CAMPUS · SANTA BARBARA, CA · PUBLIC

UC Santa Barbara

University of California-Santa Barbara

27.8%

01Acceptance 02Tuition 03Transfer 04ROI 05AP Credit 06Majors 07Housing 08International

International Students at UC Santa Barbara: By the Numbers

12.1%

International Undergrads

3,029

International Undergrad Count

1,051

International Graduate Students

14.4%

International (All Students)

Cost of Attending UC Santa Barbara as an International Student

International students typically pay out-of-state tuition rates. Here's the full cost picture.

Room & Board	$18,684/yr
Estimated 4-Year Total	$74,736

Note for public universities: UC Santa Barbara is a public institution. International students pay out-of-state tuition, which is significantly higher than in-state rates. Financial aid for international students at public universities is limited.

How to Apply to UC Santa Barbara as an International Student

Meet English Proficiency Requirements

Most schools require TOEFL (typically 100+ iBT) or IELTS (7.0+). Some accept Duolingo English Test.

Submit Standardized Tests

Prepare Financial Documentation

You'll need proof of funds to cover tuition and living expenses.

Apply for F-1 Student Visa

After admission, UC Santa Barbara will issue a Form I-20. Use this to apply for an F-1 visa at your nearest U.S. embassy. Start the process 3-4 months before your program begins.

UC Santa Barbara Student Body Diversity

Diversity breakdown of UC Santa Barbara's undergraduate student body.

White

30.9%

Black/African American

1.9%

Hispanic/Latino

25.3%

Asian

18.4%

International

12.1%

Career Outcomes for UC Santa Barbara International Graduates

International students at UC Santa Barbara can work in the U.S. after graduation through OPT (Optional Practical Training). STEM majors qualify for a 3-year OPT extension.

$74,915

Median Earnings (10yr)

$56,852

Median Salary (6yr)

$13,993

Median Debt

OPT & H-1B Path: After graduating from UC Santa Barbara, international students get 12 months of OPT work authorization (36 months for STEM fields). Many use this time to secure H-1B visa sponsorship from employers.

Student Demographics

White

30.9%

Black/African American

1.9%

Hispanic/Latino

25.3%

Asian

18.4%

International

12.1%

UC Santa Barbara International Student FAQs

How many international students attend UC Santa Barbara?

12.1% of UC Santa Barbara undergraduates are international students. That's about 3,029 international undergrads. Schools with higher international shares typically have stronger ESL support, international student offices, and on-campus resources for non-US applicants.

How much is international tuition at UC Santa Barbara?

International students at UC Santa Barbara typically pay the full out-of-state sticker price of about $41,573/yr (tuition + room and board + fees). Financial aid for international students is more limited than for US citizens, though some schools offer merit scholarships.

Is the UC Santa Barbara acceptance rate harder for international students?

UC Santa Barbara's overall acceptance rate is 27.8%. International applicants typically face slightly tougher admission odds because of limited international quotas. Strong test scores (TOEFL 100+/IELTS 7.0+) and clear English proficiency help.

What English test does UC Santa Barbara require for international applicants?

Most US colleges including UC Santa Barbara accept TOEFL iBT (typical minimum 80-100), IELTS (6.5-7.0), and Duolingo English Test (115-130). Highly selective schools require scores at the upper end of those ranges. Some schools waive the test if you've studied 3+ years in English.

Does UC Santa Barbara sponsor F-1 visas for international students?

Yes — UC Santa Barbara is SEVP-certified and issues I-20 forms to admitted international students. Once you're admitted and pay your enrollment deposit, UC Santa Barbara's international student office issues your I-20, which you use to apply for an F-1 student visa at the US embassy in your home country.