University of California, Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz · Official website ↗
University of California, Santa Cruz is in Santa Cruz, United States. Standard entry requirements: International first-year (general) 15 year-long academic courses with a 3.40 GPA. Language: IELTS 6.5. Applying: intake: Fall. Scholarships: 3 from the university.
✓ 29 facts from 15 official pages, each with the exact sentence it comes from · checked 2026-11-12 · How we verify
International students should also budget for health insurance, visa and travel costs not shown here.
Reference only. Automatically checked against the college's official pages on 2026-11-12; maintained by Jordan Lee, editor. Colleges can change policies at any time — confirm on the official page before you apply. Spotted an error? Tell us.
Quick summary
| Cost per year | not yet determined The college asks you to show $86,898 in available funds for the I-20 (visa paperwork). This is proof you can pay, not a bill. |
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| Money from the college | Need-based aid: none for international students. Merit scholarships: international students can receive them. 2 named scholarship(s) confirmed open to international students. |
| Chances of admission | International first-year (general): 15 year-long academic courses with a 3.40 GPA. Requirements for other school qualifications differ by country — see the college's page ↗ English minimum: IELTS 6.5, TOEFL (1–6) 4.5, Duolingo 115. |
| Application deadlines | Earliest: Nov 30 (Regular Decision — The normal round; not binding.) |
| Where and how students live | Santa Cruz · 43 km from SJC airport |
| Housing | First-year housing: Guaranteed |
| Working while studying | F-1 students may work on campus up to 20 hours per week while school is in session. Other work needs authorization: curricular practical training (CPT) during the program, or off-campus employment for economic hardship after one full academic year, approved by the DSO and USCIS. |
| After graduation | Optional Practical Training (OPT): 12 months of work in the field of study after a bachelor's degree; a 24-month extension applies to DHS-designated STEM degrees. |
Plain-language summary of the verified details below. Where it says “not yet determined”, we have not found it on an official page yet.
Financial aid & requirements for international students
| Aid & admission for international applicants | No need-based aid for international undergraduates International students are not eligible for need-based institutional aid; only merit awards or outside funding. (reference)Sources (1)“International students typically are not eligible for federal, state, or university need-based financial aid if you hold one of the following visa types:”financialaid.ucsc.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12 |
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| Meets full financial need | No — does not promise to meet full need (reference)Sources (1)“International students typically are not eligible for federal, state, or university need-based financial aid if you hold one of the following visa types:”financialaid.ucsc.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12 |
| Merit scholarships | Yes — international students can receive merit scholarshipsSources (2)“Regents scholarships are open to first-year and transfer students, including international, non-resident, and California residents, including those qualifying under the AB540 exemption.”financialaid.ucsc.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“Campus Merit scholarships are open to first-year and transfer students, including international, non-resident, and California residents, including those qualifying under AB540 exemption.”financialaid.ucsc.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12 |
| SAT / ACT policy | Test-blind (scores not considered)Sources (1)“UC Santa Cruz does not use standardized exam scores (ACT/SAT) in our comprehensive review and selection process.”admissions.ucsc.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12 |
| English proficiency | English test required unless an exemption applies
Sources (4)“We require all applicants who attend a school in a country where English is not the native language or whose language of instruction in high school (secondary school) was not English to adequately demonstrate English competency as a part of the application process.”admissions.ucsc.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)* examination: - Internet-based test (iBT) or iBT Home Edition: Minimum score of 4.5 or better”admissions.ucsc.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“Score 6.5 or higher on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS)*”admissions.ucsc.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“Duolingo English Test (DET): Minimum score of 115”admissions.ucsc.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12 |
| Conditional admission / English pathway | Not yet determined — check the college site ↗ |
Scholarships for first-year students
Undergraduate Dean's Award
$3,000–$25,000 / year
- Amount: $3,000–$25,000 / year
- Renewal: Renewable — up to 4 years
- How to apply: Automatic — considered with your admission application
Sources (3)
“Newly admitted Out-of-State and International first-year and transfer students are automatically considered for the Undergraduate Deans' Award during the admissions cycle.”financialaid.ucsc.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“For first-year students, awards range from $12,000 – $100,000, paid evenly over four years ($3,000 – $25,000 per year).”financialaid.ucsc.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“UC Santa Cruz offers the Undergraduate Dean's Award, which ranges from $12,000 to $100,000, split over four years for first-year students.”admissions.ucsc.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12Regents Scholarship
$5,000 / year
- Who can receive it: All applicants, including international students
- Amount: $5,000 / year
- Financial need: Not required
- Renewal: Renewable — up to 4 years
- How to apply: Automatic — considered with your admission application
Sources (4)
“Regents scholarships are open to first-year and transfer students, including international, non-resident, and California residents, including those qualifying under the AB540 exemption.”financialaid.ucsc.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“Award amounts are $5,000 per year and renewable as long as Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is met. For first-year freshmen, that totals $20,000 paid over 4 years.”financialaid.ucsc.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“The Regents Scholarship is awarded in recognition of outstanding academic achievement. Financial need is not required.”financialaid.ucsc.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“All entering undergraduates admitted each fall are automatically considered for UCSC merit scholarships in March based on the UC Application for Undergraduate Admissions & Scholarships.”financialaid.ucsc.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12Campus Merit Scholarship
$3,000 / year
- Who can receive it: All applicants, including international students
- Amount: $3,000 / year (2026-27 figure)
- Financial need: Not required
- Renewal: Renewable — up to 4 years
- How to apply: Automatic — considered with your admission application
Sources (4)
“Campus Merit scholarships are open to first-year and transfer students, including international, non-resident, and California residents, including those qualifying under AB540 exemption.”financialaid.ucsc.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“Beginning 2026-27, award amounts are $3,000 per year and renewable as long as Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is met. For first-year freshmen, that totals $12,000 paid over 4 years.”financialaid.ucsc.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“Campus Merit Scholarships are awarded in recognition of high academic achievement. Financial need is not required.”financialaid.ucsc.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“All entering undergraduates admitted each fall are automatically considered for UCSC merit scholarships in March based on the UC Application for Undergraduate Admissions & Scholarships.”financialaid.ucsc.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12Programmes
| Bachelor's programme | Applied Physics Source (1)“The Physics Department offers majors in physics, physics (astrophysics), and applied physics.”admissions.ucsc.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12Business Management Economics Source (1)“The Economics Department offers majors in Business Management Economics, Economics, and Global Economics, as well as an Economics and Mathematics Combined B.A. program.”admissions.ucsc.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12Economics Source (1)“The Economics Department offers majors in Business Management Economics, Economics, and Global Economics, as well as an Economics and Mathematics Combined B.A. program.”admissions.ucsc.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12Global Economics Source (1)“The Economics Department offers majors in Business Management Economics, Economics, and Global Economics, as well as an Economics and Mathematics Combined B.A. program.”admissions.ucsc.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12Physics Source (1)“The Physics Department offers majors in physics, physics (astrophysics), and applied physics.”admissions.ucsc.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12Physics (Astrophysics) Source (1)“The Physics Department offers majors in physics, physics (astrophysics), and applied physics.”admissions.ucsc.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12 |
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Applying
| Academic entry requirement for your school qualification |
Requirements for other school qualifications differ by country — see the college's page ↗ |
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| Intakes (start months) for first-year entry | Fall Source (1)“Apply to UC Santa Cruz for fall 2027 by November 30 to be considered.”financialaid.ucsc.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12 |
| Interview | Not offered Source (1)“No additional interviews or documents are required if you are applying as a first-year student. However, transfer students should be aware of our screening major requirements.”admissions.ucsc.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12 |
| Application requirement | School transcript / academic records: Required Source (2)“Submit transcripts and exam scores (AP, IB and A-Level), after you accept an offer of admission.”admissions.ucsc.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“July 1 - All transcripts are due to the UC Santa Cruz Office of Admissions from new incoming students (postmark deadline)”admissions.ucsc.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12 |
Deadlines (fall 2027 entry)
| Regular Decision — Application — Fall intake | Nov 30 The normal round; not binding. Source (3)“Apply to UC Santa Cruz for fall 2027 by November 30 to be considered.”financialaid.ucsc.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“Apply to UC Santa Cruz through the University of California application by November 30 for fall 2027 admission.”financialaid.ucsc.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“October 1, 2026 - UC Application filing period opens for fall 2027”admissions.ucsc.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12 |
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Dates as published by the college; check the official page for time zones and supporting-document deadlines.
Costs for international students
| Living costs (college estimate) | $21,477 per year (2026–27 figure) |
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| Student health insurance | $3,870 per year (2026–27 figure) Can be waived if you have comparable insurance |
| Proof of funds for the I-20 | $86,898 per year (2026–27 figure) Funds you must document for the first year to receive the I-20 (needed for the student visa). |
Sources (7)
“Living Expenses2 | $21,477”financialaid.ucsc.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“2026-27 Undergraduate Budgets for Entering Students (Fall, Winter, & Spring Terms)”financialaid.ucsc.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“Campus Health Insurance3 | $3,870”financialaid.ucsc.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“All full- and part-time undergraduate students are automatically enrolled in and charged for the University of California Student Health Insurance Plan (UC SHIP) unless they choose to submit an online insurance waiver confirming they have comparable health insurance coverage to the Health Center.”financialaid.ucsc.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“Total Non-California Resident Budget | $86,898”financialaid.ucsc.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“All students must show the full funding estimated by our office, even if their actual costs vary from these amounts.”issp.ucsc.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“Estimated cost of attendance for the first year of studies varies by program, is set for each program, and cannot be altered for personal circumstances. Take note of the Total Estimated Cost of Attendance.”issp.ucsc.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12Where students live
| First-year on-campus housing | Guaranteed Source (2)“A new two-year university housing guarantee provides incoming students with an extended on-campus experience.”financialaid.ucsc.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“Incoming freshmen who indicate a preference for university housing and meet all housing application deadlines are eligible for a housing guarantee.”housing.ucsc.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12 |
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| Years of guaranteed campus housing | 2 Source (3)“A new two-year university housing guarantee provides incoming students with an extended on-campus experience.”financialaid.ucsc.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“The expanded 2-year housing guarantee applies to new incoming undergraduate cohorts entering in Fall 2026 and later.”housing.ucsc.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“2 years (consecutive)" for "Entering UCSC during the 2026-27 academic year or later"”housing.ucsc.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12 |
Work and after graduation
| Work allowed while studying (rule as stated by the government) | F-1 students may work on campus up to 20 hours per week while school is in session. Other work needs authorization: curricular practical training (CPT) during the program, or off-campus employment for economic hardship after one full academic year, approved by the DSO and USCIS. government rule Source (4)“If you participate in on-campus employment, you may not work more than 20 hours per week when school is in session.”studyinthestates.dhs.gov ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“F students are eligible for curricular practical training (CPT) at either the undergraduate or the graduate level during the program of study. CPT employment must be an integral part of an established curriculum and the position must directly relate to your major area of study.”studyinthestates.dhs.gov ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“Off-campus employment is only available to you if you have completed at least one full academic year of your program of study and have an economic hardship that qualifies for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's emergent circumstances.”studyinthestates.dhs.gov ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“To work off campus, you must receive approval from your DSO, obtain an updated Form I-20 and apply for and receive employment authorization from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).”studyinthestates.dhs.gov ↗ · checked 2026-11-12 |
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| Work hours allowed per week during term (student visa) | 20 (reference) government rule Source (1)“If you participate in on-campus employment, you may not work more than 20 hours per week when school is in session.”studyinthestates.dhs.gov ↗ · checked 2026-11-12 |
| Post-study work visa (name and length) | Optional Practical Training (OPT): 12 months of work in the field of study after a bachelor's degree; a 24-month extension applies to DHS-designated STEM degrees. government rule Source (4)“Twelve months of Regular OPT is available for each higher level of study. (For example a student may have 12 months for a bachelor's degree and another 12 months for a master's degree.)”studyinthestates.dhs.gov ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“Optional practical training is one type of work permission available for eligible F-1 students. It allows students to get real-world work experience related to their field of study.”studyinthestates.dhs.gov ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“For students who majored in designated Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) degrees approved by DHS. This type of OPT is a 24-month extension of OPT.”studyinthestates.dhs.gov ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“Have earned a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree from a school that is accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency and is certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) at the time you submit your STEM OPT extension application.”www.uscis.gov ↗ · checked 2026-11-12 |
| Accelerated bachelor's + master's programme | Yes Source (2)“Contiguous bachelor's/master's pathways, also called "4+1 pathways" enable well-prepared undergraduate students to complete specific upper-division or graduate courses during the final stages of their undergraduate degree.”engineering.ucsc.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering offers a 4+1 contiguous bachelor's/master's degree path. Undergraduate students can apply to this program to earn a B.S. degree in their own major together with an M.S. degree in electrical and computer engineering.”engineering.ucsc.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12 |
Location
| City / state | Santa Cruz |
|---|---|
| Nearest major airport | Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC), about 43 km in a straight line |
| Map | View on OpenStreetMap ↗ |
Setting from the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard); airport from OurAirports (public-domain data).