CalCentral. Make sure your local address is current to avoid delays in payment and problems with returned mail due to an outdated address.