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Santa Clara University Admissions 2026: Application Deadline, Requirements & Costs
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International undergraduate students can apply for Santa Clara University admission 2025 through the Common App and graduate applicants can submit an application through the university official portal. The application deadlines for SCU vary program-wise. The Santa Clara University deadline for undergraduate and graduates are given below:
Undergraduate Deadline:
- Early Decision/Action I: Nov 15, 2025
- Early/Regular Decision II: Jan 7, 2026
- Winter: Oct 1, 2025
MS (School of Engineering):
- Spring: Jan 1, 2026
- Fall: Jun 1, 2026 (tentative)
- Winter: Oct 1, 2025
MBA Deadline:
- Fall: Round 2: closed
- Winter (MSIS): Oct 15, 2025
- Spring: Closed
- Santa Clara University Admission Overview 2026
- Santa Clara University Courses & Fees 2026
- Santa Clara University Application Deadlines 2026
- Santa Clara University Application Process 2026
- Santa Clara University Enrollment Statistics 2026
- Santa Clara University Students review
- Santa Clara University Admission 2026 FAQs
Santa Clara University Admission Overview 2026
Recognized as one of the top universities in the nation, Santa Clara University believes in giving students more than a degree by transforming the way they see the world. Along with the rankings, the university is popular for providing excellent classes through renowned professors and experience via community-based coursework, internships, and independent research.
According to the official source, over 18,000 students applied to take Santa Clara University admission, of which only more than 8,000 were admitted.
Santa Clara University courses comprise more than 50 majors, minors, and special programs and graduate programs in diverse fields including Law, Medicine, Teaching, Business, Engineering, Education, Counseling Psychology, Theology, and Pastoral Ministries. The SCU tuition cost range between INR 50L and INR 55L for UG, and INR 13L and INR 61L for PG.
According to the official class profile of 2027, the Santa Clara University acceptance rate is 44%. The low percentage showcases that the university is tough to get into and follows a stringent admission procedure while selecting candidates. Some crucial factors on which students must work are the rigor of secondary school records, academic GPA, application essay, class rank, extracurricular activities, volunteer work, work experience, and more.
Also Check: Study Guide to USA for International Students
Santa Clara University Admissions 2026 Highlights
International students can complete their Santa Clara University application process via Common App or the application portal for UG and PG. Students must fulfill the basic eligibility and submit the required documents requested by the SCU. Once they have fulfilled their eligibility and submitted the necessary paperwork, students must pay the Santa Clara University application fees to apply. Below are the Santa Clara University admission requirements for international students:
|
Particular |
Santa Clara University Info |
|---|---|
|
Application portal |
UG: Common App PG: slate.scu.edu/apply |
|
Application fee |
UG: USD 70 (INR 6K) PG: USD 95 (INR 8.2K) |
|
Acceptance rate |
44% |
|
English language tests accepted |
|
|
Standardized tests required |
|
|
International application deadlines |
UG: Oct 1, 2025 (Winter) MS (School of Engineering):
|
(USD 1=INR 86.72)
Commonly asked questions
SCU offers an 18 month Computer Science and Engineering programme for international students which ranked #122 as per US News and World Report 2025 and is an excellent option for those seeking a career in software development, the AI-driven industry, and research opportunities. The curriculum is based on AI, Data Science, Software Engineering, and Cybersecurity. It provides exposure to Silicon Valley, academic rigor, and a strong alumni network, and gives opportunities in tech giants, including Google, Apple, NVIDIA, and more.
MBA can be a good choice for students or working professionals who want to upgrade in their careers or gain experience in fields such as marketing, data analytics, finance, etc. The course is available in various modes of study, including evening, weekend, and online. Students who are aiming for leadership positions in tech, consulting, and finance can choose an MBA at Santa Clara.
The program's curriculum includes diverse subjects such as Embedded Systems, Signal Processing, and Renewable Energy Systems. The university also offers research opportunities that comprise theory and practical applications in industry labs. After completing the course, students can expect work opportunities in firms like Intel and Cisco and can go into fields like VLSI design, Power Engineering, and Communication Systems.
Santa Clara University Courses & Fees 2026
Santa Clara University offers various majors, minors, and master's degree programs in leading fields such as Psychology, General; Mathematics and Computer Science; Marketing/Marketing Management, General; Political Science and Government, General; Economics, General; Computer Engineering, General; and more. The Santa Clara University tuition fee varies depending on the level of study and the course chosen by the applicant. Students can check the table below for the Santa Clara University admission requirements, 1st-year tuition fees, and duration:
Santa Clara University PG Programs and Requirements
|
PG Programs |
Academic Qualifications |
English Proficiency Requirements |
Documents Required |
|---|---|---|---|
|
MBA/PGDM(10 months-2 years) |
|
IELTS: 6.5 - 7, TOEFL: 90 - 100, Duolingo: 110 - 120 |
|
|
MS(10 months-2 years) |
|
IELTS: 6.5 - 7, TOEFL: 79 - 100, GRE |
|
|
M.A.(12 months-3 years) |
|
IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 79 - 90, Duolingo: 110 & Above |
|
|
Executive MBA/PGDM(20 months) |
|
GMAT, GRE, IELTS: 7 & Above, TOEFL: 100 & Above, Duolingo: 120 & Above |
|
Santa Clara University UG Programs and Requirements
|
UG Programs |
Academic Qualifications |
English Proficiency Requirements |
Documents Required |
|---|---|---|---|
|
B.E. / B.Tech(4 years) |
|
TOEFL: 79 - 90, IELTS: 6.5 & Above, Duolingo: 110 & Above |
|
|
B.A.(4 years) |
|
TOEFL: 90 & Above |
|
|
B.Sc.(4 years) |
|
TOEFL: 90 & Above |
|
|
BBA(4 years) |
|
TOEFL: 90 & Above, IELTS: 6.5 & Above, PTE: 61 & Above |
|
|
B.Ed(4 years) |
|
GMAT, GRE, IELTS: 7 & Above, TOEFL: 100 & Above, Duolingo: 120 & Above |
|
Also Read: Cost of living in the USA for Indian students
Santa Clara University Fees 2026
Santa Clara University fees for international students range between INR 49 L and INR 54 L for UG, and INR 13 L and INR 60 L for PG. Students can check the tuition fees for popular programs below:
|
Courses |
1st Year Tuition Fees |
|---|---|
|
MBA/PGDM(4 courses) |
INR 19 L - 45 L |
|
B.E. / B.Tech(10 courses) |
INR 51 L - 55 L |
|
MS(14 courses) |
INR 19 L - 45 L |
|
B.A.(22 courses) |
INR 51 L |
|
B.Sc.(12 courses) |
INR 51 L |
|
M.A.(9 courses) |
INR 14 L - 29 L |
|
BBA(8 courses) |
INR 51 L - 55 L |
|
Executive MBA/PGDM(1 course) |
INR 62 L |
|
B.Ed(1 course) |
INR 51 L |
Santa Clara University Application Deadlines 2026
Students from all over the globe can take the Santa Clara University admission in Summer, Spring, Fall, and Winter intakes and Early or Regular modes. The Santa Clara University admission deadlines for undergraduates and graduates are given below:
Undergraduate Deadline:
|
Particulars |
Application Deadline |
|---|---|
|
Early Decision 1/Early Action |
Nov 1, 2025 |
|
Early Decision 2/Regular Decision |
Jan 7, 2026 |
|
Winter |
Oct 1, 2025 |
Graduate Deadline:
|
Programs |
Spring |
Fall |
Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Masters |
Jan 1, 2026 |
Jun 1, 2026 (tentative) |
Oct 1, 2025 |
Also Read: Admission Intakes in US Universities
Santa Clara University Visa Requirements for International Students
International students must receive their I-20/DS-2019 and pay the SEVIS fee, after that, they must fill out their DS-160 visa application and schedule a visa interview to be a part of Santa Clara University. Students must submit the following documents before attending the interview and get the review mail from the SCU:
- Proof of I-901 SEVIS Fee Payment
- Proof of DS-160 Visa Application Submission
- Proof Visa Fee Payment
- Passport
- I-20 (F-1 students)
- Proof of funding
- Proof of your admission or acceptance to SCU
- Proof of your academic qualifications for your program (TOFEL scores, admission test scores, prior degree diploma/transcripts)
- Proof that you have financial, physical, and familial ties to home country
Commonly asked questions On Admissions
With a 44% acceptance rate, Santa Clara University is hard to get into for international students. Students must perform extremely well in academics to improve their chances of selection. The low proportion demonstrates that the university has strong admissions requirements and is rigorous in its admissions process. Only 8,253 of the more than 18,000 applications the university received for the class of 2027 were accepted into undergraduate and graduate programs. When selecting applicants for admission, the university considers several academic and non-academic criteria. The quality of secondary school transcripts, academic GPA, application essay, class rank, extracurricular activities, volunteer work, work experience, and more are some important considerations.
According to the official class profile of 2027, Santa Clara University expects a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.73 from international students. The GPA range varies for different schools and colleges. The required SCU GPA for Arts and Sciences is between 3.56 and 3.88, where it ranges between 3.6 and 3.89 for the School of Business, and from 3.7 to 3.97 for the School of Engineering. Along with the GPA scores, students must submit the official transcripts from all the schools or colleges attended, letters of recommendation, teacher's/counselor recommendations, English language requirements, and more.
Santa Clara University expects GRE scores only from students pursuing a Master of Science in Computer Science and Engineering. In addition, students must have a bachelor's degree from a recognised university or equivalent, academic GPA scores, and proof of English language proficiency scores. Also, they must submit official transcripts from all the schools or colleges, letters of recommendation, teacher's/counselor recommendations, and more.
Santa Clara University MS Admissions 2026
Santa Clara University offers 10-month to 24-month master's courses for international students in specializations such as Robotics and Automation; Computer Science and Engineering; Aerospace Engineering; Power Systems and Sustainable Energy; Civil, Environmental, and Sustainable Engineering; Mechanical Engineering; and more. The tuition fee of these programs ranges between INR 19L and INR 46L. The basic eligibility criteria include a bachelor’s degree from an institution of acceptable standing, transcripts, a Letter of Recommendation, a statement of purpose, work experience, English language requirements, and a resume.
Students must hold a B.S. in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, and Computer Science and Engineering for admission to MS in CS courses.
Eligibility Criteria
- Accepting Exams: IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, GRE, GMAT
Commonly asked questions On MS Admissions
The average tuition cost for Master's courses at SCU is between INR 19 L to INR 46 L. The university offers PG courses with average duration of 10-24 months. Among the popular specializations offered by the university are: Robotics, Computer Science, Mechanical, and Civil, and Engineering.
Santa Clara University's MS in Computer Science is taught under the Department of Computer Science and Engineering. The Computer Science programme is inclined towards designing and implementing software and hardware, and solving real-world problems using effective methods. Students willing to take part in the course must have a background in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Computer Science and Engineering. If not, they must complete the foundation courses in Logic Design, Data Structure, Computer Organization, and Assembly language. The overall quality of the programme is good for international students.
If we consider the below comparison table, the University of California, Berkeley is better than Santa Clara University based on the rankings categories like national universities, best value schools, and best UG engineering programs. As per the unofficial source, UC Berkeley ranked #17 among national universities whereas the Santa Clara University ranked #63. The rankings are based on various factors however, students must look for various other factors including affordability, career opportunities, academic structure, and campus life rather than just rankings. Students can check the table below for the comparison between the two:
US News Rankings 2025 | Santa Clara University | UC Berkeley |
|---|---|---|
National Universities | #63 | #17 |
Best Value Schools | #124 | #185 |
Best UG Engineering programs | #139 | #3 |
Santa Clara University MBA Admissions 2026
Santa Clara University provides 10-month to 24-month MBA courses for international students in specializations such as Evening MBA; Business Analytics; Educational Leadership; Finance and Analytics; and more. The tuition fee of these programs ranges between INR 19L and INR 46L. The basic eligibility criteria include a bachelor’s degree from an institution of acceptable standing, transcripts, a Letter of Recommendation, a statement of purpose, work experience, English language requirements, and a resume.
Students are also required to hold a minimum of 3 years or more of professional Work Experience along with a GMAT/GRE score above the 50th percentile on the verbal portion of the Evening MBA course.
Eligibility Criteria
- Accepting Exams: IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, GMAT, GRE
Commonly asked questions On MBA/PGDM Admissions
Santa Clara University offers part-time and executive MBA programs via the Leavey School of Business. The MBA programme at Santa Clara is ranked #1 in Silicon Valley and top 15 in the nation, as per US News and World Report, which shows its quality and reputation among international candidates. The programme is ideal for working professionals and experienced executives aiming to advance their skills. The business school offers exceptional education based on real-world application and gives students access to top-level professors, peers, and professionals. The 18-month hybrid programme is worthwhile for international students.
Top-ranked in a number of areas, including Best Value Schools (#124), National Universities (#63), and Best UG Engineering programs (#139), is Santa Clara University, one of the most renowned universities. Santa Clara University offers a lot to international students in addition to its high rankings. The following are some compelling arguments for Santa Clara University:
Academic offerings: The university offers a wide range of graduate and undergraduate programs in many fields. Psychology, Speech Communication and Rhetoric, and Finance are popular majors in terms of enrollment, academic structure, and possibilities.
Campus: A number of students call SCU's main campus home which is beautiful and community-based.
Affordability: Santa Clara provides Indian students with tuition that is affordable, with prices ranging from INR 50L to INR 55L for undergraduate studies and INR 13L to INR 61L for graduate studies.
Class size: SCU strives to provide its students with compact, focused learning settings by maintaining a student-teacher ratio of 10:1. Since 42% of the student body consists of fewer than 20 students, teachers are able to devote more time to each individual.
Santa Clara University is popular for various majors including Finance; Speech Communication and Rhetoric; Psychology; Mathematics; Marketing; and more. Students can check the Santa Clara University popular majors along with the graduation rates below:
Majors | Percentage of Graduates |
|---|---|
Finance | 10% |
Speech Communication and Rhetoric | 8% |
Psychology | 7% |
Mathematics and Computer Science | 6% |
Marketing/ Marketing Management | 6% |
Note: The data is taken from an unofficial source and hence subject to vary.
Santa Clara University Application Process 2026
Santa Clara University application process requires international students to submit an application and required documents such as high school or university transcripts and pay the non-refundable Santa Clara University application fee which is USD 70 (INR 6,679) for UG applicants and USD 95(INR 8K) for PG applicants respectively. The deadlines, requirements, and criteria vary as per individual programs. Below is the step-by-step process for the Santa Clara University application procedure:
- Complete and submit an application through the Common App or the university portal
- Submit official transcripts, standardized test scores for the required program, and academic teacher evaluation, and secondary school report form
- Pay the application fee, and demonstrate English proficiency test scores
- Submit the SCU Financial Resource Statement
Commonly asked questions On Application Process
According to the official class profile of 2027, the expected GPAs from international students vary by department. For students pursuing Arts and Science, they must aim between 3.56 and 3.88, whereas students of the School of Business must score between 3.6 and 3.89. In addition, the GPA expectation for the School of Engineering is between 3.7 and 3.97, which is quite high. Students can refer to the table below for the GPA requirements to get into Santa Clara:
Departments | Arts and Science | School of Business | School of Engineering |
|---|---|---|---|
GPA score | 3.56 and 3.88 | 3.6 and 3.89 | 3.7 and 3.97 |
Santa Clara University does not ask for GMAT scores from graduate applicants as an entry-level requirement, as they prefer a holistic review process. Instead, the university expects students to fulfill the basic eligibility and submit documents such as a Letter of Recommendation, a statement of purpose, work experience, English language requirements, and a resume. However, for Leavey School of Business admission, one of the factors for selection is the GMAT/GRE score. Students can take the reference and must aim (if they are submitting) to score a GMAT score of 630 and a GRE score of 306 for MBA programs.
Students must fulfill the basic eligibility and submit the required documents such as transcripts, English language requirements, letters of recommendation, reference letters, and more before submitting the SCU application fee. The Santa Clara University application fees for undergraduate and graduate programs vary. The students can check the application fee for both programs below:
- UG: USD 70 (INR 6K)
- PG: USD 95 (INR 8.2K)
(USD 1=INR 86.72)
Santa Clara University Enrollment Statistics 2026
The admissions at Santa Clara seem really competitive as its acceptance rate is just 18.9% which isn't much better than that of the previous year. Look at the table given below for enrollment statistics:
|
Particular |
Statistics 2024-2025 |
Statistics 2023-2024 |
Statistics 2022-2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Application Received |
18,970 |
18,843 |
16,650 |
|
Admitted Students |
9,105 |
8,261 |
8,677 |
|
Total Students Enrolled |
1,611 |
1,552 |
1,641 |
|
Yield Rate |
17.7% |
18.8% |
18.9% |
|
Acceptance Rate |
48% |
43.84% |
52.11% |
Commonly asked questions On Admission
Admission to SCU is moderately selective with a 44% acceptance rate implying that admissions are only difficult at some levels thus candidate must maintain good academic standing, have the previous qualification and present all required documents as specified in the document checklist.
International students must fulfill the eligibility criteria and submit the required documents for the desired programme at Santa Clara University. The Santa Clara University requirements for UG and PG for international students are given below:
Graduate requirements:
- Official transcripts from each academic institution
- Two letters of recommendations
- Statement of purpose
- Resume
- English language requirements
- GRE (Optional)
Undergraduate requirements:
- Official high school transcripts
- Academic teacher evaluation or counselor recommendation
- Secondary school report
- Mid-year report
- English language requirements
- SCU financial resource statement
- ACT/SAT score (optional)
Santa Clara UniversityStudents Ratings & Reviews
17 Verified Reviews
- 6% students never faced discrimination in this university
Santa Clara University Admission 2026 FAQs
With a 44% acceptance rate, Santa Clara is quite difficult to get into. However, students still have a high chance if they perform excellently in academics and take part in some relevant activities or volunteer work. The university follows a holistic approach where it gives priority to certain academic and non-academic factors. If the students start working on the factors given below, their probability of getting into Santa Clara may increase:
Academic/Non-Academic Factors | Level of Importance |
|---|---|
Rigor of secondary school records | Very Important |
Class rank | Important |
Talent/Ability | Very Important |
Academic GPA | Very Important |
Application Essay | Very Important |
Extracurricular activity | Very Important |
Volunteer work | Very Important |
Work experience | Very Important |
Character/Personal quality | Very Important |
Santa Clara University requires a minimum of 6.5 and 7 scores in IELTS for UG and PG programs. Along with that, international students must submit TOEFL, and Duolingo scores to prove their English language proficiency. The English language requirements for UG and PG programs at Santa Clara University are given below:
To gain admission international students must adhere to the SCU admissions procedure listed below:
-Select a program and check its specific requirements
-Complete the application which includes submitting the necessary personal details and supporting documentation on the Common App or university portal.
-Pay the application fee of INR 6K for UG and INR 8.2K for PG as an application fee.
-Wait for a response as SCU will evaluate the application and get back to you in a few weeks.
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Santa Clara UniversityLocation
| University City | Santa Clara, California, USA |
| Size of city | Medium |
| Population of City | 1,27,000 |
Santa Clara UniversityContact Information
500 El Camino Real Santa Clara, CA 95053
Santa Clara ( California)
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