Information is exploratory. For accurate information, refer to the official website of the school.
About UCSC
University of California-Santa Cruz (UCSC) — public non-profit university. It is located in Santa Cruz, United States. The higher education institution is considered one of the youngest in the country, as it was founded in 1965. UCSC is a part of University of California System, Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities (APLU), Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA). Sport affiliations and memberships: National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
It is one of the best institutions in the world. In QS World University Rankings 2024, it is among top-330. UCSC is one of the best universities in the United States. Times Higher Education World University Ranking (THE), places the university in 193 position in the world.
UCSC does research in different fields of study and invites students to bachelor and master programs.
Place in ratings
By subject
Subject | Place in QS 2023 |
---|---|
Natural Sciences | 246 |
Arts & Humanities | 275 |
Life Sciences & Medicine | 484 |

UCSC tuition fees
The academic year at UCSC is divided into quarters. However, tuition fees are calculated per year. Tuition fees at UCSC for local citizens starts from 14,174 USD per year. For international students, the cost of study differs — from 15,098 USD. Thanks to financial support programs, students have the opportunity to fully or partially cover the cost of education. Check the university website for up-to-date information on prices and scholarships.
Additional costs
In addition to the cost of education, it is necessary to pay attention to additional costs: accommodation, transportation, study materials, meals and personal expenses.
Study programs at UCSC
Education & Training
Education, Democracy, and Justice (EDJ)
Mathematics Education
Psychology
Science Education
Law
Legal Studies
Engineering & Technology
Biomolecular Engineering and Bioinformatics
Electrical Engineering
Network and Digital Technology
Robotics Engineering
Economics & Business Management
Business Management Economics
Economics
Film and Digital Media
Global Economics
Mathematics
History, Philosophy & Theology
Art: Studio
History
History of Art and Visual Culture
Jewish Studies
Music
Medicine
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Biology
Biomolecular Engineering and Bioinformatics
Biotechnology
Chemistry
Arts & Humanities
Art
Art Studio
Art and Design - Games and Playable Media
Art: Electronic and Digital Media
Art: Intermedia
Computer Science & IT
Art and Design - Games and Playable Media
Computer Engineering
Computer Science
Computer Science: Computer Game Design
Environmental Studies - Geographic Information Systems Concentration
Languages, Literature & Linguistics
Applied Linguistics and Multilingualism
Classical Studies
Cognitive Science
Italian Studies
Language Studies
Natural Sciences & Mathematics
Applied Mathematics
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Biology
Chemistry
Ecology and Evolution
Humanities
Applied Linguistics and Multilingualism
Classical Studies
Cognitive Science
History
Jewish Studies
Social Sciences & Management
Anthropology
Art: Electronic and Digital Media
Art: Intermedia
Business Management Economics
Cognitive Science
Physical Sciences
Agroecology
Applied Mathematics
Applied Physics
Earth Sciences
Ecology and Evolution
Environmental Studies & Earth Sciences
Agroecology
Ecology and Evolution
Environmental Studies - Geographic Information Systems Concentration
Environmental Studies - Global Environmental Justice Concentration
Marine Biology
Agriculture & Forestry
Agroecology
Marine Biology
Plant Sciences
Other
Music
Agriculture & Forestry
Ocean Sciences
Education & Training
Education
Languages, Literature & Linguistics
Linguistics
Literature
Natural Language Processing
Computer Science & IT
Computational Media
Computer Science and Engineering
Digital Arts and New Media
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Games and Playable Media
Journalism & Media
Digital Arts and New Media
Science Communication
Medicine
Biomolecular Engineering and Bioinformatics
Chemistry
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology
Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology
Environmental Studies & Earth Sciences
Coastal Science and Policy
Earth Sciences
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology
History, Philosophy & Theology
Art - Environmental Art and Social Practice
Philosophy
Engineering & Technology
Biomolecular Engineering and Bioinformatics
Coastal Science and Policy
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Physics
Arts & Humanities
Art - Environmental Art and Social Practice
Computational Media
Digital Arts and New Media
Music
Science Communication
Humanities
Art - Environmental Art and Social Practice
Linguistics
Literature
Natural Language Processing
Philosophy
Physical Sciences
Applied Mathematics
Coastal Science and Policy
Earth Sciences
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Mathematics
Natural Sciences & Mathematics
Applied Mathematics
Biomolecular Engineering and Bioinformatics
Chemistry
Earth Sciences
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Accounting & Finance
Applied Economics and Finance
Economics & Business Management
Applied Economics and Finance
Applied Mathematics
Science Communication
Social Sciences & Management
Applied Economics and Finance
Coastal Science and Policy
Digital Arts and New Media
Science Communication
Social Documentation
Other
Computer Engineering

Bachelor degree at UCSC
Enrollment in bachelor's programs is based on the results of entrance examinations. However, your GPA score must also be at least 3.4. Read how to calculate it in this article. Before submitting documents to the university, applicants take an English language exam. The university accepts the results of IELTS or TOEFL. The minimum TOEFL score is 80. The IELTS score is not lower than 6.5. Applicants will need a subject exam — ACT or SAT.
Master's degree at UCSC
The academic performance of a student in an undergraduate program plays an important role in the selection of candidates. It is impossible to enter UCSC for a master's program without confirming knowledge of the English language. You can do this by passing IELTS or TOEFL. The minimum IELTS score for admission is 7. TOEFL — 83 or higher.
UCSC campus
The campus of the educational institution is suburban. The advantages of such a location include the ability to quickly get to the city, access to various types of recreation (in nature and in the city) and a close-knit student community. The university has a library where students can do their homework, write scientific papers or just read interesting books. UCSC regularly accepts students for international exchange programs, providing both local and international students with the opportunity to come into contact with different cultures and gain unique experience.

What to do after graduation
After graduation, you can stay in United States for another year. You can do this by extending your student visa or applying for a job search visa. Look for more immigration options in our article.
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