University of California Santa Barbara
22,000
Number of Students
900
International Students
58
Number of Programs

University Description:
The University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB) was founded in 1891 and is one of the greatest universities in California. The university belongs to the University of California System and is a renowned research university in one of the most beautiful locations on the US west coast. The institution consists of five colleges in Creative Studies, Engineering, Letters and Science, Environmental Science and Management as well as Education. The teacher staff is excellent and six of them are nobel prize winners.
International students enjoy their experience in Santa Barbara immensely during their semester abroad and form great friendships and networks for a lifetime.
Term system & start dates:
Bachelor: Quarterly
3. Term: March 27, 2025 to June 13, 2025
4. Term: June 20, 2025 to September 13, 2025
More dates
1. Term: September 18, 2025 to December 12, 2025
2. Term: January, 2026 to March, 2026
3. Term: March, 2026 to May, 2026
4. Term: June, 2026 to August, 2026
1. Term: September, 2026 to December, 2026
Master: Quarterly
3. Term: March 27, 2025 to June 13, 2025
4. Term: June 20, 2025 to September 13, 2025
More dates
1. Term: September 18, 2025 to December 12, 2025
2. Term: January, 2026 to March, 2026
3. Term: March, 2026 to May, 2026
4. Term: June, 2026 to September, 2026
1. Term: September, 2026 to December, 2026
Related links:
Bachelor: Quarterly
3. Term: March 27, 2025 to June 13, 2025
4. Term: June 20, 2025 to September 13, 2025
More dates
1. Term: September 18, 2025 to December 12, 2025
2. Term: January, 2026 to March, 2026
3. Term: March, 2026 to May, 2026
4. Term: June, 2026 to August, 2026
1. Term: September, 2026 to December, 2026
Master: Quarterly
3. Term: March 27, 2025 to June 13, 2025
4. Term: June 20, 2025 to September 13, 2025
More dates
1. Term: September 18, 2025 to December 12, 2025
2. Term: January, 2026 to March, 2026
3. Term: March, 2026 to May, 2026
4. Term: June, 2026 to September, 2026
1. Term: September, 2026 to December, 2026
Study Area | Study Course | Bachelor | Master | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Term Q1 | Term Q2 | Term Q3 | Term Q4 | Term Q1 | Term Q2 | Term Q3 | Term Q4 | ||
Arts | Graphic Design | ||||||||
Music | |||||||||
Media Design | |||||||||
Theatre | |||||||||
Film Studies | |||||||||
Social Sciences | Sociology | ||||||||
Political Science | |||||||||
Religious Studies | |||||||||
Psychology | |||||||||
Gender studies | |||||||||
Interdisciplinary Studies | |||||||||
History | |||||||||
International Relations | |||||||||
Behavioural Studies | |||||||||
Natural Sciences | Physics | ||||||||
Geography | |||||||||
Computer Technology | |||||||||
Mathematics | |||||||||
Marine Science | |||||||||
IT | |||||||||
Astronomy | |||||||||
Chemistry | |||||||||
Biology | |||||||||
Biological Chemistry | |||||||||
Environmental Sciences | |||||||||
Biotechnology | |||||||||
Computer Sciences | |||||||||
Marine biologist | |||||||||
Medicine & Health science | Speech Therapy | ||||||||
Psychotherapy | |||||||||
Sport Sciences | |||||||||
Clinical Sciences | |||||||||
Languages, Cultures, Leisure | International Studies | ||||||||
Literary studies | |||||||||
Japanese studies | |||||||||
Media Science | |||||||||
European Studies | |||||||||
English Studies | |||||||||
Intercultural Competences | |||||||||
Media Studies | |||||||||
Sports & Leisure | |||||||||
Art History | |||||||||
German Studies | |||||||||
Sports science | |||||||||
Languages and Cultures | |||||||||
American Studies | |||||||||
Communication Science | |||||||||
Cultural Studies | |||||||||
Cultural Anthropology | |||||||||
Life Sciences | Humanities | ||||||||
Environmental Planning | |||||||||
Envrionmental management | |||||||||
Engineering | Mechanical Engineering | ||||||||
Bioengineering | |||||||||
Computational Engineering | |||||||||
Chemical Engineering | |||||||||
Education | Educational Sciences | ||||||||
Business | Economics |
University Facts
University Description
The University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB) was founded in 1891 and is one of the greatest universities in California. The university belongs to the University of California System and is a renowned research university in one of the most beautiful locations on the US west coast. The institution consists of five colleges in Creative Studies, Engineering, Letters and Science, Environmental Science and Management as well as Education. The teacher staff is excellent and six of them are nobel prize winners.International students enjoy their experience in Santa Barbara immensely during their semester abroad and form great friendships and networks for a lifetime.
Bachelor: Quarterly
3. Term: March 27, 2025 to June 13, 2025
4. Term: June 20, 2025 to September 13, 2025
More dates
1. Term: September 18, 2025 to December 12, 2025
2. Term: January, 2026 to March, 2026
3. Term: March, 2026 to May, 2026
4. Term: June, 2026 to August, 2026
1. Term: September, 2026 to December, 2026
Master: Quarterly
3. Term: March 27, 2025 to June 13, 2025
4. Term: June 20, 2025 to September 13, 2025
More dates
1. Term: September 18, 2025 to December 12, 2025
2. Term: January, 2026 to March, 2026
3. Term: March, 2026 to May, 2026
4. Term: June, 2026 to September, 2026
1. Term: September, 2026 to December, 2026
Visa Information:
To study abroad at UCSB, international students need a F-1 student visa. This visa allows students to be enrolled as a full-time student at an American university. The time period of the granted visa depends on the length of your time studying abroad. Students may enter the US 30 days before the I-20 start date and may stay for up to 60 days after the program end date on their I-20. Students typically use the 60 day grace period after the end of their studies to travel within the USA. Students can request a F-1 visa only after their application is approved and after receiving their I-20 form. Visas can only be requested at US embassies and consulates.Why should you come and study with us?
UCSB is an academically top-ranked university in the US, and around the world. As a student here, you can enjoy a first-rate education, while in a beautiful, safe and welcoming city on the coast of southern California.Study opportunities:
Students have the opportunity study for one or two quarters during their Bachelor's degrees.Scholarship possibilities for international students:
There are currently no scholarships available for study abroad students from UCSB. Please feel free to apply for Auslands BAfÖG or other scholarship organizations for financial aid.Internships:
No internship so far, but students could apply for 1 year OPT after continuing to study 3 quarters at UCSB Extension International Programs.Application Deadline:
Summer Quarter: 1st MarchFall Quarter: 1st April
Winter Quarter: 1st November
Spring Quarter: 1st January
Application requirements:
Uploading of all required documents, English ProficiencyOrientation:
Summer 2023: June 22, 2023Fall 2023: September 21, 2023
Winter 2024: January 4, 2024
Spring 2024: March 28, 2024
Examperiod:
Exams are held throughout the semester.Accessibility:
YesWorking while studying:
Working is only allowed on campus due to visa restrictions. International students are not allowed to work for while studying in the US.

Fees
Bachelor Semester Abroad:
7,668 USD
Master Semester Abroad:
7,668 USD
Application Fee:
200 USD
Additional Costs:
$15 electronic official transcript
Valid: 2022-08-26 to 2022-08-31
City & Living
City features:
Study at the "American Riviera" - mediterranean climate right at the Pacific coast on the one side and the Ynez mountains on the other. This area is one of the top spots of celebrities due to its high standard of living. Shopping, Theater, Museums and a gorgeous wine country are only a few attractions of Santa Barbara.Santa Barbara also has a great nightlife which is very popular with the students.
Address in Santa Barbara, USA:
University of California Santa BarbaraKerr Hall
Santa Barbara, USA
Population:
90,000Closest Airport:
Santa Barbara Municipal Airport and LAX Los Angeles International AirportSightseeing:
Apart from the great beaches, the city offers, concert locations, museum, theaters, but also great shopping opportunities and certainly water sport programs at the ocean.Shopping:
Santa Barbara - as one of the great vacation locations for celebrities offers a vast variety of shopping opportunities. From large shopping malls to lots of small high-end boutiques and designer label stores - everyone will find something that fits their taste. https://santabarbaraca.com/plan-your-trip/shopping/How to get to university:
Public transportation is available for students to get from the airport to the university.Housing On-Campus:
Student housing on campus or apartments on campus availableHousing Off-Campus:
Accommodation in Santa Barbara can be very challenging, we I do recommend finding alternative housing first and if you can't find it, then apply for on-campus housing once you have your UCSB netID. Find more info here: https://professional.ucsb.edu/international-student-housing

Most Popular News:
Arriving in Canada
Before classes start, make sure to explore the vibrant city of Vancouver! Apart from the well-known tourist spots, try some of the delicious food, enjoy a bike tour through Stanley Park or watch a Majour League Soccer game of the Vancouver Whitecaps before taking the ferry or plane over to Vancouver Island to start your classes at VIU.
The best time of your life - Gap Year at UNCW!
You have finished high school and don't know exactly what you want to study? The UNCW offers you a wide range of courses from over 120 fields of study - ideal for orientation after school without having to decide directly on a specific course of study. After successfully completing your gap year, you will receive your official transcript and can ideally transfer the credits you earned during your gap year to your future university in Europe - or you can decide to continue your studies in the U.S. and directly enter the second bachelor year at UNCW. So what are you waiting for? Get a taste of university life in the USA and take one step closer to your dream course of study!
Start your semester abroad in Seattle
Are you looking for the perfect spot for your study abroad semester? City University of Seattle is offering you great programs on a quarterly basis! For those of you seeking to combine studying with international experiences and company visits (e.g. Amazon, Starbucks, Microsoft, Expedia.com) we suggest to apply for our summer programs. You can join one of our two sessions and add a quarter in order to receive more than 30 ECTS in just 4,5 months! Reach out to World of Students for further information or join one of our virtual presentations.
Fairfax Lookout in Manly
Our students love the Fairfax Lookout on the North Head!
Only a couple of minutes from the ICMS campus in Manly you can watch stunning sunsets over Sydney. At the Fairfex lookout students spend a great time together with their international friends, eating pizza and listening to music while watching the Sydney harbour. You may even see one of the whales passing by the coast.

Auslandsaufenthalt an der University of California Santa Barbara - Niklas R.
Die Vorbereitung hat mit einem sehr guten Kontakt, zu der Organisation „World of Students“ angefangen. Wir haben gemeinschaftlich die Anforderungen und Bewerbungsschritte, der Gasthochschule, durchgesprochen. Somit bekam ich einen guten Überblick, bevor ich von der Gasthochschule selbst kontaktiert wurde. Die Bewerbung wurde schnell und unkompliziert in dem Portal hochgeladen, und wenige Wochen später kam die Zusage der Gasthochschule. Da die Flüge in die USA bekanntlicherweise teuer sind, habe ich Sie zügig gebucht – definitiv empfehlenswert! Die Finanzierung des Auslandssemester sollte vor Beginn der Bewerbung stehen.
Die Anreise folgt über den Flughafen in Los Angeles (LAX). Danach müsst ihr Euch über eine Weiterfahrt nach Santa Barbara kümmern. Ich empfehle den Zug für diese Strecke. Ein Bus fährt ebenfalls. Die Betreuung vor Ort ist sensationell gut organisiert und transparent. Das International Programm Office, explizit Alex Clarke, hat ein sehr guten Job gemacht, einen alles zu erklären. Es gab vor Vorlesungsstart ein Welcome Event, wo alle International Students zusammenkamen. Dort werden auf Fragen eingegangen, der Campus gezeigt und Zeit gegeben sich mit anderen Studierenden zu verbinden. Im Laufe des Auslandssemesters, gab es noch zahlreiche Events des International Office. Das IO ist in der Regel immer erreichbar und antwortet innerhalb weniger Stunden.
Meine Unterkunft habe ich über die Gasthochschulen Seite gefunden. Dort wurde ein Zimmer bei einer privaten Familie eingestellt und ich habe den Kontakt aufgenommen. Die Preise der Unterkünfte sind hoch. Ihr solltet mit Mieten in Höhe von 1000€ bis zu 2000€. Mein Zimmer hat 1350€ gekostet. Ihr solltet Euch definitiv früh darum kümmern. Wenn ihr jeden Abend Party und das Studentenleben voll ausleben möchtet, sucht euch eine Unterkunft in Isla Vista. Für ein bisschen mehr Ruhe sucht ihr am besten rundum Isla Vista z.B. Goleta oder auf dem Campus direkt. Da sowieso dort alles mit dem Fahrrad gemacht wird, ist eine Toplage nicht alles.
Die Kurse waren interessant, organisiert und wie beschrieben. Die Dozenten sehr freundlich und verständnisvoll, für unsere besondere Zeit. Die Vorlesungszeiten Studenten freundlich und ich hatte viel Zeit für Freizeit. Mein Alltag sah wie folgt aus, ich hatte morgens Vorlesung und habe mich dann mit Kommilitonen Mittag gegessen. Danach habe ich mich auf den drei Minuten Weg zum Strand gemacht und war schwimmen. Abends bin ich auf dem Campus ins Fitnessstudio oder zum Tennis gegangen. Danach wieder mit dem Fahrrad nach Hause gefahren oder noch mit Freunden getroffen. Der Alltag variiert stark, ist aber ganz klar Studenten freundlich gehalten und genau das richtige für das Auslandssemester. Ebenfalls sind wir in einer Gruppe Kommilitonen Ausflügen nachgekommen z.B. Los Angeles (1,5h), San Francisco (5h). Unter anderem hatten wir schöne Abende in Santa Barbara Downtown. Dort gibt es auch Studenten Events, viele Restaurants, schöner Strand, Aktivitäten, etc.! Nach Santa Barbara Downtown fährt man 20 Minuten mit dem Bus. Die Fahrten sind für Studierende kostenlos.
Die Rückkehr und Anrechnung von den Kursen verliefen einwandfrei. Das Transkript of Rekords konnte ich online im Nachgang anfordern und einreichen.
Ich hatte eine sehr interessante, schöne und lustige Zeit an der University of California Santa Barbara. Ich würde es jedem empfehlen, der am Strand leben möchte, der viel Sport machen möchte, die besondere Atmosphäre und Landschaft in Kalifornien spüren möchte, das College Leben wie im Film erfahren möchte und unter Palmen lernen möchte.
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