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UC Santa Barbara Admissions 2025: Application Deadline, Requirements & Costs
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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 2026 is Dec 02, 2025
- UCSB deadline for graduate admission is by programs
- UCSB application deadline for MBA admission is Dec 01, 2025 (priority deadline)
- University of California Santa Barbara Admission Overview
- UC Santa Barbara Courses & Fees 2025
- UC Santa Barbara Application Deadlines 2025
- UC Santa Barbara Application Process 2025
- UC Santa Barbara Enrollment Statistics 2025
- UC Santa Barbara Students review
- UC Santa Barbara Admission 2025 FAQs
University of California Santa Barbara Admission Overview
One of the leading research institutions, the University of California, Santa Barbara, is popular for providing a liberal arts learning experience where teaching and research go hand-in-hand. The university is one of the 71 research-intensive institutions in the US and Canada, belonging to the Association of American Universities. As per the academic year 2023-2024, over 24,000 students took UC Barbara admission during Fall, Spring, and Winter quarters.
The UC Santa Barbara courses include 200 majors, over 90 undergraduates, and more than 50 graduate programs. Some popular majors and programs are Environmental Science and Management, Economics, Chemistry, Materials, Statistics, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Marine Science, Applied Mathematics, Environmental Data Science, Technology Management, and more.
The UC Santa Barbara tuition cost ranges between INR 39 L and INR 41 L for undergraduate students, and between INR 22 L and INR 59 L for postgraduate students.
According to an unofficial source, the University of California Santa Barbara acceptance rate is 28%. This demonstrates that the university is stringent during admission and follows a tough process while selecting candidates. The university considers various academic factors, including the rigor of secondary school record, academic GPA, application essay, and more, during admission. Students must perform excellently throughout their higher secondary and degree.
Also Check: Study Guide to the USA for International Students
University of California, Santa Barbara Admission History
Founded in 1891 as Anna Blake Manual Training School, UCSB evolved into Santa Barbara State College, joined the UC System in 1944, and gained university status in 1958. The University of California, Santa Barbara is a member of the Association of American Universities and is overseen by the UC Board of Regents.
University of California, Santa Barbara Departments
The University of California, Santa Barbara comprises three undergraduate colleges and two graduate schools. Some popular ones are College of Letters & Science, College of Engineering, College of Creative Studies, Bren School of Environment Science, Management and Gevirtz Graduate School of Education, and more. The UCSB departments, along with the specialized majors, are given below:
|
Departments |
Specialized Majors |
|---|---|
|
College of Engineering |
Chemical, Computer Science, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Mechanical, Materials, Technology Management |
|
College of Creative Studies |
Art, Computing, Writing, Biology, etc |
|
College of Letters & Science |
Humanities, Sciences and Social Sciences |
UC Santa Barbara Admissions 2025 Highlights
Applicants must complete a UC Santa Barbara admission process by the deadline to study UG and PG courses. Applicants must submit academic transcripts, exam scores, and other necessary documents to complete the process. They must also pay a non-refundable application fee (vary by application) to submit the application. The below table includes the highlights of admission at the university:
|
Particular |
Stats |
|---|---|
|
Application portal |
UG: apply.universityofcalifornia.edu PG: graddiv.ucsb.edu/eapp |
|
Application fee |
UG: USD 95 or INR 7,961.85 PG: USD 155 or INR 12,990.38 |
|
Acceptance rate |
33% |
|
English language tests accepted |
|
|
Standardized tests required |
PG: GRE |
|
International application deadlines |
UG: Dec 02, 2025 (Fall 2026) PG: Vary by Program MBA: Dec 01, 2025 |
|
UCSB admission guide |
(USD 1 = INR 83.81)
Commonly asked questions
No. The University of California, Santa Barbara does not select candidates based on the ACT or SAT scores, even if submitted. The university prioritizes several other things, such as rigor of secondary school record, academic GPA, application essay, and more. To improve their selection chances, students must focus on their academics and aim to score a high GPA along with fulfilling the basic eligibility.
The University of California, Santa Barbara, evaluates applications based on the students' academic performance, involvement in relevant extracurricular activities, personal insight responses, and life experiences. Some of the factors considered by the university while selecting UG and PG candidates, along with the level of importance, are given below:
Academic/Non-academic Factors | Level of Importance |
|---|---|
Rigor of secondary school record | Important |
Class rank | Not considered |
Academic Grade Point Average (GPA) | Very Important |
Recommendations | Not considered |
Standardized test scores | Not considered |
Application essay | Very Important |
Interview | Not considered |
Extracurricular activities | considered |
Talent/ability | considered |
Character/personal qualities | considered |
The UC Santa Barbara courses comprise 200 majors, over 90 undergraduates, and more than 50 graduate programs. Some popular majors and programs are Environmental Science and Management, Economics, Chemistry, Materials, Statistics, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Marine Science, Applied Mathematics, Environmental Data Science, Technology Management, and more. Some of the competitive majors are:
- Economics
- Sociology
- Communications
- Psychology
- Biology
- Environmental Science
UC Santa Barbara Courses & Fees 2025
Students can pursue over 100 UC Santa Barbara courses at undergraduate and graduate levels. These courses are available in multiple specializations such as Big Data & Analytics; Business Economics; Computer Science; Film & TV; Mechanical Engineering; Zoology; etc. Most of the graduate programs at UCSB accept applications for Fall admissions only. Mentioned below are some popular graduate courses at the university with UC Santa Barbara admission eligibility:
|
PG Programs |
Academic Qualifications |
English Proficiency Requirements |
Documents Required |
|---|---|---|---|
|
IELTS: 7 & Above, TOEFL: 80 - 100, Duolingo: 120 - 130 |
|
|
|
GRE, IELTS: 7 & Above, TOEFL: 100 & Above |
|
|
|
IELTS: 7 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above |
|
|
|
GRE, IELTS: 7 & Above, TOEFL: 100 & Above |
|
The table below includes undergraduate courses with their admission requirements:
|
UG Programs |
Academic Qualifications |
English Proficiency Requirements |
Documents Required |
|---|---|---|---|
|
IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above |
|
|
|
IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above, SAT |
|
|
|
IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above |
|
|
|
IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above |
|
Know more : Cost of living in the USA for International Students
UC Santa Barbara Fees for International Students 2025
UC Santa Barbara fees vary between INR 39 L and INR 41 L for undergraduate students, and between INR 22 L and INR 59 L for postgraduate students. The table below includes the University of California Santa Barbara tuition fee for international students:
|
Courses |
1st Year Tuition Fees |
|---|---|
|
MS(17 courses) |
INR 23 L - 59 L |
|
MBA/PGDM(2 courses) |
INR 26 L - 59 L |
|
M.A.(15 courses) |
INR 23 L - 26 L |
|
B.E. / B.Tech(7 courses) |
INR 39 L - 41 L |
|
B.Sc.(22 courses) |
INR 39 L - 41 L |
|
B.A.(40 courses) |
INR 39 L - 41 L |
|
MFA(1 course) |
INR 23 L |
|
BBA(2 courses) |
INR 39 L - 41 L |
Read more about the Cost of Studying in the USA for International Students
UC Santa Barbara Application Deadlines 2025
Applicants must submit their application for UG and PG admission by the UC Santa Barbara admission deadline. The application for undergraduate admission in 2025 is open and applicants must submit their application. The below table includes the important dates and deadlines for the University of California Santa Barbara UG application:
|
UCSB UG Application |
Dates & Deadlines |
|---|---|
|
Begin your UC application |
Aug 01 |
|
Submit your Fall 2025 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 the official test score |
Jul 15 |
The below table includes the UC Santa Barbara application deadlines for graduate admission:
|
Graduate Programs |
Application Deadlines |
|---|---|
|
Master of Environmental Data Science |
Fall: Dec 01, 2025 |
|
Master of Environmental Science and Management |
Fall: Dec 15, 2025 |
|
MS in Actuarial Science |
Winter: Nov 15, 2025 |
|
MBA |
Fall: Dec 01, 2024 (priority deadline) Fall: Jan 02, 2026 (final deadline) |
|
MS in Computer Science |
Fall: Dec 15, 2025 |
|
MS in Film and Media Studies |
Fall: Dec 01, 2025 |
|
MA in Music |
Fall: Jan 10, 2026 |
|
MS in Mechanical Engineering |
Fall: Dec 15, 2025 |
Also read: Fall Intake in the USA
University of California Santa Barbara Selection Criteria
As per an unofficial source, the University of California, Santa Barbara acceptance rate is between 28%-33%. This shows that the university is stringent during admission and follows a tough selection approach based on academic performance, extracurricular activities, life challenges, leadership qualities, and personal essay. The UCSB selection criteria for international UG and PG applicants are given below:
Undergraduate selection criteria:
International students must have proof of completion of Class 12 from recognized boards (CBSE/ICSE/State Board), and score between 75%-85% or higher in Indian terms. The subject background should be English, Mathematics, Laboratory Science, Foreign Language, and Social Studies. They must also demonstrate English language requirements by submitting the scores of IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo, and more. The standardized test scores are optional but recommended by previous year students who were selected.
Graduate Selection Criteria:
International graduate applicants must hold a 4-year undergraduate degree from a recognized institute, and the degree must be NAAC-accredited Grade A and listed in the Association of Indian Universities. The students must hold a GPA of 3 on 4-point scale, or between 65-70%. However, some departments like Computer Science, Engineering, and Physics expect a higher GPA of 75-80%. They must also demonstrate English language requirements by submitting the scores of IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo, and more. Some mandatory requirements include GRE/GMAT score, letter of recommendations, Statement of purpose, Resume, and more.
UC Santa Barbara Visa Documents Required
Mentioned below is the list of documents required for a US Visa for international students:
- A valid passport with a validity date of at least six months beyond your period of stay
- A printed copy of DS-160, the online application form
- SEVIS Fee Receipt
- Interview appointment letter (original and copy)
- Form I-20 sent by the college (where you are going to study)
- Visa fee payment confirmation receipt
- Bank statement for at least three years showing that you have enough assets to pay for the first year (could be of parent or guardian)
- Pay/salary slips
- Original mark sheets/provisional certificates
- Score sheet of exams like TOEFL or IELTS as ELP proofs along with either ACT or SAT for UG admissions or GMAT or GRE for PG admissions
- Financial Documents are required to show financial strength to support education in the USA
Read more about the USA Study Visa Requirements for Indian Students
Commonly asked questions On Admissions
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?
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:
According to Shiksha reviews on the University of California Santa Barbara, the university gets an overall rating of 3.9 out of 5.0 for safety, quality of faculty, internships, post-study jobs, etc. As per the students, the university campus has Fun-loving, Multi-dimensional, Friendly, Sporty, etc. vibes. UCSB gets the highest 4.5 rating out of 5.0 for Public transportation. Therefore, it's a good decision for students to study in the USA at the University of California Santa Barbara.
UC Santa Barbara MS Admission 2025
The University of California, Santa Barbara, offers an MS program in over 15 specializations for international students. Some popular MS specializations are Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Technology Management, Environmental Science & Management, Environmental Data Science, etc. UCSB MS fees vary between INR 22 L and INR 46 L for the year. The below infographic includes the steps to apply for MS admission at the university:
Check the list of Top Universities for MS In the USA
Eligibility Criteria
- Accepting Exams: IELTS, Duolingo, TOEFL, GRE
Commonly asked questions On MS Admissions
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
The University of California Santa Barbara can take several months to review applications and release admissions decisions. The time needed to finalize admissions decisions varies greatly depending on the admission intakes and other factors at the university. Admissions decisions are typically released throughout winter and spring for UCSB master's admission.
UC Santa Barbara MBA Admission 2025
International students can study an affordable MBA course at UCSB. The cost of studying MBA (first year) is around INR 25 L. The duration of the University of California Santa Barbara MBA program is 9 months. The below infographic includes the MBA application process for students:
Also read: Top Ranked MBA Universities in the USA
Eligibility Criteria
- Accepting Exams: IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo, GRE
Commonly asked questions On MBA/PGDM Admissions
The University of California, Santa Barbara offers an MBA program in Economics for international students. The cost of studying MBA (first year) is around INR 25 L and the duration of the program is 9 months. Mentioned below are the admission criteria to study MBA at the university:
- 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
International students must meet the entry requirements and submit the application by the deadline to study MBA program. Mentioned below are the steps to apply for the University of California Santa Barbara MBA admission:
UC Santa Barbara Application Process 2025
Applicants must complete the application process to get admission to UG and PG courses at the university. They must submit all the necessary documents along with a non-refundable application fee by the University of California admission deadline. The below infographic includes the steps to apply for UG admission at the university:
Mentioned below is the University of California Santa Barbara application process for graduate admission:
Step 1: Visit ‘graddiv.ucsb.edu/eapp’ and create an account to start the graduate application.
Step 2: Select ‘Course’ and fill necessary details.
Step 3: Now, provide personal information, education history, and other information.
Step 4: Submit your exam scores, financial information, LORs, etc.
Step 5: Review and pay UC Santa Barbara application fee to submit the application.
Also read: College / University Application Process for USA
University of California Santa Barbara Top-Ranked Courses
Indian students who have graduated from UCSB have mostly taken subjects like Material Science, Chemical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Chemistry, and more. The reason to opt for these courses was top national and global rankings, research-intensive curriculum, facilities, reputation, and more. Some of the top-ranked UCSB majors taken by Indian students, along with the specialty, are given below in the table:
|
Program / Subject |
U.S. News (National) |
Why Indian Students Prefer It |
|---|---|---|
|
Materials Science (Graduate) |
#1 (public), #3 overall |
Research-intensive, industry & quantum labs, 5?yr BS/MS |
|
Chemical Engineering (Graduate) |
#9 (public), #14 overall |
Longstanding reputation, engineering ROI |
|
Mechanical Engineering (Graduate) |
#15 (public), #24 overall |
Broad engineering careers, strong faculty productivity |
|
Electrical & Computer Engineering |
~#15 / #27 |
Quantum, electronics, CS synergy |
|
Computer Science (Graduate) |
#13 (public), #27 overall |
Ideal for CS-oriented Indian students |
|
Physics (Graduate & UG) |
#9 national; GRAS top?10 |
Nobel faculty, strong undergrad research access |
|
Chemistry |
#24 national; #80 global |
Pre?med path, research labs, interdisciplinary scope |
|
Biological Sciences |
#50 national; #300 global |
Life sciences research, bio?engineering pipeline |
|
Economics |
#34 national; #216 global |
Quantitative economics, policy, data science prep |
Commonly asked questions On Application Process
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.
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)
UC Santa Barbara Enrollment Statistics 2025
Applicants from all over the world apply for UCSB admission to study UG and PG courses. The university has received over 110,000 applications for the Fall of 2024-25 to study undergraduate courses and the university accepts only 36,347 students. Therefore, the UCSB acceptance rate is around 33% for the Fall of 2024-25. The table below includes the UC Santa Barbara enrollment statistics UG admission:
|
Particulars |
Stats 2023-2024 |
Stats 2024-2025 |
|---|---|---|
|
Application Received |
110,876 |
110,266 |
|
Admitted Students |
30,805 |
36,347 |
|
Total Students Enrolled |
5,043 |
5,008 |
|
Yield Rate |
16.4% |
13.8% |
|
Acceptance Rate |
27.78% |
33.00% |
|
Average GPA |
4.21 |
4.42 |
|
Admission Reports |
Check the list of High Acceptance Rate Universities in the USA
Commonly asked questions On Admission
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 |
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.
UC Santa BarbaraStudents Ratings & Reviews
15 Verified Reviews
- 7% students never faced discrimination in this university
UC Santa Barbara Admission 2025 FAQs
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 |
Graduate Programs | Application Deadlines |
|---|---|
Master of Environmental Data Science | Fall: Dec 01, 2025 |
Master of Environmental Science and Management | Fall: Dec 15, 2025 |
MS in Actuarial Science | Winter: Nov 15, 2025 Spring: Feb 15, 2025 Fall: May 01, 2025 |
MBA | Fall: Dec 01, 2025 (priority deadline) Fall: Jan 02, 2026 (final deadlines) |
MS in Computer Science | Fall: Dec 15, 2025 |
MS in Film and Media Studies | Fall: Dec 01, 2025 |
MA in Music | Fall: Jan 10, 2025 |
MS in Mechanical Engineering | Fall: Dec 15, 2025 |
Check the Admission Intakes In US Universities
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
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:
| Universities | Acceptance Rate | Tuition Fees for First Year |
|---|---|---|
| University of California Santa Barbara | 33% | INR 22 L to INR 46 L |
| University of California San Diego | 25% | 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.
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 |
International students who meet the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) requirements are eligible for undergraduate admissions. They must complete a high school degree with at least a GPA of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0 to get admission to the university. They must also show the English proficiency proof to get into the university. Mentioned below are the general UCSB requirements for undergraduate admission:
- Complete both year X and XII state board or CBSE examinations, with a minimum average of at least 60 and no mark below 45
- ACT/SAT scores are optional
- Must meet English language requirements
- Submit personal statement
From traditional style residence halls to suite and apartments accommodations, there are plenty of housing options available for the students of the University of California, Santa Barbara campus. Based on the budget that a student might be following, they can go for single room starting from USD 23,625 (INR 20.6 L) for a year with 19 meals included in the plan to small double room under their Gold plan with 10 meals a month costing USD 17,129 (INR 14.9 L).
Below mentioned are some off-campus apartment options that a UG student might go for:
- El Dorado
- San Joaquin Villages
- Santa Ynez
- Sierra Madre Villages
- Westgate
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UC Santa BarbaraContact Information
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