CAMPUS · SANTA CRUZ, CA · PUBLIC

UC Santa Cruz

University of California-Santa Cruz

62.5%

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

International Students at UC Santa Cruz: By the Numbers

4.7%

International Undergrads

892

International Undergrad Count

662

International Graduate Students

7.4%

International (All Students)

Cost of Attending UC Santa Cruz as an International Student

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

Room & Board	$18,785/yr
Estimated 4-Year Total	$75,140

Note for public universities: UC Santa Cruz 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 Cruz 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 Cruz 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 Cruz Student Body Diversity

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

White

31.6%

Black/African American

2.0%

Hispanic/Latino

28.3%

Asian

23.0%

International

4.7%

Career Outcomes for UC Santa Cruz International Graduates

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

$68,396

Median Earnings (10yr)

$49,716

Median Salary (6yr)

$16,666

Median Debt

OPT & H-1B Path: After graduating from UC Santa Cruz, 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

31.6%

Black/African American

2.0%

Hispanic/Latino

28.3%

Asian

23.0%

International

4.7%

UC Santa Cruz International Student FAQs

How many international students attend UC Santa Cruz?

4.7% of UC Santa Cruz undergraduates are international students. That's about 892 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 Cruz?

International students at UC Santa Cruz typically pay the full out-of-state sticker price of about $41,179/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 Cruz acceptance rate harder for international students?

UC Santa Cruz's overall acceptance rate is 62.5%. International applicants typically face in line with overall 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 Cruz require for international applicants?

Most US colleges including UC Santa Cruz 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 Cruz sponsor F-1 visas for international students?

Yes — UC Santa Cruz is SEVP-certified and issues I-20 forms to admitted international students. Once you're admitted and pay your enrollment deposit, UC Santa Cruz'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.