Students who do not wish to pursue a graduate degree at UAB or who wish to begin graduate study before being admitted to a degree program can apply as a graduate non-degree seeking student. Non-degree seeking students are not eligible for federal financial aid.
UAB appointed postdoctoral fellows should complete the non-degree application and select postdoctoral Fellow in the program field. Application requirements for postdoctoral fellows may vary slightly.
Overview
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Deadlines
If your program does not have a specific application deadline, the Graduate School has the below standard application deadline dates.
Typically, this is the date by which your application fee must be paid and your application submitted. Supporting materials, such as recommendations or transcripts, will continue to be accepted after this deadline for most programs.
Semester Degree Seeking Applicant Deadline Non-Degree Seeking and Readmission Applicant Deadline Summer 2025 May 1, 2025 June 23, 2025 Fall 2025 August 1, 2025 August 18, 2025 Spring 2026 December 1, 2025 January 5, 2026 -
Requirements
Online Application
If this is your first time applying through the dashboard, you will need to click Sign Up to create an account. After creating your password, you will be automatically signed into the application dashboard. Select Start New Application to get started.
Application Fee
Where to Submit: Application Dashboard
The Graduate School's standard fee is $40 for non-degree seeking students. The application fee is non-refundable.
Verification of Degree
Where to Submit: Application Dashboard
Admission as a non-degree seeking student requires a recognized baccalaureate, graduate, or professional degree from a regionally accredited (e.g. SACS) college or university. During the application process, applicants are required to upload an unofficial copy of their transcript verifying that they have met this requirement. Official transcripts are not required.
Because of U.S. immigration requirements, international applicants (i.e., those who are neither U.S. citizens nor permanent residents) cannot normally be admitted as non-degree seeking students unless already residing in the United States. Immigration laws should be consulted to determine eligibility of students. Please contact International Student and Scholar Services opens a new website for questions regarding immigration laws.
Non-degree Policies
Where to Submit:
gradschool@uab.edu Newly admitted graduate non-degree seeking students must understand the non-degree policies prior to enrolling in graduate level courses at UAB. As such, all graduate non-degree seeking students will be required to read and sign the Acknowledgement of Non-Degree Policies form prior to registration at UAB.
Acknowledgment of Non-degree Policies Form- There is no limit to the number of graduate non-degree (GN) hours a non-degree seeking student can accumulate. However, should a student choose to enroll as a degree seeking student at UAB, no more than 12 semester hours earned as a non-degree graduate student may be applied toward the advanced degree.
- Registration as a non-degree student requires departmental approval. Students should contact the course instructor for permission to enroll in the course. If approved, the instructor will need to enter a degree level override.
- Should a student be admitted to a degree program, the credit earned while in non-degree seeking status is not automatically acceptable toward a degree. A request for transfer of non-degree seeking credits must be signed by the student's advisor and program director and submitted to the Graduate School.
- Non-degree students are not eligible for federal financial aid.
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Application Process
Step 1: Create an Account or Log In
If this is your first time applying through the UAB Graduate Online Application, you will need to click the "create guest account" button to create an account. After creating your password, you will be automatically signed into the application dashboard.
Step 2: Create a New Application
Respond to key questions in the order they appear to be directed to the correct application for your intended program/concentration.
Step 3: Complete Application
The sections required to complete your application are available in the menu on the left side once you begin your application. You will need to fully complete each section as indicated by a green circle. If any sections show as a half-circle, you are still missing a required question or document for that section. Once your application is complete, you will be able to pay the application fee and finalize the submission. You can begin your application at any time and come back to it in order to continue with the process or upload additional items.
Step 4: Sign and Pay Application Fee
Once your application is complete, you will be able to pay the application fee and finalize submission. You will receive an email confirmation once your application has been successfully submitted to the graduate school. Your application will be processed within 1-3 business days of submission, at which time Graduate Admissions staff will review any unofficial documents provided and attach official documents that have already been received. Please check your application dashboard regularly for updates. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us!
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Non-Degree FAQs
- How do you register your Blazer ID?
Follow the instructions in your admission letter. - How do you select your courses?
Once your BlazerID has been activated you can browse course selection in BlazerNet. Not all graduate courses are open to non-degree seeking graduate students. - How do you register?
Registration as a non-degree student requires departmental approval. Students should first contact the course instructor and/or program for approval to enroll in the course. For program information visit Degree & Certificate Programs page. - How many hours can I take as a non-degree graduate student?
There is no limit to the number of graduate non-degree (GN) credit hours a non-degree seeking student can accumulate. - Can non-degree seeking course work be applied to a future program?
Should a student be admitted to a degree program, the credit earned while in non-degree seeking status is not automatically acceptable toward a degree. A request for conversion of non-degree seeking credits must be signed by the student's advisor and program director and submitted to the Graduate School. No more than 12 semester hours earned as a non-degree graduate student may be applied toward an advanced degree at UAB. For more information visit the catalog. - Will financial aid cover courses?
Non-degree students are not eligible for federal financial aid.
- How do you register your Blazer ID?
Apply Now
Applying to Graduate School could not be easier with our online application. Sign up or sign in to access your application and get started on your UAB journey!