In Absentia FAQ and Form
Updated: May 22nd, 2012
For more information on in absentia registration, see D1.3 Registration Fees in the Guide to Graduate Policy.
Download the in absentia form
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Who is eligible for In absentia Registration?
All students pursuing doctoral or master’s degrees in academic disciplines as well as those pursuing professional master’s or doctoral degrees are eligible for the fee reduction. Students in self-supporting graduate programs are not eligible.
- Academic doctoral students must have advanced to candidacy by the time the in absentia status begins.
- Master’s and graduate professional students must have completed at least one year of coursework by the time the in absentia status begins.
Q2. What is in absentia registration?
You are a full time regularly enrolled and registered student who has an academic need to conduct research outside of California for a period of up to one academic year.
Q3. Is there a fee reduction?
Yes. A student will pay 15% of the Tuition (formerly educational fee) and Student Services (formerly registration) fee and 100% of health insurance, non-resident tuition, and, if applicable, professional degree fees.
Q4. Does this status include a reduction of the non-resident tuition?
No.
Q5. I am in a professional degree program – Law/MBA/Optometry, etc.. Will I get a reduction on the professional degree fee?
No.
Q6. My evening MBA program takes place outside of California. Can I use in absentia registration?
No, this is a self-supporting program, with fees set by the program.
Q7. I will be 500 miles away, but still in California. Can I use in absentia registration?
No. The policy on reduced fees is for students outside of the state of California.
Q8. I will be gone for 2 months, not the entire semester. Can I use in absentia?
No. The policy is for those students who will be outside the state for the term.
Q9. I am enrolled in an independent study course this summer. I will be in Armenia for the entire 6 week session. Can I use in absentia registration?
No, in absentia status is for the academic year (spring and fall semesters) only.
Q10. Will I still get my fellowship stipend?
Students who register in absentia are eligible to receive fellowships that have been awarded to them.
Q11. I am not yet advanced to candidacy for my doctoral degree, but I need to go to Borneo to do field research. Can I use in absentia registration?
Possibly. This would be an exception to the policy and would need special approval by the Dean.
Q12. I am in a master’s program. During my second semester, I want to do an exchange program in France. Can I use in absentia registration?
If this is a formal exchange program, then no. If you will be paying fees at the other university, possibly. This would be an exception to the policy and would need special approval by the Dean of the Graduate Division.
Q13. How long can I use in absentia registration?
Up to two years (or 4 semesters) for doctoral degree students with the second year requiring approval by the Graduate Dean. Up to one year (or 2 semesters) for master’s and graduate professional students (including J.D., D.Opt., J.S.D, M.B.A., M.S.W., etc.)
Q14. How do I sign up for in absentia?
Please use the In Absentia Registration Form (PDF)
Q15. What type of courses can I get credit for while on in absentia status?
The only campus class you can receive credit for is an independent study or independent research course. If you are enrolling in an on-line course through extension and separately pay the fee, this is acceptable.
Q16. Can I hold an academic appointment (GSI, GSR, AI-GS, Reader, or Tutor) while holding in absentia status?
If you are a GSR, yes, otherwise no.
Q17. I will be on the UCDC program or on EAP. Can I be in absentia?
No, you are participating in a UC program.
Q18: I don’t want to use in absentia. Can I go on withdrawal for research?
Presently, this is only possible if you are in California, but this is being reviewed by UC Office of the President. In absentia registration should be used for research outside the state. However, you may still cancel your registration, but your readmission is not guaranteed and you may jeopardize your in-state residency. Please note that international students who withdraw for research or cancel their registration will not be reported as registered in SEVIS.
Q19. I will be enrolled at an institution in Russia. I still want to be enrolled at UC. Can I use in absentia status?
Yes, if you are a second year masters student or professional student or an advanced to candidacy doctoral student and this is not part of an exchange program.
Q20. Can I take my QE while in absentia?
No, in absentia means that you are away from campus for the semester and have minimal contact with the faculty.
Q21. My dissertation chair and I will both be in Europe conducting research at CERN. Can I use in absentia registration?
No, the policy states that there must be no significant studying or in-person collaboration with UC faculty during the in absentia period.
Q22. I am an international student. Can I use this status?
While registered in absentia, you are a registered student. If your immigration status is F1 or J1, then you should get advice from the Berkeley International Office. Please note you must update your local address within 10 days of it’s change.
Q23. Will I lose my California fee residency status?
Not while you are paying in absentia fees, since you are still a registered student. However, if you withdraw, you will need to be readmitted and complete a Statement of Legal Residence. The residency rules do allow for temporary absences. Please see the Office of Registrar website.
Q24. Can I use filing fee the semester after being on in absentia status?
Yes, because you are registered while on in absentia.
Q25. Can I file my dissertation or thesis while on in absentia status?
Yes, but since you will be out of California, you will need to mail or have a friend or colleague submit the documents for you.
Q26. Can I receive my degree while on in absentia status?
Yes.
Q27. I’m planning ahead. Will this policy be in place in 2013?
Office of the President will review the impact of this policy in 2012 and decide if the policy will be extended beyond that date.
Q28. Can students enroll in a UC online course and still be eligible to register in absentia?
No. The in absentia status is reserved for coursework or research that meets the criteria described in the policy, including but not limited to the requirement that the coursework or research “must be of a nature that makes it necessary to be completed outside of California for at least one full academic term.” Since online courses offered by UC campuses do not meet this requirement, they are not available to students who are registered in absentia. A student may, however, enroll and pay for an online course offered elsewhere — e.g., through a UC extension program, which charges a separate fee — while registered in absentia. In general, students are not permitted to enroll in any UC campus course other than the one required to register in absentia.
Relevant Policies
For more information relating to in absentia registration, see applicable policies in the Guide to Graduate Policy:
- D1.3 Registration Fees
- D1.8 Withdrawal
- D1.9 Readmission
- D2.1 Exchange Programs
- G1.3 University Graduate Fellowships
See All Topics in the Category: Registration and Exchange Programs
