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University of California, Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, California, USA

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Intakes

( Jan/Feb , Jun/Jul , Aug/Sep ) 2026

INTAKE OPEN

Note: Intake dates are subject to change.

Admission offer10-15 days after your application is submitted

University information

Address

Santa Cruz, California, USA

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Highlights

US News ranking: 84

Programs offered: 2

International students: 0

Acceptance rate: N/A

About

UCSC is classified as an R1: Very high research activity university, and is a member of the Association of American Universities. It features notable faculty including Nobel laureates, National Academy members, and award‑winning researchers. Students can choose from ~70 undergrad majors across arts, humanities, sciences, social sciences, and engineering, supported by a distinctive collegiate residential system of ten small colleges with close-knit communities.

Why choose this university?

1. Top‑ranked research programs, especially in marine biology and space sciences, with access to unique facilities like the Lick and Keck Observatories

2. UCSC boasts high-impact research programs and distinguished faculty members, offering students opportunities to engage in cutting-edge work

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Programs offered

Master of Computer Science (M.S.)Engineering & IT

Deadline

14-12-2025

Duration

2 yrs

Taught in

English

Cost

$30,500 /yr

MS in Electrical & Computer EngineeringEngineering & IT

Deadline

14-12-2025

Duration

2 yrs

Taught in

English

Cost

$30,500 /yr

Cost of studying at University of California, Santa Cruz

Overall cost approximately$30,000 /year

$16,089 /yearAverage tuition fee

$18,000 /yearOn-Campus acommodation

$12,000 /yearCost of Living

Available Scholarships

No scholarships found

Admissions at University of California, Santa Cruz

Application fee$155

Payment via:

Documents required to apply

Official academic records
Financial statement and certificate
Statement of purpose

Letter of recommendation
Copy of passport
Curriculum vitae

FAQ

What are the admission requirements for international students in the USA?

U.S. universities have a holistic admissions process, but standard requirements typically include:

Valid Passport
Academic Transcripts (translated into English if necessary)
Standardized Test Scores (e.g., SAT/ACT for undergraduate; GRE/GMAT for graduate programs—note that many universities have adopted test-optional policies since 2021)
English Proficiency Test Scores:
- TOEFL iBT (recommended: 80–100+)
- IELTS (recommended: 6.5–7.5+)
- Duolingo English Test (DET) (recommended: 110–130+)
Letters of Recommendation (typically 2–3)
Statement of Purpose / Personal Essay
Resume/CV (especially for graduate programs or work experience-based applications)
Application Form and Fee: Most applications cost $50–$100
Portfolio (for design, art, music, or architecture-related programs)

Tip: Some universities waive English tests if your prior education was in English.

How much does it cost to study in the USA?

Here's a breakdown of estimated annual costs (in USD):

Undergraduate: Tuition & Fees ($20,000 – $50,000), Living Expenses ($10,000 – $18,000), Health Insurance ($1,200 – $2,400), Books & Supplies ($800 – $1,500). Total: $35,000 – $70,000+
Graduate: Tuition & Fees ($25,000 – $60,000), Living Expenses ($10,000 – $20,000), Health Insurance ($1,200 – $2,400), Books & Supplies ($800 – $1,500). Total: $37,000 – $80,000+

Scholarships are available at many institutions and can be merit-based, need-based, or program-specific. Graduate students can also explore assistantships (Teaching or Research), which often include tuition waivers and stipends.

Can international students work part-time while studying in the USA?

Yes. Under F-1 visa regulations, international students can:

Work up to 20 hours/week during the academic semester
Work full-time during scheduled breaks (summer, winter)
Employment is usually limited to on-campus jobs in the first academic year

After the first year, students may qualify for:

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) – Paid internships or training related to your field of study
Optional Practical Training (OPT) – Temporary work authorization after graduation or during your final year

On-campus jobs may include library assistant, lab helper, cafeteria staff, or teaching assistant roles and typically pay $10–$15 per hour.