Please begin by reading the "How to Apply" page accessed from the drop down list to the left. If you have questions while following the procedures listed there, return to this page for clarification.
All application materials, including official transcripts and official scores, must be uploaded and received to the online electronic application by the deadline. Due to the high volume of applications received near the deadline date, it is to the applicant's advantage to APPLY EARLY rather than close to the deadline.
You may log back into your online electronic application using the same username and password to check your materials. Please allow one week minimum of processing time from the time of the paid application submission. The processing time can take up to two weeks near the deadline, thus it is to the applicant's advantage to apply early rather than close to the deadline. No application will be processed or reviewed until the application fee has been received.
Due to the electronic nature of the online application, and to expedite the review of applications by our faculty, mailed official transcripts are not allowed during the initial application process. Applicants should ensure they order official transcripts to themselves well in advance of the application deadline. Once you receive the official transcript envelope, unseal and open the envelope, and scan and upload the official transcript to your online application. This step must be repeated for each institution you have attended and completed over 12 units. Technical tips for uploading official transcripts to the online application can be found here.
No, the Department of Education does not require or accept GRE scores as part of the application process.
The UCSB Office of International Students & Scholars provides useful Information about the cost of attending UCSB, getting visas, housing, financing your education in the US, etc. Please also note that International Students are required to take the TOEFL or IELTS test when applying to graduate school at UCSB unless you have attended and graduated from (or will graduate in this academic year) an accredited college or university in the United States or other English speaking country. This may be demonstrated by submitting the transcript from the qualifying institution.
Generally, admission decisions will begin in December with the majority of application decisions made by the end of January. However, this depends on when you applied and to which Research Focus Area you applied. Typically, applicants may expect an admissions decision within six weeks of our faculty receiving their completed application for review. International applications will take longer. Applications are sent to faculty for admission consideration only when they are complete. It is to your benefit to complete your application as soon as possible.
No, Graduate Division does not allow deferments. If you are admitted but are unable to attend your admission quarter, you must reapply for admission. Readmission is not guaranteed.
In order to officially inform the GGSE that you wish to attend or not attend UCSB, you need to complete the Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) online. The SIR can be accessed through your online application. Please login to your electronic application and look for the SIR. Once completed, the GGSE will be able to view your decision to attend or not attend UCSB. This step is particularly crucial for any student who has received financial support. For more information, please consult your admit letter.
An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 is required to be considered for admission. For a lower undergraduate GPA, an exception from UCSB's Graduate Division is needed.