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North America

UC Santa Barbara

Study Abroad and Exchange

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About the University 🏫

UC Santa Barbara: Your Ideal Study Abroad Destination

Welcome to UC Santa Barbara, a public research university that offers more than just a degree—it offers a transformative educational experience in one of the most beautiful locations in the United States. Whether you're looking to study abroad for a semester or pursue a full-time program, UC Santa Barbara provides a plethora of opportunities for academic growth, financial support, and a vibrant student life.

Why Choose UC Santa Barbara?

  • Diverse Programs: Over 200 undergraduate and graduate programs in engineering, social sciences, humanities, and sciences.
  • Global Community: A diverse student body of over 25,000 from around the world.
  • Stunning Location: Nestled between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean.

Academic Excellence and Financial Support

  • Scholarship Opportunities: Various scholarships and grants tailored for both undergraduate and graduate students.
  • Financial Aid: Program-specific financial support and tuition fee waivers available.

A Semester Abroad at UC Santa Barbara

  • Outdoor Recreation: The unique coastal location offers a plethora of outdoor activities.
  • Student Life: Vibrant community with numerous extracurricular activities and student organizations.
  • Application Process: Straightforward with Uniclub and inclusive, with options for high school students and those already in higher education.

UC Santa Barbara is more than just a place to earn a degree. It's an educational community where you can enrich your academic journey, explore scholarship opportunities, and experience a memorable stay abroad. With its top-tier programs, stunning location, and robust financial support options, it's the perfect destination for your university abroad experience.

About the city 🌇

Discover Santa Barbara: The American Riviera

Nestled along the California coastline, UC Santa Barbara is situated in the idyllic city of Santa Barbara, often dubbed the "American Riviera." This city is not just a picturesque backdrop for your study abroad or semester abroad experience; it's a vibrant community teeming with opportunities for cultural enrichment, outdoor adventures, and academic pursuits.

A Cultural Melting Pot

Santa Barbara is a cultural haven, offering a rich tapestry of experiences that cater to a diverse range of interests. Whether you're an art aficionado or a history buff, the city's numerous museums, galleries, and theaters will keep your intellectual curiosity piqued. This makes the city an excellent choice for students to study in various educational institutions, including UC Santa Barbara.

Food, Fun, and Festivities

From cozy cafes to gourmet restaurants, Santa Barbara's culinary scene is as diverse as its population. The city is a gastronomic playground that offers a variety of dining options to suit every palate and budget. Plus, with a plethora of shops and boutiques, retail therapy is never far away.

The Great Outdoors

If you're looking to balance your academic life with some outdoor recreation, Santa Barbara has you covered. The city's stunning beaches are perfect for surfing, while its parks and trails offer incredible hiking and biking opportunities. These natural landscapes provide a fantastic setting for a stay abroad, especially for those looking to secure scholarship abroad opportunities or grants for stays abroad in the USA.

A Community Like No Other

Santa Barbara is home to a lively mix of students, professionals, and retirees, creating a dynamic and inclusive community. Whether you're an international scholarship recipient or a foreign scholarship candidate, you'll find a welcoming environment here. The city's mild climate and natural beauty make it a popular destination, not just for high school students looking to apply for a scholarship abroad but also for tourists and locals alike.

Uniclub's Role in Your Santa Barbara Experience

Please note that Uniclub offers free guidance to help you navigate the application process for both housing and academic programs at UC Santa Barbara. Our services are designed to make your higher education abroad a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Housing Opportunities🏫

Housing at UC Santa Barbara: A Home Away From Home

Introduction
Choosing the right housing is a crucial part of your study abroad or exchange experience. At UC Santa Barbara, you're not just finding a place to sleep; you're securing a home that complements your academic life. Whether you're an undergraduate or graduate student, the university offers a plethora of housing options tailored to meet your needs.

Diverse Housing Options

  • Apartments: Available in various communities, these offer both private and shared bedrooms, furnished living areas, and fully-equipped kitchens. Ideal for students who crave a bit more independence.
  • Residence Halls: Perfect for those who want to be in the heart of student life. These halls provide a communal living experience, complete with dining services and an array of social events.
  • Family Student Housing: For students bringing families along on their educational journey, one to three-bedroom apartments are available, offering the comforts of home.

Safety and Comfort
UC Santa Barbara prioritizes your well-being. Each housing option is designed to be a safe, comfortable, and supportive environment, allowing you to focus on your studies and personal growth.

Convenient Locations
All housing facilities are strategically located either on campus or nearby, ensuring you have quick and easy access to academic buildings, libraries, and recreational facilities.

Uniclub Can Help for Free
Navigating housing options can be daunting, but you don't have to do it alone. Uniclub offers free guidance to help you find the housing that best suits your needs and lifestyle.

By choosing housing at UC Santa Barbara, you're not just finding a place to stay; you're becoming part of a community that will enhance your educational experience.

Read more about UC Santa Barbara's specific housing opportunities here.

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Admission Requirements for Fulltime Degrees

Here is a description of the most important information for your study abroad. Rememeber, single semester study abroad (exchange) have often lower entry requirements and different course catalogues. Contact your advisor to hear about stipends, entry requirements, tuitions fees, course descriptions and more.
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What is the tuition and requirements for study abroad (exchange) students?

The study abroad (exchange student) programme will often have a different tuition fee and lower entry requirements. In addition, there might be a specific course catalog for study abroad exchange students. Book a call with a Uniclub advisor who will present you the requirements for single semester study abroad students, and how to navigate within the course catalog.

Additionally, you might be able to get exempt from taking a TOEFL or IELTS test as a study abroad (exchange) student. A Uniclub advisor will advise you on which universities have more flexbile English proficiency requirements.

What are the Semester Start Dates?

UC Santa Barbara uses a three-trimester system for both full-degree students and semester abroad students studying to receive credit towards their home degree system. The three-trimester system is equivalent in course load and duration to a semester system. Students can start their studies in January, April, June or September. Two trimesters are still equal to a full academic year.


See more about UC Santa Barbara's important dates in the academic calendar.

What are the Entry Requirements?

To apply for courses and programmes at UC Santa Barbara, you must meet the general and specific entry requirements.


Documents required from students to apply to UC Santa Barbara are:

  • Official copies of secondary school transcripts showing courses taken throughout the year and grades received (English version of the document)
  • Award Certificates
  • Passport
  • Health insurance
  • Letter of recommendation
  • Evidence of English proficiency if you are a non-native English-speaking student.


See more about the entry requirements at UC Santa Barbara.

What are the English Requirements?

The English requirements to get admitted to UC Santa Barbara in California can be sufficed in several ways. Below are the options for students to prove their English proficiency:


You will be able to provide evidence of your English language skills if you have:

  • completed an English language test such as IELTS, Pearson, TOEFL or Cambridge
  • completed some types of university (tertiary) or high-school (secondary) studies taught in English


See more about the english requirements at UC Santa Barbara.

What are the Tuition Fees?

Tuition fees for international students at UC Santa Barbara vary depending on the course you choose. The tuition fee at UC Santa Barbara ranges from 44.700 USD to 55.000 USD per year for international students.


The tuition fee for a study abroad semester at UC Santa Barbara for 4 units which equals to 30 ECTS is approx. 16350 USD.


See more about UC Santa Barbara's tuition fees for international students.

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Take the stress out of Studying abroad

Let your favorite experienced advisor help you through your Study Abroad planning, whether it is a full degree or just a semester to enjoy abroad.
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How it works
1

First, choose a destination

That's probably the hardest part. Are you looking for something specific, within your budget or a prestigious university that suits your field of interest? It's your choice.
2

Next, apply and upload your documents

You'll find the apply button on each university page. Once you have applied, you will receive the link to your application portal by mail. In there, you will be able to manage your application and communicate with us.
3

and... accept the offer!

If you're lucky, there's an offer waiting for you at the University. We'll even make sure you have your insurances are in order and all the nitty gritty details.
4

Finally, share the ❤️

Your friends and family may also want to experience the thrill of studying abroad. We'll do our best to help them too. Ask us what the rewards are!

Best rated stay abroad
Agency on Trustpilot.

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Trustpilot
5 etoiles trustpilot

I was looking for a freemover stay abroad through Uniclub and I got some of the best service I have experienced. They took care of all the practicalities, and removed almost all the hassle of work it can be to apply for an exchange stay.

Simon. L
UNYP, Czech Republic
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5 etoiles trustpilot

Had fantastic service and help throughout the process. Would definitely recommend

Daniel A.
Nebrija, Spain
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5 etoiles trustpilot

I am going to Australia for a semester, and before finding Uniclub the whole application seemed impossible. These guys are simply the best. They have the right answer for literally every question that you have. They are helpful, quick, with excellent service

Balaz. B
Deakin, Australia
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5 etoiles trustpilot

Uniclub and Deni Isic, get my absolute warmest recommendation! I had a dream of coming to Japan that seemed distant and unmanageable, but Deni and the rest of Uniclub have helped me through the whole process.

Azad
iCLA, Japan
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5 etoiles trustpilot

I have just returned from my exchange stay in Ireland, which would not have been possible if it were not for Uniclub. If you are looking for an exchange as a freemover, then I can not recommend UniClub enough!

Jacob R.
TUS, Ireland
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