When it comes to education, we make sure never to compromise with the quality of it. Good education does not only help us in the long rat race of life but also gives us knowledge that only concentrates as we grow.

The United States has always been one of the world’s topmost educational hubs since the start of time. From the Ivy Leagues to the various state and star studded colleges, an education in the United States is as tough and grueling as it is a dream that has come true.

University of California, Santa Barbara has been a cynosure in the educational spectrum since its inception. Sporting a glittering portfolio and an ever continuing list of proud alumni, UCSB has made its mark as one of the most reputed universities in the world. In fact, Leiden University ranked University of California Santa Barbara as the second best public university in the world. US News and World Report ranked UCSB number 11 on their list of best public universities in United States in 2014. With those excellent credentials and its star studded faculty (which includes five Nobel laureates), UCSB is a top destination for International Students.

Here is a guide to the admission process for University of California, Santa Barbara for international students:

Eligibility Requirements for UCSB International Admissions

An international student wanting to pursue higher studies in UCSB must have completed his or her secondary education and obtained a certificate that enables or authorizes him or her to attend university. For example, an Indian student will have had to take both of his class 10^th and 12^th board examinations and secured a grade of at least 70%, division one. All students will be required to present their transcripts from all four years of high school. If your school follows the British pattern, you must obtain at least five IGCSE/GCSE/GCE O levels and at least three GCE A levels to be considered eligible. IB diploma students must take at least five IB exams, two of which should be of the advanced category. The average of all scores should stand at five, you should not have scored below four in any exam.

Additionally, you are required to take and submit ACT Assessment Scores (with writing) SA reasoning test score. Although the university has stopped asking for SAT subject test scores, many colleges might require them as prerequisites for a certain course. Make sure to check the UCSB college website to confirm whether a college requires any additional applications. Furthermore, English Proficiency evidence must be presented to the university by students whose first language is not English. A minimum of 80 on TOEFL or & on IELTS is required.

How are Students Selected?

Students are selected on the basis of their academic as well as extra curricular achievements. The college will review your essays, grades and transcripts thoroughly, and will want to see proof of achievements while you were in school. Outstanding performance in the area of your selected major is a must.

Application Timeline

For the fall semester, applications are available from August 1, and the filling period lasts from November 1^st to November 30^th. Students can apply online through the Common App. Applicants will receive and a final answer till the middle of March.

Documents Required and Financial Aid

Once selected, you will need to obtain and fill out an I-20 or DS-2019 form from the UCSB Office of International Students and Scholars to procure your F-1 or J-1 visa.

One of the most important things to remember when applying to UCSB (or to any University of California branch for that matter) is that the university does not provide any sort of financial aid (either scholarships or work) to freshman international students. Therefore, all bank details and financial records must show that you will be able to bear the costs of your education at least in the first year of college.

However, the university recently started a global scholarship for international students who get selected and hold a U.S. Visa (this means that your bank records should still show that you are capable of paying for your first year of study, failing which you will not get a Visa). The recipients for this scholarship will receive an aid of $2500 for their first and second years of study and an amount of $5000 for their third and fourth year. However, as scholarships are limited and the applicants many, you should always have backup funds to support yourself.

Also go through ‘Study At University of California‘.