International Graduate Admissions at UC Santa Cruz: Eligibility, Funding, and Visa Requirements

Eligibility Requirements All applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution awarded before the quarter of admission. A three‑year undergraduate degree is acceptable only if the applicant also possesses a postgraduate diploma, master’s degree, or higher. Vocational, secretarial, associate, or technical degrees are not considered first degrees. Degrees earned through extension universities are not acceptable as first degrees. If the degree follows the Bologna Accord, the transcript must state this. Academic Records Applicants must submit a cumulative or overall GPA of at least 3.0 (on a 4‑point scale) from the last two years of undergraduate study, shown on official academic records. For non‑U.S. degrees, a course‑by‑course ICAP evaluation from World Education Services (WES) is required; no exceptions are permitted. Transcripts must be in the original language with an official, literal English translation prepared by the issuing institution or an accredited translator. Photocopies, notarized copies, or translations lacking institutional seals are not accepted. English Language Requirements English proficiency requirements are listed on the university’s Test Score Requirements page. Applicants must meet the specified scores for admission and for teaching assistant positions. International Credential Verification Students who studied in China or India must also submit a WES ICAP evaluation. For Indian institutions, only the main university’s name should be entered in the application; affiliated college transcripts are not accepted. Unofficial transcripts and translations may be uploaded to the application, but official documents must be sent to WES for final verification. Funding Opportunities International students may receive merit‑based financial support through departmental fellowships, teaching assistantships (TA), or research assistantships (RA). They are not eligible for grants, loans, or work‑study awards from the UCSC Financial Aid Office. If a department offers a TA or RA, the acceptance letter is considered sufficient proof of financial support for visa purposes. Visa and Passport Accepted international applicants must obtain an F‑1 student visa or a J‑1 exchange visitor visa. After admission and submission of the Financial Certificate form, the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) office issues an I‑20. Applicants must present a passport, the I‑20, proof of financial resources, and a Certificate of Eligibility (1‑20) to a U.S. Consulate. The Department of Homeland Security’s recent policy changes affect status maintenance for F and J visa holders; applicants should review the UC Santa Cruz Global Engagement website for guidance. Financial Support Documentation All students must demonstrate sufficient funds for initial expenses. International applicants must submit up‑to‑date evidence of financial support for the first academic year after formal admission. Evidence submitted before receiving an admission letter is considered invalid. The I‑20 Request Packet must be completed and returned to ISSS before the I‑20 is issued. Health Insurance International students may obtain coverage through the UC Santa Cruz Health Center. Specific plans and enrollment procedures are available on the university’s health center website. Unknowns and Source Limitations • The exact application deadline for international applicants is not specified in the provided text. • Program‑specific admission requirements (e.g., additional coursework, research experience) are not detailed. • The text does not mention any changes to funding availability or visa regulations beyond the brief reference to the Department of Homeland Security ruling. • The information is taken directly from a university webpage that may be updated; the date of last modification is listed as August 5, 2026, but no verification of current accuracy is provided. • No external links or citations beyond the university’s own site are included, and the content should be cross‑checked with official admissions resources before use. Readers are advised to consult the official UC Santa Cruz Graduate Admissions website and contact the International Student and Scholar Services office for the most current and detailed information. Source: https://graduateadmissions.ucsc.edu/help-for-applicants/international-applicant-information/ Checked: 2026-10-08T09:35:44.869685+00:00 Confirm details with the official institution before applying.