University of California, Santa Barbara Summer Academic Program

Summer 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.

The American Riviera, Santa Barbara is famous for year-round sunshine

The alma mater of world-famous thinkers, musicians, and entrepreneurs

The Recreation Department has a host of fitness and wellbeing initiatives

University of California, Santa Barbara is a top 5 US public university

Summer A 2024
Summer A + B 2024
Program dates:
Late June - Late July
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
$
7,740
Program dates:
Late June - Mid September
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
$
11,400

Program Advisor

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Student Counselor SAFFY
Your Student Counselor is your study abroad ambassador and supporter. They join your application journey when you’ve confirmed you’re interested in studying abroad. At this point, they guide you through each stage of the application, notify you of the documents you need, let you know when your admission results are in, and walk you through the next steps, including class enrollment and organizing pre-arrival tests.
Schedule a Consultation

At a Glance

Language of Instruction:
English
Language Prerequisite Level:
Advanced
GPA Requirements:
2.70
Academic Level:
Undergraduate
Academic Strengths:
Biological & Physical Sciences, Business, Economics & Finance, Computer Science, Engineering, Music, Film & Performing Arts
Housing:
Off-campus apartment
Visa Required:
Maybe
Credits:
6 units

Stay Healthy & Safe While You Study Abroad

WHAT STUDENTS SAY

Watanabe Kei

At the beginning of the new semester, you go to all the lessons you're interested in until you can get a place in the class—a lot of classes are very full, so the first two weeks are busy until you get the courses you want.

University of California, Santa Barbara SAF Alumni

Kei Watanabe

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

UCSB Summer Session gives you the opportunity to enroll in university academic and/or professional development courses in a wide variety of disciplines to accommodate diverse fields of study.

You are immersed in rigorous, research-based course curricula in an exceptional learning environment.

Courses

You register for courses when you enroll based on your selection on the course preference form in your application documents.

Course & Departmental Restrictions

Some courses and departments have limited access, so you cannot enroll in the following courses before your arrival. However, if you choose, you can attend the course on your first day and check if there are any open seats and then obtain permission from the professor.

The following courses are impacted and are given priority to degree-seeking majors:

  • Digital Media/Arts
  • Film Arts/Studies
  • Media/Media Studies

The following subjects are only open to graduate students at their home university:

  • Earth Science
  • Ecology
  • Environmental Studies
  • Marine Science and Oceanography

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:

  • IELTS: 6.5
  • TOEFL iBT: 80
  • TOEFL PBT: 550

Learn More About Language Requirements

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.

Summer A 2023

Program dates:
Late June - Late July
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
$
8,215

Summer B 2023

Program dates:
Early August - Early September
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
$
8,215

Summer A + B 2023

Program dates:
Late June - Early September
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
$
12,650

Summer C 2023

Program dates:
Late June - Late August
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
$
9,995

Summer A 2024

Program dates:
Late June - Late July
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
$
7,740

Summer A + B 2024

Program dates:
Late June - Mid September
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
$
11,400

Summer B 2024

Program dates:
Early August - Mid September
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
$
7,840

Summer C 2024

Program dates:
Late June - Late August
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
$
9,770

Housing Information

University of California, Santa Barbara Content 01

Off-campus apartment

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

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Student Health & Safety

We champion health, safety, and security. As part of IES Abroad, the largest study abroad organization in the United States, we have set the standard for health and safety in study abroad for decades. We plan for the ‘what if’, so you can get on with the experience of a lifetime.
International Health Insurance

International health insurance included in the cost of your program

24/7 Emergency Phone Support

Total coverage to support you while traveling and in your new city

Location-Specific Information

Health and safety information prepared based on your destination

Health In Your Language

Highly trained multilingual staff to connect you to healthcare providers

Secure Housing

Quality, safe, secure housing within close proximity to your classes

Dedicated Expertise

Protection by a Dean of Students Office advocating for your interests

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

Upcoming Events

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.

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