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UNITED STATES · SANTA BARBARA

University of California, Santa Barbara

public · Founded 1891 · Languages: en

In short

UC Santa Barbara is a top-ranked public research university on the California coast, offering over 200 diverse academic programs. It provides a vibrant learning environment with distinguished faculty, extensive research opportunities, and a unique coastal living experience.

Key facts

Type: Public
Founded: 1891
Students: 24,673
International students: 4,000
Acceptance rate: 26%
Tuition (intl): €46–56k/yr
Languages: EN
Location: Santa Barbara, United States

The University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) is a leading public research university and a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities. Located on the beautiful California coastline, UCSB offers a dynamic academic environment that fosters scholarly ambition, creativity, and impactful discoveries. With a strong commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and a diverse community, the university provides a comprehensive liberal arts education alongside cutting-edge research opportunities. Students are encouraged to engage in discovery, critical reasoning, and independent thought, preparing them to be global citizens. UCSB offers over 200 majors, degrees, and credentials, including more than 90 undergraduate and over 50 graduate programs, spanning the hard sciences, studio arts, engineering, humanities, and social sciences. The campus is renowned for its vibrant intellectual and cultural atmosphere, supported by distinguished faculty, including Nobel Laureates, and an active student life with numerous organizations and recreational activities. Situated at the edge of the Pacific Ocean, UC Santa Barbara provides a unique living and learning experience, drawing inspiration from its extraordinary natural surroundings. The university is dedicated to advancing knowledge, contributing to societal well-being, and nurturing top scholars and scientists in a welcoming and supportive community.

Why study here

Access to a top-ranked public research university known for significant scientific impact, particularly in engineering and physical sciences.
Opportunities for hands-on research as an undergraduate, with accessible faculty guidance.
A wide array of academic programs with over 200 majors, degrees, and credentials, including many interdisciplinary options.
A dynamic and supportive campus environment with over 500 student organizations and a strong community spirit.
Exceptional faculty, including Nobel Laureates, who are distinguished and engaged in cutting-edge scholarship.
A unique living and learning experience in a beautiful coastal location, offering abundant recreational activities.

Student life

Life at UC Santa Barbara extends far beyond academics, offering a richly cultural and socially engaging experience. With over 500 student organizations, there are countless opportunities to find your community and pursue your passions. The campus hosts a wide array of events, from performances at the MultiCultural Center and Pollock Theater to diverse offerings from academic departments and the renowned UCSB Arts & Lectures program. Students can also engage in stellar athletics, with national champion teams and enthusiastic crowds, and take advantage of extensive recreational facilities and programs. Housing options, many with ocean and mountain views, contribute to a unique living environment just steps from the Pacific Ocean. UCSB prioritizes student well-being, fostering a supportive environment that nurtures academic development, resilience, and overall health.

Fees

InternationalEstimated total annual cost for non-residents in the Master of Environmental Data Science (MEDS) program is $65,312 USD, including academic fees, professional degree supplemental tuition, campus-based fees, and health insurance. These costs are subject to change annually.

HomeEstimated total annual cost for California residents in the Master of Environmental Data Science (MEDS) program is $53,066 USD, including academic fees, professional degree supplemental tuition, campus-based fees, and health insurance. These costs are subject to change annually.

LivingBeyond tuition, international students should budget roughly $18,000-$24,000 per year for housing, food, transportation and personal expenses in the Santa Barbara area.

The listed fees are for the 2025-2026 academic year for a specific graduate program (MEDS) and may vary for other programs and academic years. Health insurance is mandatory for all registered students and is automatically charged unless an acceptable waiver is submitted. Professional Degree Supplemental Tuition (PDST) is anticipated to increase by 3% annually. A cost of attendance calculator is available from the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.

Admissions

Undergraduate ApplicationsInformation for freshman and transfer applicants is available on the Admissions web page.

Graduate ApplicationsThe Graduate Division website provides details on over 50 graduate programs and admission requirements. All application materials, including official transcripts and scores, must be uploaded via the online application. Early application is strongly recommended.

TOEFL iBTMinimum 80 (graduate programs often require higher)

IELTS Academic7.0 overall

Rankings

Forbes Magazine 2024-2025 America's Top Colleges#8 Public University

Leiden Rankings 2025 (Open Edition)#1 for Scientific Impact in Engineering and the Physical Sciences (among US public universities)

U.S. News & World Report 2025 Best Colleges#13 Public University

Princeton Review 2025 Best Colleges#12 for Best Career Placement Among Public Schools

US News 2020#1 Materials Graduate Program (among public institutions)

National Research Council#1 Materials Program in the Nation

University scholarships

International Doctoral Recruitment Fellowship (IDRF)—

Environmental Studies Scholarships (various)Totaling over $40,000 annually

ES Mini-Grant Research Enhancement AwardsUp to $500 each

UCSB Pearl Chase Scholarship$1,500

URCA Grants for Undergraduate Research$750 each

UCEAP Scholarships—

Benjamin A. Gilman International Study Abroad Scholarships—

Accreditation

UC Santa Barbara is a member of the Association of American Universities, a prestigious collective of leading, research-intensive higher education institutions in the U.S. and Canada.

For international students

United States

Student visa & funds

International students primarily enter on the F-1 visa, which requires enrolment at a SEVP-certified institution. Before the visa interview the school issues a Form I-20 — a certificate of eligibility — for which a Designated School Official must verify documented funds covering tuition, living expenses and travel for the first year, plus a reliable source for subsequent years. The financial evidence must be specific and from an identified source.

Working while you study

F-1 students may work on campus up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session and full-time during official breaks, with no separate authorization needed. Off-campus work is generally not permitted in the first academic year. After one academic year in good standing, students may use Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for paid work that is an integral part of the curriculum, authorized by the school; other off-campus work requires an approved Employment Authorization Document from USCIS.

After you graduate

After completing a degree, F-1 students may apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) — up to 12 months of work authorization in a related field — by filing Form I-765 and receiving an EAD before starting work. Graduates of a degree on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List may apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, for up to 36 months total. The extension requires an E-Verify employer and a qualifying STEM degree earned within the previous ten years.

English tests

IELTSUG 6.0–6.5; PG 6.5–7.0; top-tier programs 7.0–7.5
TOEFL iBTUG 80–100; PG 90–110; selective research universities 100+
PTE AcademicUG 50–60; PG 55–70; highly selective programs 65+

Main intakes

AugustJanuary

This program provides a guide on how to enable and use the automated closed captioning feature within Zoom, a tool recommended for promoting universal design and inclusion in online learning environments. The feature is powered by AI, offering a convenient way to generate live transcriptions for lectures and meetings. While the AI captions are not 100% accurate, they are reported to be highly effective. The guide includes steps for both hosts and participants to manage captions within Zoom sessions.

Certificate

Level

Open to high-achieving US high school seniors from low-income backgrounds who are US citizens, permanent residents, or students studying in the US regardless of citizenship. Competitive applicants typically earn mostly A's in challenging courses, rank in the top 5-10% of their class, and have strong standardised test results (SAT/PSAT above 1310 or ACT above 28), though each application is read in context. Applicants must demonstrate strong writing, intellectual curiosity and determination through essays and recommendations. Matched students must attend a partner college as a binding-early-decision commitment.

Argonne National Laboratory

Maria Goeppert Mayer Fellowship at Argonne National Laboratory

Open to early-career scientists and engineers of all nationalities who hold a PhD awarded within the last three years at the time of application, or who will complete the PhD before the fellowship start date. Research interests must align with Argonne's mission areas. U.S. citizenship is required for national-security-related projects (Detection of Imaging Signatures).

Boustany Foundation / Harvard Business School

Boustany MBA Harvard Scholarship

Open to candidates of any nationality (priority to those of Lebanese descent) who have received an offer of admission to the Harvard MBA programme and have a strong academic background.

Knight-Hennessy Scholars

Open to citizens of any country who earned their first/bachelor's degree within the last ~7 years (or will by the Stanford start) and who apply for and gain admission to a full-time Stanford graduate program. Selection seeks independence of thought, purposeful leadership, and a civic mindset.

Frequently asked questions

What are the estimated annual costs for international students at UC Santa Barbara?

For the Master of Environmental Data Science (MEDS) program, estimated total annual costs for non-residents are $65,312 USD. This includes academic fees, supplemental tuition, campus fees, and mandatory health insurance. Beyond tuition, an additional $18,000-$24,000 per year should be budgeted for living expenses like housing, food, and transportation.

What are the English proficiency requirements for international students?

International students typically need a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 80, though graduate programs often require higher scores. Alternatively, an IELTS Academic score of 7.0 overall is accepted.

What academic programs are offered at UC Santa Barbara?

UC Santa Barbara offers a broad range of academic opportunities, with over 200 majors, degrees, and credentials. This includes more than 90 undergraduate and over 50 graduate programs across disciplines like hard sciences, engineering, humanities, and social sciences.

What makes UC Santa Barbara a unique place to study?

UCSB is a public research university situated on the California coast, offering a picturesque beachside setting. It is known for its commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, cutting-edge research opportunities, and a diverse community, all within an inspiring natural environment.

Are there scholarship opportunities for international students?

Yes, international students may be eligible for various scholarships. The International Doctoral Recruitment Fellowship (IDRF) supports new international doctoral students, and program-specific scholarships, like those for Environmental Studies majors, are also available. External scholarships for study abroad are also an option.

Last updated 3 July 2026