Begin Your Journey with Us!

The University of California, Santa Cruz, leads at the intersection of innovation and social justice, seeking solutions and giving voice to the challenges of our time. Our beautiful campus sits between the sea and the trees, and offers an encouraging and supportive community of passionate changemakers. We are a community where academic rigor and experimentation offer the adventure of a lifetime… and a lifetime of opportunity!

Admissions Requirements

Why UCSC?

The closest UC campus to Silicon Valley, UC Santa Cruz offers you an inspiring education with access to the best professors and professionals in the area. In your classes and clubs, you will also make connections to students who are the future leaders of industry and innovation in California and the U.S. In an atmosphere of supportive community enhanced by our residential college system, Banana Slugs are changing the world in exciting ways.

UCSC Research

The Santa Cruz Area

Santa Cruz is one of the most sought-after areas in the U.S., due to its warm, Mediterranean climate and convenient location near Silicon Valley and the San Francisco Bay Area. Ride a mountain bike to your classes (even in December or January), then go surfing on the weekend. Discuss genetics in the afternoon, and then in the evening go shopping with your friends. It’s all in Santa Cruz!

surfer carrying a board and riding a bike on West Cliff

Academics

As a highly-ranked research university and a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities, UC Santa Cruz will give you access to top professors, students, programs, facilities, and equipment. You will learn from professors who are leaders in their fields, alongside other high-achieving students who are passionate about their subjects.

Summer intern

Cost & Scholarship Opportunities

You will need to pay nonresident tuition in addition to educational and registration fees. Residency for fee purposes is determined based on documentation that you provide us in your Statement of Legal Residence. To help with tuition expenses, UC Santa Cruz offers the Undergraduate Dean's Scholarships and Awards, which range from $12,000 to $54,000, split over four years for first-year students. For transfer students, the awards range from $6,000 to $27,000 over two years. These awards are intended to offset non-resident tuition and will be discontinued if you become a California resident.

International Student Timeline

What can you expect as an international applicant to UC Santa Cruz? Let us help you plan and prepare! Our timeline includes important dates and deadlines for you and your family to keep in mind, plus information on early summer start programs, orientation, and more. Welcome to UC Santa Cruz!

Internation student mixer

More information

Important Message about Agents

UC Santa Cruz does not partner with agents to represent the University or to administer any part of the undergraduate admission application process. The engagement of agents or private organizations for the purpose of recruiting or enrolling international students is not endorsed by UC Santa Cruz. Agents who may be retained by students to help with the application process are not recognized as representatives of the University and do not have a contractual agreement or partnership to represent UC Santa Cruz.

All applicants are expected to complete their own application materials. The use of agent services is not aligned with UC’s Statement on Integrity -- expectations explained as a part of applying for admission to the University. For the complete Statement, go to our Statement of Application Integrity.

 

Next Steps

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