University of California, Santa Cruz (UC Santa Cruz): Rankings, Cost, Programs, Admission 2026-27, Scholarship
Santa Cruz, United States • Public
University of California, Santa Cruz
UC Santa Cruz Overview
University of California Santa Cruz Silicon Valley Extension was established in California in 2016. It is an institution for professional education accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). As per the recent uniRank rankings, University of Califoria Santa Cruz had a country ranking of 78 and a global ranking of 102.
The University of California Santa Cruz courses at the Silicon Valley Extension include Professional Certificates in UX Design, Business, Bioscience, and Technology. Admissions to these courses are merit-based. Indian students must clear the IELTS or TOEFL exam with the required score to be eligible for the professional certification courses.
University of California Santa Cruz: Quick Highlights 2026
The table below provides the key highlights related to the University of California Santa Cruz Silicon Valley Extension.
Particulars | Details |
Institution | University of California, Santa Cruz, Silicon Valley Extension |
Established | 2016 |
Location | California, USA |
Recognition & Accreditation | WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) |
Ranking |
|
Courses | Professional Certificate in Business, Technology, Bioscience, and UX Design |
Course duration | 9 - 12 months |
Total tuition fee | $15,100 - 17,850 |
Application Deadline | |
Official website | University of California, Santa Cruz, Silicon Valley Extension official website |
Why Study at the University of California Santa Cruz?
Indian students must consider UCSC Silicon Valley for professional certificate courses due to the following main reasons:
- The University of California Santa Cruz is a high-ranking institution for professional education.
- UCSC Silicon Valley offers a globally recognised professional certificate to Indian students.
- The University of California Santa Cruz offers career-oriented professional courses to interested candidates.
- UC Santa Cruz has cutting-edge research facilities on its campus.
- UCSC Silicon Valley has a distinguished and experienced teaching staff to provide in-depth learning to students across its available professional courses.
University of California Santa Cruz: Ranking
The University of California Santa Cruz ranks high among the universities in the USA. These rankings indicate various aspects of the university, such as the quality of education, infrastructure, admission process, etc. Below are the country-level and global rankings of UC Santa Cruz by uniRank.
Country ranking | Global ranking |
78th in the USA | 102nd |
University of California Santa Cruz: Recognition & Accreditation
UCSC Silicon Valley Extension has been recognised and accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
University of California Santa Cruz: Course Duration
UCSC Silicon Valley Extension offers professional certificate courses in various areas, such as Bioscience, Technology, UX Design, etc. These courses have durations ranging from 9 months to 12 months. Check the table below for the course-wise durations of the professional programs at the university.
Courses | Durations |
Professional Certificate in Bioscience | 9 - 12 months |
Professional Certificate in Business | 9 - 12 months |
Professional Certificate in Technology | 9 - 12 months |
Professional Certificate in UX Design | 9 - 12 months |
University of California Santa Cruz: Medium of Teaching
English is the primary medium of teaching for all of the available professional courses at the Silicon Valley Extension of the University of California Santa Cruz.
University of California, Santa Cruz
Fee Structure 2026
The specific fee for each stream of professional courses at UCSC Silicon Valley depends on the specialisation chosen. Professional certificate courses at the university range from $15,100 to $17,850. Check the University of California Santa Cruz courses and fees from the table below.
Course | Total Tuition Fee |
Professional Certificate in Bioscience | $16,100 |
Professional Certificate in Business | $15,350 - $17,850 |
Professional Certificate in Technology | $15,350 - $16,100 |
Professional Certificate in UX Design | $16,100 |
Professional Certificate in Artifcial Intelligence
University of California, Santa Cruz
Admission Process 2026
University of California Santa Cruz admissions are based on the online application process. Based on the university’s decision, applicants will receive an admission letter. Along with that, the university will also provide an I-20 visa to the students, which proves that the student is enrolled in a program at the institution. Selected candidates must then travel to the USA and enrol at the university within the specified deadline.
University of California Santa Cruz: Eligibility Criteria
Indian students must fulfil the eligibility criteria given in the table below for professional courses at UCSC Silicon Valley.
Category | Requirements |
Academic | Bachelor’s degree or college diploma (or equivalent, e.g., Indian Bachelor's); at least 2 years of college experience for short programs. |
English Proficiency | TOEFL iBT 70, IELTS 6.0, Duolingo 95, or equivalent. Waiver possible with 2+ years of study in an English-medium institution. |
Financial | Bank statement (last 6 months) showing $30,000 minimum for tuition/living (add $4,000 spouse, $3,000/child). |
University of California Santa Cruz: Documents Required
The following documents must be submitted by Indian students for the UCSC Silicon Valley Extension admission process:
- Recent bank statement showing minimum funds of $30,000.
- Proof of English Proficiency not older than two years.
- Copy of college transcripts or diploma
- Copy of passport
- Resume (optional)
- Personal Statement (optional)
University of California, Santa Cruz
Scholarships 2026
Indian students can look for external scholarships to study professional certification courses at UCSC Silicon Valley. These scholarships are available based on merit or financial need for specific courses. Depending on the scholarship applied for, Indian students can get varying amounts.
Scholarship Type | Eligibility | Benefits |
External scholarships | Based on specific courses, merit, and financial needs. | Varying with each scheme. |
University of California, Santa Cruz
Faculty
Electrical & Computer Engineering
Department OF Mathematics
Biomolecular Engineering
Computer Science & Engineering
Astronomy & Astrophysics
University of California, Santa Cruz
Infrastructure
The University of California’s Silicon Valley Extension has highly advanced facilities for students to enhance their professional education experience. Here are some of the key facilities available to students at UCSC Silicon Valley.
- State-of-the-art hybrid classrooms
- Computer labs
- Conference rooms
- Fully equipped event centre
- Wi-Fi
- In-person/online/hybrid setup
- Free parking
Facilities
Library
Central Library
Auditorium
Auditourm & Confrence Hall
Hostel
Accommodation
Computer Labs
Advance Computer Lab
Cafeteria
Food Zone
Classrooms
College Classrooms
Sports Ground
Activity Or Game
Medical
On-Campus Dispensaries
Labs
Advanced Labs
Wifi
Wifi
