Instructions for Applicants Who Are Undocumented or DACAmented
All undocumented individuals are eligible for admission to any degree program at the University of Michigan whether or not they have been granted Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA). The Rackham Graduate School is taking steps to create a clear path for prospective students to attend graduate school at the University of Michigan regardless of immigration status. To this end, Rackham strives to provide directions on how undocumented and DACAmented immigrants should proceed through the application process, and answer questions undocumented and DACAmented students may have about resources available to them.
Rackham Application
To apply to a Rackham graduate program, please complete the Rackham application on ApplyWeb. Applicants who are undocumented or DACAmented should select the following options:
| Rackham application question or application component | How it applies if you are undocumented or DACAmented |
|---|---|
| “What is your citizenship status?” | Select “Non-U.S. Citizen” |
| “The Rackham Graduate School prepares immigration documents for the F-1 and J-1 Exchange Visitors only. If you are offered admission, select the U.S. visa type you plan to use or to obtain.” | Select “Other” |
| “If you are currently in the United States, provide your visa type.” | Leave this blank; do not enter a visa type. |
| Personal Statement | If you have DACA, will have DACA at the time of enrollment, or are currently applying for DACA, it is important to mention this in your personal statement to determine eligibility for the Rackham Merit Fellowship.
If you are undocumented but do not have DACA you are not eligible for the Rackham Merit Fellowship. |
| Fee Waiver | Fee waivers are available to undocumented and DACAmented students. Contact Rackham Admissions for more information. |
Please note that the Rackham Graduate School is one of 13 schools or colleges at U-M with graduate programs. For those interested in non-Rackham graduate programs, contact the appropriate admissions office.
Funding Eligibility for U-M Students Who Are Undocumented or DACAmented
The funding guidelines were established at the University of Michigan Provost’s Office and apply to all graduate students in Rackham programs as well as non-Rackham programs.
| Eligible Funding Types | Not Eligible | |
|---|---|---|
| with DACA |
Application Fee Waivers and Grants Stipends (non-service) Graduate Student Instructors (GSI) Graduate Student Research Assistants (GSRA) Graduate Student Staff Assistants (GSSA) Internships |
Federal Loans Federal Training Grants |
| without DACA |
Application Fee Waivers and Grants Stipends (non-service) |
Federal Loans Federal Training Grants Graduate Student Instructors (GSI) Graduate Student Research Assistants (GSRA) Graduate Student Staff Assistants (GSSA) |
Doctoral programs are expected to provide funding to their students. Undocumented doctoral students must have DACA since the program’s funding is typically in the form of a GSI, GSRA, and GSSA.
External Funding Resources
In October 2015, the U.S. Department of Education released a Resource Guide Supporting Undoucmented Youth: A Guide for Success in Secondary and Postsecondary Settings. For more external funding options, see MALDEF’s (Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund) Scholarship Resource Guide, which includes scholarships for undocumented students, as well as the Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans. U-M Library also provides lists of funding opportunities for master’s and doctoral students from external sources and within the university.
