All University of California campuses use the UC application. By starting your application, you're taking the first step toward applying for UCSB admission and scholarships all at once.

  • The UC application opens each year on August 1 and can be submitted by November 30. For fall 2025 applicants, the submission deadline is extended to December 2, 2024.
  • The UC admissions website has detailed information on requirements, preparing to apply, and more. 

Applying FAQs

For our full list of frequently asked questions, visit our FAQ page.

 

The fall 2025 application is open for both first-year freshman and transfer students. The deadline to submit an application is October 1-December 2, 2024.

You can fill out and submit a UC application on the University of California’s admissions website during the submission period. There is a $80 fee per campus for U.S. residents and an $95 fee per campus for international students.

UCSB will not use SAT/ACT scores in our admission decisions or scholarship selection process. If you are admitted and choose to enroll at UCSB, exam scores may be used for course placement. For details on the UC system, visit the UC Exam Requirement page.

We offer helpful webinars on the UC application and Personal Insight Questions for both high school and transfer applicants. Visit our Virtual Admissions Events page for more information. Our UC Application Tutorial YouTube playlist also offers a step-by-step guide to each section of the UC Application.

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Freshman

If you are a senior in high school or if you have recently graduated and have not enrolled in another college or university, you're a freshman applicant! Learn how to get started applying to UCSB.

Freshman Applicants 

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Transfer

Learn more about requirements for transfer applicants, selective majors, TAG, and the transfer experience at UCSB.

Transfer Applicants

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International

Get information on curriculum requirements, English language proficiency, and more.

International Applicants

Campus Admission Presentation

Watch a 30-minute overview of what our campus offers and how admissions work at UCSB.

Cost of Attendance

Curious about cost? Learn about UCSB's cost of attendance, scholarships, work-study, and more. 

Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships

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California Residency

You may have questions about residency for tuition purposes. Get a residency overview and learn about the UC residency policy on the Office of the Registrar website. 

Residency