University of California - Santa Cruz Campus
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Courses at University of California - Santa Cruz Campus

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#49 in USA

#104 in MS in USA

  • Institute Icon2000 acre campus
  • Estd. 1965
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University of California - Santa Cruz Campus Courses and Fees 2025

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Courses1st Year Tuition FeesDuration & Eligibility
B.Sc.(1 course)
Duration4 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above
B.A.(1 course)
Duration4 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above
B.E. / B.Tech(3 courses)
INR 37 L - 39 LGet Fee Details
Duration4 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above
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Commonly asked questions
On Fees and Eligibility

Q:   Why should I choose UCSC?

A: 

University of California Santa Cruz ranks #201-250 in World University in 2024 and is the #82 National university according to the top-ranking publishers. By providing 73 undergraduate majors and 66 graduate programs the students have a wide range of options to choose from based on their interests and experiences. The university provides top courses such as computer science, behavioral sciences, business and economics, sociology, political Science and government. Besides the academic excellence that the university provides, campus life also serves as an advantage as it provides exposure to its students to multiple cultures and people of different backgrounds. The scenic location of the campus is something the students will enjoy. There are multiple internship opportunities provided to the students to gain hands-on experience in various industries. Lastly, according to the information on the web many graduates work in top organizations such as google, apple, amazon thus opening opportunities for many graduates to land jobs in top organizations as well.  

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Q:   Is the GRE required for the University of California Santa Cruz?

A: 

The GRE is required for some of their graduate degree programs. The applicant must review the complete list of application requirements, including LORs, SOPs, academic transcripts and many more. However, the university does not ask for a general minimum GRE score from the applicants, but students are suggested to have a good score in order to be considered. Students applying for the following programs for 2024 admissions consideration are required to submit official GRE scores.No other programs accet or review GRE scores as part of the 2024 application:

Department

Program / Degree Objective (s)

Exam (s) Required

Applied Mathematics

MA

GRE General Test AND GRE Mathematics Subject Exam

Economics

PhD/MA

GRE General Test

Mathematics

MA, MA/PhD, PhD

GRE General Test AND GRE Mathematics Subject Exam

Technology Management

PhD

GRE General Test

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Q:   How long does it take to hear back from UC Santa Cruz?

A: 

The length of time hearing back from the UC Santa Cruz varies depending on the programme and the application volume received. Application is reverted by March from the date the application is received. The processing time may be extended if certain required documents still need to be included. Applicants can also check their status by contacting the University's admissions office for further information.

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Q:   How do I stand out as an international applicant at UC Santa Cruz?

A: 

Admission to the University of California Santa Cruz is moderately competitive. The university wants well-rounded applicants excelling in extracurricular activities as well as in academics. Candidates with unique ideas and innovative interests will surely stand out. It is suggested that applicants should highlight their unique experiences, interests, and perspectives to help the examiner or the interviewer understand the applicant's potential. Students must talk about experiences and challenges that they've overcome, as that shows how the candidate takes on tasks during tough times. Coming to the essential part, students are suggested to have strong SOPs and LOR which can persuade the examiner to give them admission at the University of California Santa Cruz Campus. 

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Q:   How can I get admission in UCSC?

A: 

Below is the application process for University of California Santa Cruz:

The University of California Santa Cruz application process may vary depending on the course and level of study you choose. However, here is the application process for UG and  PG courses.

The Undergraduate Application Process: 

Step 1: Applicants must create an account on the official website. 

Step 2: Complete the application; the applicant must fill in their details 

Step 3: Applicants must choose their interested course and be aware that each UC school they apply to requires an application fee of USD 80 (international application fee). If you can apply for Waiver, you can apply to UCSC  for free. 

Want to waive off application fee at US University?   However, you can check out: Application fee waivers for US universities. 

Step 4: Ensure you meet the English language requirements for your chosen course.

Step 5: Applicants must upload their SAT/ACT scores for UG programs

Step 6: LORs, Personal insights and transcripts of the applicant's 12th marks are essential while applying to the University of California, Santa Cruz. 

Step 7: If the applicant is selected, the university will notify the applicant through the mail they signed in. 

The Postgraduate Application Process: 

Applicants must create an account on the official website. 

Step 2: Complete the application; the applicant must fill in their details 

Step 3: Applicants must choose their interested course and be aware that each UC they apply to requires an application fee of USD 155 ( international students) for postgraduate programs.  If you can apply for Waiver, you can apply to UCSC for free. 

However, you can check out: Application fee waivers for US universities 

Step 4: Ensure you meet the English language requirements for your chosen course.

Step 5: Applicants must have completed their degrees and have their transcripts ready.

Step 6: LORs ( 3 LOR), GRE, Personal insights and work experience (Depending on the course) essential while applying to the University of California Santa Cruz

Step 7: If the applicant is selected, the university will notify the applicant through the mail they signed in. 

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UC Santa Cruz
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University of California - Santa Cruz Campus Fee Breakdown 2025

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Commonly asked questions
On Fees Breakdown

Q:   Which courses offered by the University of California Santa Cruz holds the highest ranking?

A: 

The University of California Santa Cruz secured the rank of #201-250 in 2024 in World University Rankings. According to the Shiksha study abroad grading system Biology (B+), Biomedical Engineering (C+), Computer Science (B+) and Electrical Engineering (B+) are some of the grading of the courses offered by the university of California Santa Cruz. Some of the courses offered by the University of California Santa Cruz have also been ranked by the top-ranking publishers. the list of the rankings is mentioned below-

Courses OfferedRanking 
Arts & Humanities#151-175
Computer Science#176-200
Education #176-200
Engineering#201-250
Life Science#126-150
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Q:   What is the world rank of University of California Santa Cruz?

A: 

 According to THE (Times Higher Education) and QS,  University of California - Santa Cruz Campus ranksas one of the  top universities in the world. It ranks at 192 in 2023 as per THE (Times Higher Education) University Ranking. If compared with the previous year’s ranking by QS World University Ranking, it is observe that the rankings have been Improving in the 2024 at 332 when compared to 2023 at 375.

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Q:   Is University of California Santa Cruz an expensive University?

A: 

International students applying for admission to the University of California Santa Cruz are required to pay a non-refundable application fee of USD 95 (INR 7,976). Besides the application fee, the approximately on-campus tuition fee for students at UCSC is USD 16,014 (INR 1,344,447). Other expenses such as living costs, personal expenses, cost of living, cost of books, course material, supplies, equipment, and transportation expenses also need to be taken into consideration.

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Q:   What is the ranking of UC Santa Cruz programs?

A: 

UC Santa Cruz is known for offering the best academic programs for its international students in the USA. OSU offers 73 majors and 43 minors in the undergraduate programme and 66 postgraduate programs for its students. The UC Santa Cruz top programs are ranked by Shiksha Popularity Rankings that are as follows:

Top Courses

Shiksha Popularity Rankings

MS

#104

Physics

#41

Biology

#47

Computer Science Engineering

#68

Mathematics

#84

Electrical Engineering

#91

Biomedical Engineering

#114

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Q:   What is the application fee at the University of California Santa Cruz Campus for international students?

A: 

International students must pay an application fee of USD 95 each for undergraduate and USD 155 for graduate programs. The application amount is non-refundable if the students don’t get selected. It’s important to note that application fees are subject to vary every term, and it’s suggested to double check the current fee with the specific programme you are applying to. However, the applicant should also be aware of the waivers and other resources that can help you to offset these costs.

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Tips: I have enjoyed my overall experience at the University of California, Santa Cruz. I have gained a lot of learning, experience, and maturity while studying here. The faculty and student body are very involved, which makes for a great learning environment. The library is well-equipped, and there is a constant buzz on campus because of the variety of clubs and societies. You will be able to get practical experience through some hands-on projects, which will help you after graduation. Finally, joining study groups and societies is a great way to form a network and gain a sense of community.
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UC Santa Cruz
Location

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University CitySanta Cruz, California, USA

UC Santa Cruz
Contact Information

Address

UC SANTA CRUZ,
1156 HIGH STREET,
SANTA CRUZ, CA 95064

Santa Cruz ( California)

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