The University of California, Santa Barbara fees for international graduate students are approximately $31,000 annually, with estimated living expenses around $19,000, bringing the total yearly cost to about $50,000 (roughly ₹41,00,000 INR as of 2023). This covers tuition, housing, food, and other essential costs, reflecting the university’s commitment to delivering a high-quality education in a vibrant academic environment.
Established as an independent teachers’ college in 1891, UCSB became part of the University of California system in 1944, making it the third-oldest undergraduate campus after UC Berkeley and UCLA. It is a public, land-grant research institution located in Santa Barbara-Isla Vista, California, known for its scenic coastal setting and innovative research.
The university is organized into three undergraduate colleges – the College of Letters and Science, the College of Engineering, and the College of Creative Studies – along with two graduate schools, the Gevirtz Graduate School of Education and the Bren School of Environmental Science & Management. UCSB boasts over 200 degrees and programs, supported by 10 national research centers, including the prestigious Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics.
Program rankings at UCSB include Biopsychology (#37 UG), Chemical Engineering (#37 UG), Computer Science (#37 UG, #82 Masters), and Economics (#41 UG), making it a competitive choice for students globally.
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Know in detail about University of California, Santa Barbara’s popular programs
- BA In Statistics & Data Science
- BS In Financial Mathematics & Statistics
- BS In Biochemistry
- PhD In Statistics & Applied Probability
- PhD In Electrical & Computer Engineering
- Masters In Environmental Science & Management
- Masters In Technology Management
University of California, Santa Barbara Acceptance Rate
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UCSB admitted approximately 32.9% of freshman applicants for Fall 2024 (36,312 admits from ~110,256 apps)
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Other recent estimates place the rate between 28–33%, reflecting a competitive, public-tiered admission process .
University of California, Santa Barbara Eligibility Criteria
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A–G Coursework: Completion of the 15 required UC “A–G” courses with a grade of C or better (11 by end of junior year)
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GPA Threshold:
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Minimum 3.0 (California residents)
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Minimum 3.4 (out‑of‑state/international)
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Competitive Profile:
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Admitted students typically present weighted GPAs around 4.13–4.29, with some reporting averages over 4.3
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Nearly all are near the top of their high school class
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Holistic Review: UCSB employs a comprehensive review, considering extracurriculars, community engagement, and opportunity context
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International Academic Criteria: For IB, A-Levels, or global equivalents:
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IB Diploma: ≥6 exams, HL ≥3, total ≥30, with no scores below 4
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A-Level: ≥3 exams with B average (no grade lower than C)
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Other global systems: meet final-year academic thresholds equivalent to UCSB’s B average
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University of California, Santa Barbara Admission Requirements
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Application: Submit the UC Application starting August 1; deadline typically November 30
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Personal Insight Questions: Respond to the required UC personal insight prompts
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Transcripts & GPA: Official high school records reflecting minimum GPAs and requisite coursework .
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Standardized Tests: UCSB is test-blind—SAT/ACT scores are not considered in admissions decisions .
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English Proficiency (International Applicants): Required (e.g. TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo), assessed via equivalence or UC system standards .
If you’re planning to study in United States, check out our comprehensive guide covering everything you need to know from top universities and popular programs to career prospects, tuition fees, cost of living, scholarships, visas, and more.
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