GENERAL POLICY
During the academic year (Fall and Spring semester) UC Merced students are NOT allowed to take any classes outside of UC Merced. Students who do take courses outside of UC Merced during the academic year (August through May) may not receive any transfer credits.
As stated in the Concurrent Credit from Another Institution policy, the only way for students to receive transfer credit(s) in these situations is to receive prior approval from their appropriate dean based on their major.
The 2025-26 academic year at UC Merced is Wednesday, August 27, 2025 - Friday, May 15, 2026. If you take any courses outside of UC Merced during this timeframe, you will need to get approval from your school dean.
AFTER YOUR FIRST SEMESTER
Once you complete at least one full semester at UC Merced and have earned good academic standing, you will become eligible for specific programs that will allow you to take a course outside of UC Merced during the academic year:
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MC2UCM Cross Campus Enrollment Program (with Merced College only)
There are other requirements you must meet to process forward with the program’s application. Click on the link above to learn more.
Talk with your Bobcat Advising Center academic advisor well in advance if you are considering applying to take a course in your second semester at another UC or at Merced College.
IN SUMMER
During the summer times, you are allowed to take summer classes at any institution --UC Merced summer sessions or at another school-- without any special permission or program. However, if you decide to take a course outside of UC Merced, you must make sure the course does not overlap with UC Merced academic year (not even by a day).
For more information on summer session, review our Summer page.
