UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SANTA BARBARA · UNITED STATES
University of California, Santa Barbara - Programs
Bachelor's · Taught in en
At a glance
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Duration
6.5
IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
Bachelor's
Level
- 27%of college graduates pursue careers directly related to their major
- Hundredsof potential career options available through a major
- #8Public University (Forbes Magazine)
- 24,673On-Campus Enrollment (2023-2024)
- 200+Majors, Degrees & Credentials
UC Santa Barbara (UCSB) offers a wide range of academic programs, including undergraduate majors, minors, and specialized certificates. The university emphasizes a holistic approach to education, encouraging students to explore their interests and prepare for diverse career paths. While many majors provide a broad foundation of transferable skills applicable to numerous fields, some, like engineering and accounting, have more direct career alignments. UCSB encourages students to identify their personal priorities and interests when choosing a major and planning their future.
Careers
UCSB's Career Services provides resources to help students explore career options related to their majors, discover potential career paths, and understand the relationship between academic study and professional life. The university emphasizes that a major often equips students with transferable skills applicable to a wide range of industries.
- Electrical Engineer
- Certified Public Accountant
- Professor of Sociology
- Marketing Professional
- Account Manager
- Technical Writer
- College Counselor
- Activities Director
- Product Designer
Frequently asked questions
- What are the English language proficiency requirements for international students?
- International students must demonstrate English proficiency through tests like IELTS (6.5 or higher), TOEFL iBT (80 or better before Jan 2026, 4.5 or better from Jan 2026), or Duolingo English Test (115). Specific ACT, SAT, AP, or IB scores are also accepted. Alternatively, a transferable college course in English composition with a grade of C or better can fulfill this requirement.
- How do I apply to UC Santa Barbara as an international student?
- You can initiate your application through the university's admissions website, which has dedicated sections for international students. Review program requirements, meet English proficiency standards, and submit your application and official test scores by the deadlines.
- When are English proficiency test scores due?
- English proficiency test scores must be submitted by the December test date prior to enrollment, with scores available in July before you enroll. Ensure scores are sent directly from the testing agency.
- What are the tuition fees for international students?
- Please contact the university directly for specific international tuition fees, as these are not provided in the programme details.
- What career paths can I pursue after graduating from UC Santa Barbara?
- A UC Santa Barbara major can equip you with transferable skills for hundreds of potential career options, including roles like Electrical Engineer, Marketing Professional, or Technical Writer. Resources are available through UCSB's Career Services to help you explore these paths.
Entry requirements
ACT English Language Arts (ELA)24 or higher
SAT Writing and Language31 or higher
AP English Language and Composition or English Literature and Composition3, 4, or 5
IB Standard Level English (Language A only)6 or 7
IB Higher Level English (Language A only)5, 6, or 7
IELTS6.5 or higher
TOEFL iBT (taken before January 2026)80 or better
TOEFL iBT (taken January 2026 or later)4.5 or better
Duolingo English Test (DET)115
UC-transferable college course in English compositionC or better
English proficiency test scores must be completed by the December test date prior to enrollment and sent directly from the testing agency. TOEFL, IELTS, and DET scores are valid for two years. UC does not accept IELTS One Skill Retake or MyBest TOEFL; only the highest composite score from a single sitting is allowed. The digital SAT Reading and Writing score has not been approved to meet English language proficiency.
Fees
Tuition (international)Contact the university for specific international tuition fees.
Tuition (home)Contact the university for specific domestic tuition fees.
LivingEstimated living costs are not provided on the supporting pages.
Campus-based fees help fund student services and facilities. Fees are updated annually. The provided links offer access to fee schedules for previous academic years (2018-19 to 2025-26).
How to apply
1. Explore Admission OptionsVisit the Applying to UC Santa Barbara page to find links for Undergraduate Admission, Graduate Admission, and International Students.
2. Review Program RequirementsFor undergraduate admissions, explore the specific major requirements. For graduate admissions, review the over 50 graduate programs offered.
3. Meet English Language Proficiency RequirementsInternational students whose native language is not English and who have not had at least three years of instruction in English must demonstrate proficiency through accepted tests (IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo, etc.) or by completing specific college courses.
4. Submit ApplicationFollow the application instructions provided on the relevant admissions pages (Undergraduate, Graduate, or International).
5. Send Test ScoresEnsure official English proficiency test scores are sent directly from the testing agency to the UCSB Office of Admissions by the specified deadlines.
Frequently asked questions
What are the English language proficiency requirements for international students?
+
International students must demonstrate English proficiency through tests like IELTS (6.5 or higher), TOEFL iBT (80 or better before Jan 2026, 4.5 or better from Jan 2026), or Duolingo English Test (115). Specific ACT, SAT, AP, or IB scores are also accepted. Alternatively, a transferable college course in English composition with a grade of C or better can fulfill this requirement.
How do I apply to UC Santa Barbara as an international student?
+
You can initiate your application through the university's admissions website, which has dedicated sections for international students. Review program requirements, meet English proficiency standards, and submit your application and official test scores by the deadlines.
When are English proficiency test scores due?
+
English proficiency test scores must be submitted by the December test date prior to enrollment, with scores available in July before you enroll. Ensure scores are sent directly from the testing agency.
What are the tuition fees for international students?
+
Please contact the university directly for specific international tuition fees, as these are not provided in the programme details.
What career paths can I pursue after graduating from UC Santa Barbara?
+
A UC Santa Barbara major can equip you with transferable skills for hundreds of potential career options, including roles like Electrical Engineer, Marketing Professional, or Technical Writer. Resources are available through UCSB's Career Services to help you explore these paths.