Note: Program Fees and Costs in this article reflect the Academic Year Fall 2026-Spring 2027. All fees are subject to change in subsequent years/semesters.
Program Rules and Policies (BGA)
Please visit the BGA website for a comprehensive review of program benefits.
The total cost of the BGA Program is approximately $15,714 - $21,024 (per semester)*.
*This estimate is based on an international student who is enrolled in 12-18 units. See detailed fee breakdown below.
Benefits of the program include orientation, Cal1Card (student id), Bay Area Transportation Pass , one-to-one advising (e.g. academic, visa, and housing resources), an optional 1-unit graduate school and career preparation workshop, and career coaching sessions.
Travel, textbooks and living expenses such as housing, meals or transportation are not included. You can expect to budget a minimum of $12,000 USD for living and other expenses each semester (this estimate varies greatly based on personal budgets).
BGA COST DETAILS (per semester)
Your fees will be assessed in CalCentral under the "My Finances" tab and must be paid in full by the stated deadline. Failure to make payment in no way excludes a student from financial liability.
Fees for the BGA Program are assessed at two different times.
Pre-Program Fees:
- BGA Program Fee: $3,625 (non-refundable after the payment deadline)
- International students must also pay the following fees:
- $125 International Service fee - (nonrefundable after the start of the term or after a visa document has been issued, whichever is sooner)
- Health insurance fee - required of all full-time students on an Extension-sponsored student visa (assessed at the time of admission & nonrefundable after the start of the term). View health insurance information. In Fall 2026-Spring 2027, the fee is $970 per semester.
Pre-Program Fee Payment Deadlines:
These fees are assessed about 3 months prior to the start of the semester and due about 1 month before the start of the semester. Failure to pay in full by the deadline will result in the automatic cancellation of your admission.
- Fall 2026: July 17, 2026
- Spring 2027: December 11, 2026
- Fall 2027: July 16, 2027
Tuition & Course Fees:
After you enroll, you will be billed tuition and registration fees. These fees are due approximately one week after the drop deadline. Click here to read more about these policies and deadlines.
- Your Tuition/Course Fees include:
- $374 Registration Fee (nonrefundable after the start of the term)
- $885 per unit charge for Concurrent Enrollment courses (nonrefundable after the drop deadline)
- Note: In Spring 2026, the fee is $850 per unit. In Fall 2026-Spring 2027, the fee will be $885 per unit.
- Course Materials Fees are assessed for lab sections. Amount varies based on the course (nonrefundable after the drop deadline)
Tuition/Course Payment Deadlines:
Failure to pay in full by the deadline will result in a hold on your student record.
- Fall 2026: September 25th, 2026
- Spring 2027: Feb 19, 2027
- Fall 2027: September 24th, 2027
Cancelation/Withdrawal Policy
Any cancelation or withdrawal from the program must be initiated by the student in their CalCentral Student Dashboard. See: How to cancel or withdraw. To cancel with a refund, students must do so prior to the payment deadline listed above. After this date, the program fee will become non-refundable. Certain fees may be refundable until the start of the term. Please see Concurrent Enrollment Fees for details.
- Exception: If you are denied a student visa to come to the U.S. to participate in the program, a refund of the program fee will be granted. Official proof of denial will be required.