University of California, Santa Barbara Academic Program

Academic
Times Top 100
Delivery Method:
In-Person
Duration:
Multi Term, Single Term

About the Program

A leading research university that delivers a comprehensive liberal arts education, the University of California, Santa Barbara has been championing students to be their very best selves since 1891. With six Nobel laureates and 41 American Academy of Arts and Sciences members to its name, UCSB is an inspirational place to be. Close to the Pacific Ocean, with the best of Santa Barbara nearby, it doesn’t get any more Californian than this.

UCSB is among the top five public universities in the US

The Recreation Department has a host of fitness and wellbeing initiatives

The American Riviera is famous for year-round sun and outdoor attractions

Leading thinkers, musicians, politicians, and entrepreneurs studied here

Spring 2025 Academic
Spring 2025 Academic + Summer 2025 Academic (Sessions A + B)
Program dates:
Late March - Mid June
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
$
21,150
Program dates:
Late March - Mid September
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
$
30,000

At a Glance

Language of Instruction:
English
Language Prerequisite Level:
Advanced
GPA Requirements:
2.80
Academic Level:
Undergraduate, Graduate
Academic Strengths:
Biological & Physical Sciences, Business, Economics & Finance, Computer Science, Engineering, Music, Film & Performing Arts
Housing:
Off-campus apartment
Visa Required:
Required
Credits:
12 units

Stay Healthy & Safe While You Study Abroad

WHAT STUDENTS SAY

Watanabe Kei

As you can see from the photo, Tropicana Gardens, where I lived, is more like a resort than a dormitory. It has palm trees growing on the dormitory grounds, as well as a sundeck and pool, so study breaks are amazing.

University of California, Santa Barbara SAF Alumni

University of California, Santa Barbara Content 016

About the University

University of California, Santa Barbara

Leading in sustainability and natural beauty, UCSB has continued its quiet research revolution and comprehensive liberal arts education since its early life as teaching college. With six Nobel laureates, 41 American Academy of Arts and Sciences members, and game-changing innovations to its name, it is an inspirational place to be.

The UCSB campus has a wholly California vibe. Most of the very-active, thrillingly diverse student body bikes and skateboards to the classes, putting as much passion into surfing, hiking, and exploring as they do their studies.

Learn more at University of California, Santa Barbara's official website

Academics

University of California, Santa Barbara's Academic Approach

The University of California, Santa Barbara offers you a world-class study environment on an oceanfront campus considered one of the most beautiful in the world.

Known for its collaborative culture, student-focused resources, and ground-breaking innovations across many disciplines of study, UCSB ensures you have an extremely rewarding study-abroad experience.

In the University Immersion Program (UIP), you enroll in academic studies or professional development courses that enhance your existing study schedule. You dive into collaborative, research-based courses taught by engaging tutors.

Courses

All University of California schools, including UCSB, participate in a course registration process called course crashing. You attend an assortment of classes for a certain amount of time, seeking to gain admission from the professor in courses you’re interested in to enroll in the class. 

For example, you may need to attend 10 courses in the first 10 days of classes to enroll in the 3 or 4 courses you need full-time. This process is explained at orientation, and there are advisors available to guide you through it.

Course & Departmental Restrictions

The following courses are impacted/limited:

  • Digital Media/Arts
  • Film Arts/Studies
  • Media/Media Studies
  • American/Canadian Studies

Some subjects are only available through the UCSB Extension school. Therefore, class choice is limited to only those courses offered at the school. Those subjects are:

  • Accounting
  • Behavioral and Cognitive Sciences
  • Business Management and Administration
  • Child Development
  • Criminal Justice/Criminology
  • Education
  • English as a Second Language
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Human Resources
  • Marketing
  • Psychology

Get To Know Our Application Process

From academics to visa requirements, our structured process helps you choose the right program and university for your goals. Complete a strong application, and prepare for success abroad.

Personalize Your Study Abroad Plan With Your SAF Counselor

Each student has unique academic goals for a study abroad experience. As you think about studying abroad, your SAF Counselor will help you plan for success and support you every step of the way.

Application Requirements

When applying to study abroad, you must meet the entry requirements set by the host university—and SAF is here to set you up for success.

The requirements outlined in this section include the language proficiency scores you may need to demonstrate your language skills, a guide to the GPA range and other academic prerequisites required by your host university, and a list of documentation and other application materials you will need to finalize your application. You may need to supply additional information throughout the process, and you will be alerted through your emails and SAF Student Portal if this is the case for you.
  • Language Proficiency
  • Academics & GPA
  • Application Documents & Materials

Language Test Score Requirements

To prove your language proficiency, you can use any of the following:

  • CET4: 530
  • CET6: 500
  • Duolingo: 115
  • IELTS: 6.5
  • iTEP: Level 5
  • TOEFL iBT: 80
  • TOEFL PBT: 550 *MyBest score accepted
  • TOEIC: 780 *Applicant should take the test in Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing

Learn More About Language Requirements

Language Pathway & Concurrent Programs

Interested in pursuing an Academic program but don't meet language requirements? Learn more about our Language Pathway and Concurrent programs that can assist you in meeting your academic goals. 

Six students sit and stand around classroom desks.

University of the Arts, London Content 15

talking students

Program Dates

When studying abroad, you will want to consider the time of year and how long you are away. Most programs follow the host university's academic calendar.

The dates shown below are general estimates, and as you get closer to the start of the term, you will get more detailed information from SAF. If you have any questions, your Student Counsellor and Program Specialist are always here to support you and point you to the correct information.

Spring 2023 + Summer A 2023

Program dates:
Late March - Late July
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
$
24,930

Spring 2023 + Summer A+B 2023

Program dates:
Late March - Mid September
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
$
30,075

Fall 2024 Academic

Program dates:
Late September - Mid December
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
$
23,870

Fall 2024 Academic + Winter 2025 Academic

Program dates:
Late September - Mid March
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
$
38,860

Fall 2024 Academic + Winter 2025 Academic + Spring 2025 Academic

Program dates:
Late September - Mid June
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
$
50,080

Fall 2024 Academic (Graduate)

Program dates:
Late September - Mid December
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
$
23,270

Winter 2025 Academic + Spring 2025 Academic

Program dates:
Early January - Mid June
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
$
35,970

Spring 2025 Academic

Program dates:
Late March - Mid June
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
$
21,150

Spring 2025 Academic + Summer 2025 Academic (Sessions A + B)

Program dates:
Late March - Mid September
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
$
30,000

Spring 2025 Academic + Summer 2025 Academic (Sessions A + B) + Fall 2025 Academic

Program dates:
Late March - Mid December
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
$
48,220

Spring 2025 Academic (Graduate)

Program dates:
Late March - Mid June
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
$
21,150

Housing Information

University of California, Santa Barbara Content 01

Off-campus dormitory

During your time at UCSB, you stay in an off-campus apartment with roommates and shared kitchen and living space. Some apartments may have access to a fitness center and outdoor swimming pool.

*Housing is subject to availability. For specific questions regarding housing please contact SAF.

About Santa Barbara

Why Santa Barbara

In the Santa Ynez foothills northwest of Los Angeles, Santa Barbara is a haven of surfing, hiking, swimming, biking, and running. This stunning Pacific-coast city has that famous SoCal climate and outdoorsy vibe. With strong Spanish colonial roots, it is a rich cultural experience with excellent shopping, and divine seafood restaurants.

Learn more about Santa Barbara

The Student Experience

View All Blogs

Orientation

On Arrival

Your SAF pre-departure process will arm you with all the information you need for a smooth arrival to your new campus, city, and country.

To Housing

Your SAF program will include a safe transfer from your arrival airport to your new study abroad housing. We'll even provide you with top tips to make the most of your new city!

Home Sweet Home

Your SAF Program Specialist will coordinate with you to ensure you have arrived safely and settled into your new secure housing.

Keeping You Safe

As you settle in, you will learn about the SAF emergency alert system, our 24/7 phone support, and any safety concerns relevant to you.

Get Social

Your new university and SAF will arrange social and cultural events so that you can meet other study abroad and local students. Make the most of your adventure!

Advising and Support

The process of studying abroad could quickly feel overwhelming, but we have been doing this for decades and do everything we can to support you through it. 

Many SAF staff are alumni and have walked this path. They have real-life experience to draw on as they advise and support you through every step of our comprehensive services. They’re in your corner, taking care of all the details and explaining what you need to do next.

Take the first step in your study abroad journey by scheduling a consultation with your closest Student Counselor. You can discuss your for-credit academic courses and language programs and explore internships, research programs, and study tours. When you know what you want to do, we guide you through the pre-program steps, help you arrange your visa and transport, and finalize your accommodation or digital experience.

Get To Know Our Application Process

From academics to visa requirements, our structured process helps you choose the right program and university for your goals. Complete a strong application, and prepare for success abroad.

Personalize Your Study Abroad Plan With Your SAF Counselor

Each student has unique academic goals for a study abroad experience. As you think about studying abroad, your SAF Counselor will help you plan for success and support you every step of the way.

Commonly Asked Questions About Studying Abroad

Commonly Asked Questions About Academic & Concurrent Programs

Student Blogs

Fit

Staying Fit at DCU

Tips for staying all-around well while studying abroad at DCU.

Informational

Why Travel With SAF?

Studying abroad is an unforgettable experience, one that stays with you in your career, your contacts, your future. It can define you. At any of our prestigious university partners, you can build personalized for-credit programs that can last up to a whole year.

Girl Standing in Arch