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UCSB Admissions 2025: Application Deadline, Requirements & Costs

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Dark Clock Icon Last updated on 1 Oct '24, by Chandra Shekhar (Study Abroad Expert)

UCSB Admissions
What’s new?

International students can apply for the University of California Santa Barbara admission 2025 through official website. Applicants must submit online applications by the below deadlines:

  • The University of California Santa Barbara deadline for UG admission in the Fall of 2025 is closed
  • UCSB deadline for graduate admission is by programs
  • UCSB application deadline for MBA admission is closed (priority deadline)

UC Santa Barbara Admission Process 2025

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Commonly asked questions
On Admissions

Q:   What GPA do you need to get into UCSB?

A: 

International students who wish to study at the University of California Santa Barbara must have at least a GPA of 3.4 on a scale of 4.0 for UG and PG admission. The average GPA for the Fall of 2024-25 is around 4.42. They must meet additional program requirements and submit the application by the deadline to get admission to the university.

Also read: How to Calculate GPA?

Q:   Are international students able to apply to the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) for undergraduate admissions?

A: 

International students can apply for the University of California, Santa Barbara admission by submitting an online application through the official website. Mentioned below is the information that includes the UG application process for applicants:

UCSB UG application process

 

UC Santa Barbara MS Admission 2025

16 courses 9 months - 2 years
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icon
₹ 22.4L - 46.1L

iconEligibility Criteria

  • Accepting Exams: IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo, GRE
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Commonly asked questions
On MS Admissions

Q:   Does UCSB offer master's degrees?

A: 

The University of California Santa Barbara offers around 36 master's programs in multiple specializations for international students. Students can pursue a graduate degree in INR 22 L to INR 46 L (first-year). The below table includes the list of graduate courses with their admission requirements for students:

PG Programs

Academic Qualifications

Documents Required

MS

  • Complete a bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline
  • Must have a cumulative average of 80% in bachelor’s degree out of a maximum of 100%
  • Meet the English language requirements
  • Submit letter of recommendation (vary by program)
  • Provide an updated CV/Resume
  • Submit other supplemental materials
  • Academic transcripts
  • IELTS/TOEFL score
  • GRE score
  • SOP
  • LOR
  • CV/Resume

MBA/PGDM

  • Complete a bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline
  • Must have a cumulative average of 80% in bachelor’s degree out of a maximum of 100%
  • Meet the English language requirements
  • Submit letter of recommendation (vary by program)
  • Provide an updated CV/Resume
  • Submit other supplemental materials
  • Academic transcripts
  • IELTS/TOEFL score
  • GRE score
  • SOP
  • LOR
  • CV/Resume

MFA

  • Complete a bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline
  • Must have a cumulative average of 80% in bachelor’s degree out of a maximum of 100%
  • Meet the English language requirements
  • Submit three letters of recommendation
  • Provide an updated CV/Resume
  • Submit other supplemental materials
  • Academic transcripts
  • IELTS/TOEFL score
  • GRE score
  • SOP
  • LORs
  • CV/Resume

MIM

  • Complete a bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline
  • Must have a cumulative average of 80% in bachelor’s degree out of a maximum of 100%
  • Meet the English language requirements
  • Submit letter of recommendation (vary by program)
  • Provide an updated CV/Resume
  • Submit other supplemental materials
  • Academic transcripts
  • IELTS/TOEFL score
  • GRE score
  • SOP
  • LOR
  • CV/Resume

Q:   What are the requirements for UCSB MS CS?

A: 

International students must meet the UCSB admission requirements to study MS in CS program. Mentioned below are the general entry requirements for applicants:

  • Complete a bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline
  • Must have a cumulative average of 80% in bachelor’s degree out of a maximum of 100%
  • Meet the English language requirements
  • Submit letter of recommendation (vary by program)
  • Provide an updated CV/Resume
  • Submit other supplemental materials

 

View course details

UC Santa Barbara Application Process 2025

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Commonly asked questions
On Application Process

Q:   How much is the UCSB application fee?

A: 

The University of California Santa Barbara application fee vary by application type for international students. Mentioned below is the application fee for applicants:

  • UG: USD 95 or INR 7,961.85
  • PG: USD 155 or INR 12,990.38

(USD 1 = INR 83.81)

Check the list of USA Universities with No Application Fees

Q:   Is UCSB still accepting applications?

A: 

The UCSB application opens each year on August 1 and can be submitted by November 30. The University of California, Santa Barbara deadline for admission in the Fall of 2025 is extended to Dec 02, 2024. 

UC Santa Barbara Enrollment Statistics 2025

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Commonly asked questions
On Admission

Q:   What is the acceptance rate for UCSB for international students?

A: 

The University of California Santa Barbara acceptance rate decreases from 27.78% in 2023-24 to 33% in 2024-25. The university received over 110,000 applications for undergraduate admission among which around 30,000 students are admitted at the university. The below table includes the UC Santa Barbara enrollment data in the past two years:

Particulars

Stats 2023-2024

Stats 2024-2025

Application Received

110,876

110,256

Admitted Students

30,805

36,384

Acceptance Rate

27.78%

33.00%

Average GPA

4.21

4.42

Admission Reports

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Q:   Is UCSB difficult to get into?

A: 

The UCSB acceptance rate is around 33%, which makes admission moderately competitive for international students. Therefore, it may be difficult to get admission to the University of California, Santa Barbara for applicants. They must meet all the entry requirements and submit the application by the deadline to be eligible for admission to the university.

UCSB
Students Ratings & Reviews

3.9/5
Verified Icon16 Verified ReviewsInfo Icon
Vibe of Campus
  • Fun loving
  • Multi-dimensional
  • Friendly
  • Sporty
Student Views
  • 6% students never faced discrimination in this university
Internships3.3
Part time work3.1
Post study jobs4.4
Quality of faculty4.4
Student Life4.4
Value for money3.2
Public transportation4.5
Safety4.4
Indian Food4.3
Permanent Immigration3.1
M
Monica Verified Icon
B.A. in Biology - Batch of 2027
4
Provides a good sense of belonging here.
Tips: I was apprehensive before I got here but because of how supportive the environment was and because of the resources employed for international students, it became a lot easier to find my place. The faculty is well-versed in their courses and they push you to explore your potential and think in a critical manner which has taught me many valuable lessons and experiences. In case you need any assistance, there are student communities that are quick to help. Overall, I am quite satisfied with my experiences.
Reviewed on 31 Oct 2024Read more
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A
AnonymousVerified Icon
BS in Microbiology - Batch of 2024
4
I have had lot of experiences so far both good and bad.
Tips: One of the best things about this university is the location and the networking opportunities available here. The classes are inclusive and the campus environment in general is very friendly. The faculty and staff are very friendly and approachable. However, registration and currency conversion can be challenging. Overall, it's an enjoyable experience.
Reviewed on 29 Oct 2024Read more
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A
Alisha S Verified Icon
MA in Classics - Batch of 2023
3.7
One of a kind college life with great and friendly faculty.
Tips: I underwent a lot of personality development and managed to discover my passion for writing and expression. This was also because of all the supportive and like-minded individuals I have met on campus which is what UCSB is pretty well known for as well. Overall, I am pretty satisfied and grateful for my experience.
Reviewed on 31 Jul 2024Read more
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A
AnonymousVerified Icon
MA in Economics - Batch of 2025
3.9
University of California has provided a great experience so far with amazing faculty.
Tips: For me, studying here at UCSB has been a major change in my life and an experience that has also transformed me. I had some culture shock when I came here and was initially a little nervous but I also noticed that the student services and peer mentors made a big difference in helping me settle in. Overall, it has been a good experience for me so far.
Reviewed on 30 Sep 2024Read more
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A
AnonymousVerified Icon
Master of Technology Management - Batch of 2026
3.9
Had a good time here with great faculty.
Tips: I have had a fulfilling experience at UCSB. I've learned a lot and grown a lot as a person. Before you start your classes, get an idea of where they are located and who your professors are. Ask your guidance counselors about them. They can give you a good idea of what to expect and how to prepare.
Likes (Quality of faculty): I've had a good experience at UCSB. The professors and faculty are very approachable and understanding when you have concerns or significant issues. I've seen Indian-origin professors and professors from other ethnicities as well. I've had mainly positive experiences with them as they are happy to help.
Reviewed on 30 Sep 2024Read more
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A
AnonymousVerified Icon
BS in Ecology and Evolution - Batch of 2025
3.7
Very accepting campus and culture.
Tips: I have learned a lot from my time here in California. Studying here has made me realise that a lot of learning can take place outside classrooms as well. This prompted me to participate in sports and extracurriculars such as cultural events. All in all, I have had a pleasant and positive experience.
Reviewed on 30 Sep 2024Read more
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UC Santa Barbara Admission 2025 FAQs

Q:   Does UCSB offer scholarships to international students?

A: 

There are limited number of University of California Santa Barbara scholarships available for international students. However, there are some resources that can help international first-year applicants in getting scholarships and loans. The International Student Award assists students who are experiencing economic hardship during their studies at UCSB. 

Also read: Scholarships to Study in the USA for International Students

Q:   Which UC is better, UCSD or UCSB?

A: 

The University of California Santa Barbara and the University of California San Diego are famous universities among international students studying in the USA. UCSD and UCSB are two popular campuses of the University of California. Mentioned below are the comparison between these two in terms of acceptance rate and tuition fees:

UniversitiesAcceptance RateTuition Fees for First Year
University of California Santa Barbara33%INR 22 L to INR 46 L
University of California San Diego25%INR 22 L to INR 66 L

Both UCSD and UCSB look good in terms of thier tuition fees and acceptance rates. Therefore, it's on you where you want to apply for admission.

Q:   What is the application deadline for UCSB?

A: 

International students must submit the UCSB application online by the deadline. The application deadline varies by UG and PG admission. Mentioned below are the UCSB deadline for admission in undergraduate and graduate courses:

UCSB UG Application

Dates & Deadlines

Begin your UC application

Aug 01

Submit your Fall 2024 UC application

Oct 01 – Dec 02

View your admission decision

Mar 19

Submit your request for housing

May 15

Submit official transcripts

Jul 01

Submit official test score

Jul 15

The below table includes the important dates and deadline of University of California Santa Barbara PG application:

Graduate Programs

Application Deadlines

Master of Environmental Data Science

Fall: Dec 01, 2024

Master of Environmental Science and Management

Fall: Dec 15, 2024

MS in Actuarial Science

Winter: Nov 15, 2024

Spring: Feb 15, 2025

Fall: May 01, 2025

MBA

Fall: Dec 01, 2024 (priority deadline)

Fall: Jan 02, 2025 (final deadlines)

MS in Computer Science

Fall: Dec 15, 2024

MS in Film and Media Studies

Fall: Dec 01, 2024

MA in Music

Fall: Jan 10, 2025

MS in Mechanical Engineering

Fall: Dec 15, 2024

Check the Admission Intakes In US Universities

Q:   How much is UCSB tuition per year?

A: 

UC Santa Barbara fees vary from INR 22 L to INR 46 L for first-year. The below table includes the University of California Santa Barbara tuition fee for international students:

Courses

1st Year Tuition Fees

MS

INR 22 L - 46 L

MBA/PGDM

INR 25 L

BSc

INR 38 L - 40 L

BA

INR 38 L - 40 L

MA

INR 22 L - 25 L

BE/BTech

INR 38 L - 40 L

BBA

INR 38 L - 40 L

BPharma

INR 38 L

MFA

INR 22 L

Others PG

INR 22 L

Others UG

INR 38 L

MIM

INR 25 L

BFA

INR 38 L

qna

UCSB

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About the author

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Chandra Shekhar

Study Abroad Expert

With over 6 years of overall work experience in Content Writing, Chandra Shekhar has worked on various content writing profiles like Technical and Education-based. He has been involved in writing for higher education and abroad studies for more than ...Read Full Bio
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