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Santa Clara University Admissions 2026: Requirements, Application Deadlines & Fees
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International undergraduate students can apply for Santa Clara University admission 2026 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: closed
- Early/Regular Decision II: Jan 7, 2026
- Winter: Oct 1, 2026
MS (School of Engineering):
- Spring: Jan 1, 2026
- Fall: Jun 1, 2026
- Winter: closed
MBA Deadline:
- Spring: Jan 20, 2026 (Evening MBA)
- Fall: Apr 1, 2026 (Round 1); Jun 1, 2025 (Round 2)
- Santa Clara University Admissions 2026
- Santa Clara University Admission Dates 2026
- Santa Clara University Application Deadlines 2026
- How to get into Santa Clara University?
- Santa Clara University Enrollment Statistics 2026
- + 2 more items
Santa Clara University Admissions 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.
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, Counseling Psychology, Theology, and Pastoral Ministries. The SCU tuition cost range between INR 51L and INR 56L for UG, and INR 13L and INR 63L for PG.
According to the official class profile of 2027, the Santa Clara University acceptance rate is 48%. The low percentage showcases that the university is tough to get into. 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. After this, students need to pay the application fee. The Santa Clara University admission requirements for international students is given below:
|
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 |
48% |
|
English language tests accepted |
|
|
Standardized tests required |
|
|
International application deadlines |
UG: Jan 7, 2026 (Early decision II) MS (School of Engineering): Jan 1, 2026 (Spring) |
Commonly asked questions
MBA is a good choice for students or working professionals looking an enhancement in their careers and gain knowledge in marketing, data analytics, finance, etc. The course is available in various modes of study (evening, weekend, and online). Students who want a senior positions in tech, consulting, and finance can choose an MBA at Santa Clara.
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.
The program has various subjects like Embedded Systems, Signal Processing, and Renewable Energy Systems. The university also offers research opportunities that has theory and practical applications in industry labs. After completing the course, students can expect work opportunities in Intel and Cisco and can go into fields like VLSI design, Power Engineering, and Communication Systems.
Santa Clara University Admission Dates 2026
International students who want to take admission to Santa Clara University can apply through Common App or the official portal based on the level of study. The applications for UG is available in Early and winter intakes. The application deadline for PG is available in Spring, Summer, and Fall semesters. The application for masters is available from Jan 1, 2026. Students can check the admission dates for UG and PG programs below:
Santa Clara University Application Deadlines
Students from all over the globe can take the Santa Clara University admission in Spring, Summer,Fall, and Winter intakes and Early or Regular modes. The deadline for UG early decision I has been closed. The Santa Clara University admission deadlines for undergraduates and graduates are given below:
Undergraduate Deadline:
|
Particulars |
Application Deadline |
|---|---|
|
Early Decision 1/Early Action |
closed |
|
Early Decision 2/Regular Decision |
Jan 7, 2026 |
|
Winter |
Oct 1, 2026 |
Graduate Deadline:
|
Programs |
Spring |
Fall |
Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Masters |
Jan 1, 2026 |
Jun 1, 2026 |
closed |
Also Read: Admission Intakes in US Universities
Santa Clara University Application Deadlines 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 Admission Requirements 2026
Postgraduate students should have a bachelor’s degree from an institution or equivalent. They should submit an official transcripts, resume, statement of purpose, letter of recommendations, GRE/GMAT score, and more. The Santa Clara University PG requirements for international students are given below:
|
PG Programs |
Academic Qualifications |
English Proficiency Requirements |
Documents Required |
|---|---|---|---|
|
MBA/PGDM(10 months-2 years) |
A bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or equivalent |
IELTS: 6.5 - 7, TOEFL: 90 - 100, Duolingo: 110 - 120 |
Official transcripts from each academic institution Two letters of recommendations Statement of purpose Resume English language requirements GRE (Optional) |
|
MS(10 months-2 years) |
A bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or equivalent |
IELTS: 6.5 - 7, TOEFL: 79 - 100, GRE |
Official transcripts from each academic institution Two letters of recommendations Statement of purpose Resume English language requirements GRE (Mandatory for MS in CS & Engg.) |
|
M.A.(12 months-3 years) |
A bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or equivalent |
IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 79 - 90, Duolingo: 110 & Above |
Official transcripts from each academic institution Two letters of recommendations Statement of purpose Resume English language requirements GRE (Optional) |
|
Executive MBA/PGDM(20 months) |
A bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or equivalent |
GMAT, GRE, IELTS: 7 & Above, TOEFL: 100 & Above, Duolingo: 120 & Above |
Official transcripts from each academic institution Two letters of recommendations Statement of purpose Resume English language requirements GRE (Optional) |
Santa Clara University UG Admission Requirements 2026
Undergraduate students should have a proof of high school completion. They should submit an official transcripts, teacher recommendations, ACT/SAT score, and more. The Santa Clara University UG requirements for international students are given below:
|
UG Programs |
Academic Qualifications |
English Proficiency Requirements |
Documents Required |
|---|---|---|---|
|
B.E. / B.Tech(4 years) |
Proof of high school completion |
TOEFL: 79 - 90, IELTS: 6.5 & Above, Duolingo: 110 & Above |
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) |
|
B.A.(4 years) |
Proof of high school completion |
TOEFL: 90 & Above |
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) |
|
B.Sc.(4 years) |
Proof of high school completion |
TOEFL: 90 & Above |
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) |
|
BBA(4 years) |
Proof of high school completion |
TOEFL: 90 & Above, IELTS: 6.5 & Above, PTE: 61 & Above |
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) |
|
B.Ed(4 years) |
Proof of high school completion |
GMAT, GRE, IELTS: 7 & Above, TOEFL: 100 & Above, Duolingo: 120 & Above |
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) |
Also Read: Cost of living in the USA for Indian students
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. 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 acceptance to SCU
- Proof of your academic qualifications
- Proof that you have financial 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.
According to the official class profile of 2027, Santa Clara University want a minimum GPA of 3.73 from international students. The GPA 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.
Santa Clara University want a 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 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 tuition cost for Master's courses at SCU is between INR 19 L to INR 46 L. The university offers PG courses with a duration of 10-24 months. Some of 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 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. 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 MBA programs through the Leavey School of Business. The MBA program 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 in international candidates. The program is good for working professionals and experienced people aiming to advance their skills.
Top-ranked in a number of areas, including Best Value Schools (#124), National Universities (#63), is Santa Clara University, one of the most renowned universities. The following are some compelling arguments for Santa Clara University:
Academic offerings: Psychology, Speech Communication and Rhetoric, and Finance are popular majors
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.
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.
How to get into Santa Clara University?
To complete Santa Clara University application process, international students have to submit application and required documents and pay non refundable Santa Clara University application fee. Below is the step-by-step process for the Santa Clara University application procedure:
- Firstly, complete and submit an application through the Common App or the university portal
- Now, submit all the required documents as per the below checklist for UG and PG programs
Document checklist table
|
UG Requirements |
PG Requirements |
|---|---|
|
Official transcripts from each academic institution |
Official high school transcripts |
|
Two letters of recommendations |
Academic teacher evaluation or counselor recommendation |
|
Statement of purpose
|
Secondary school report Mid-year report |
|
Resume |
SCU financial resource statement |
|
English language requirements |
English language requirements |
|
GRE (Optional) |
ACT/SAT score (optional) |
- Next is pay the application fee, and demonstrate English proficiency test scores
- Then, submit the SCU financial statement
- At last, the university will provide a confirmation letter to the international students
Commonly asked questions On Application Process
According to the official class profile of 2027, the expected GPAs from international students vary by department. 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 students as an entry-level requirement, as they prefer a holistic review process. 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.
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
As per the enrollment data for 2025, over 18,000 students applied in the first year, more than 1,600 students get admission. The SCU acceptance rate is 48% for international students. The acceptance rate get slightly increased compared to the previous year. International students can check the table below for enrollment data over the year:
|
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.
If you're an Indian student looking for admission, you would be required to submit two LORs, SOP, Resume, and a valid score in SAT, ACT, GRE or GMAT. This is not it, you would also be required to prove a good grasp of verbal and written English, and for that, you'd have to attain valid scores in the IELTS or TOEFL.
Santa Clara UniversityStudents Ratings & Reviews
17 Verified Reviews
- 6% students never faced discrimination in this university
Santa Clara University Admission 2026 FAQs
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:
Check the steps to gain admission that Foreign students must adhere to the SCU admissions procedure mentioned below
- Select a program and check its specific requirements
- Complete the application which includes submitting the necessary personal details and supporting docs on the Common App or uni portal.
- Pay INR 6K for ug and INR 8.2K for pg as an application fee.
- Wait for a response
Santa Clara University
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 4 months ago
Santa Clara provides over 50 programs to its students. The business school of SCU is also known as the Leavey School of Business, offering courses at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. MBA from SCU can cost around INR 19L - 45 L for the first-year under both, offline and online modes. Moreover t
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Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 months ago
The university has a reputation for finding and polishing rough diamonds. Gavin Newsome, who is currently serving as the Governor of California, Hollywood Actor Shemar Moore, and Author of 'The Kite Runner', Khalid Hosseini, are just some of the names to have completed their studies from the univers
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 8 months ago
The Santa Clara University is known to offer a great study environment to its students. As per reviews posted by students on Shiksha Study Abroad, the overall student consensus around the university can be described as satisfactory.
Majority of the student reviews state, that their university experie
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 8 months ago
Santa Clara University is among the top universities for international students to continue higher education in USA. SCU graduates works for top companies all over the world. Moreover, the graduates are constantly in high demand. According to student's reviews on Shiksha, Santa Clara University has
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 8 months ago
Santa Clara University is known for offering the best academic programs at undergraduate and postgraduate for its international student. SCU popular programs attracts students from all over the world. SCU provides over 50 majors, including majors, minors, and special programs for its students. A few
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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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