Executive Education
- Future Global Leaders
- Future Leaders Summer Program
- Geopolitics and International Security
- Quarterly Certificate Program
- Study Abroad Destination
Quarterly Certificate Program
Advanced experience acquired through graduate-level coursework and leadership training
Are you a professional seeking advanced leadership training in international affairs and public policy?
GLI offers content-based courses during the academic year that complement the GPS curriculum, allowing international professionals to enroll as non-degree students and study alongside master’s students, with English as a Second Language (ESL) courses offered each quarter to support academic success.
We also offer a Modular Certificate Program designed for professionals seeking flexible, part-time access to GPS coursework in international affairs and public policy, with the ability to customize their learning experience.
What You Will Gain from Attending
- Instruction from graduate-level professors
- Training in leadership skills development
- Networking with graduate students and professionals
- Seminars and site visits
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Who Should Attend?
You’re a great fit if you’re a professional from the U.S. seeking advanced professional leadership training in international affairs and public policy.
And for international professionals, English as a Second Language (ESL) courses are offered year-round, and content-based courses during the academic year are designed for non-native English speakers to supplement the GPS curriculum. Plus, an intensive ESL program is offered each summer.
The Program at a Glance
- Flexible duration: Study for as little as one quarter (11 weeks) or extend your participation to two years or more, following the UC San Diego academic calendar.
- Graduate-level coursework: Enroll as a non-degree student and take courses alongside GPS master’s students.
- World-class instruction: Learn from internationally recognized scholars and practitioners specializing in areas such as climate policy, trade, technology, democracy, security, and regional studies, including Republic of Korea, Japan, India, Mexico, and China.
- Language support: English as a Second Language (ESL) courses are offered each quarter to non-native English speakers alongside their academic coursework.
- Experiential learning: Participate in local professional seminars and site visits that complement classroom learning and provide real-world policy exposure.
Upcoming Webinars
Frequently Asked Questions
Application Process & Deadline
How to Apply: Applicants can complete the GLI Certificate Program Application Form online and submit supporting documentation through the portal. Supporting documentation includes the sponsor’s statement, passport copies, university or college transcripts, and English test scores. All applicants must meet the GLI admissions requirements.
When to Apply: GLI accepts applications on a rolling admissions basis for a start date in fall (September), winter (January), spring (March) or summer (July or August) quarter. GLI recommends applying at least two months prior to enrollment.
After You Apply: GLI staff will contact you within 2 days of receiving your application with your admissions status and instructions to begin your visa processing. You will also receive instructions regarding payment of the GLI application fee and Form DS-2019/I-20 processing fee.
Requirements for Admission:
- Bachelor’s degree (copy of diploma or degree conferment)
- University or college transcripts
- TOEFL score (minimum 68 iBT), IELTS (6.0) or TOEIC (620)
An English test score may be waived if the applicant enrolls in GLI's intensive Summer ESL program, if English proficiency is determined appropriate, or if the applicant is a native English speaker or has recently studied full-time for one uninterrupted academic year at a university-level institution in which English is the language of instruction and in a country in which English is a dominant language.
Tuition & Fees
Current tuition and program costs for GLI's quarterly certificate program can be found online.
We accept a check, money order, traveler’s checks or bank draft in U.S. dollars, payable to “UC Regents.” If you would like to pay by bank wire, please contact us for bank wire instructions. Please note that if you pay by bank wire, you have to pay all bank wire fees.
Refunds are permitted according to the UC San Diego Schedule of Refunds.Visa Information
GLI supports professionals on a J-1 or F-1 student visa. Once you are accepted to the GLI program, you will be given a DS-2019 or I-20 application form. The DS-2019 and I-20 are a certificate of eligibility that you must provide to the U.S. Embassy or consulate when you apply for your J-1 or F-1 visa. The J-1 and F-1 visa allows professionals to bring eligible family members to the U.S. as J-2 or F-2 dependents. Eligible family members are the spouse of the GLI Professional and their unmarried children under the age of 21.
GLI staff will support you throughout the visa application process. It is very important that you complete the required forms and keep GLI informed of any changes or updates that may impact your visa application.
Academic Calendar
The GLI Academic Calendar is available online and provides information for each quarter relevant to the program, such as dates for orientation, instruction, exams, and holidays.
Admitted Students
Arrival
When you arrive, you will need to come to our offices and check in by attending an orientation session. Orientation takes place the week before or the week of the first day of classes. Please check the GLI Academic Calendar to see the scheduled orientation date for the start of your program. Additionally, at the beginning of most quarters we will have a reception for all incoming and continuing professionals.
Academics
As a full-time, enrolled professional, you are required to take at least 12 units each quarter to fulfill your certificate requirements and to maintain your nonimmigrant visa status. GLI professionals choose from graduate courses offered at GPS, which are supplemented with customized GLI English language and content-based courses. If you are interested in part-time study, please contact us.
Housing
During the academic year, UC San Diego campus housing is only available to students enrolled in degree programs. Housing options near campus include renting your own apartment, sharing off-campus housing with students and staying with a host family (homestay). GLI is happy to provide you with resources to find housing and to answer questions about your stay.
Professional Seminars
Integral to GLI’s programs are professional seminars (site visits) to prominent multinational industries and influential government agencies. Available to all program participants, these seminars provide unparalleled insight into an organization’s operations and business practices. Professional seminars have included site visits and presentations at the San Diego Association of Governments, TaylorMade Golf, PriceSmart and Qualcomm Inc. world headquarters.
Equipment
It is strongly recommended that all fellows have a personal notebook computer for use during their studies at GLI, with the appropriate security and firewall software installed. Some courses require you to bring a laptop (notebook) computer to school every day the class meets. See the computing services section for the most current recommendations and specifications.
Health Insurance
The Department of State requires that all visiting scholars and dependent family members have minimum health insurance coverage. View the PDF for more information regarding GLI health insurance requirements.
Parents with School-Age Children
Professionals and scholars at GLI may enroll their children (ages 5-18) at no cost in San Diego’s outstanding public schools. The location of your home in San Diego determines which public elementary, middle or high school the child may attend. GLI staff can provide additional information during the visa application process.
Who can I contact?
Please reach out to Greg Mallinger at: gmallinger@ucsd.edu