Silicon-valley-overview

Welcome to Silicon Valley!

Where the next generation of innovation is born

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There is no place quite like Silicon Valley. International students will experience life in one of the most dynamic economic regions in the world while studying with industry professionals from global tech companies and groundbreaking startups.

You will join a welcoming and diverse community committed to providing you with the most up-to-date practical and project-based, professional certificate programs.

University of California, Santa Cruz, founded in 1965, is a top-ranking, accredited institution collaborating with industry to provide a professional curriculum to prepare students for the latest demands in the workforce.

What makes us particularly unique, however, are the instructors who bring their passion for excellence to the classroom with hands-on practical training that helps you move your career forward. And, of course, the unmatched experience of Silicon Valley.

   

Certificate programs + short programs for international students

New courses start each quarter allowing students to launch their 9–12-month full certificate program quickly. Students wishing to complete a focused, 12-unit study in a single quarter can also choose from several exciting short programs that provide them with the chance to learn skills, explore Silicon Valley, and network with professionals.

 

Welcome to our Fall 2024 students!

 

A Pie chart showing where our international students come from.

 

 

We're here to help you have a great stay!

Below you'll find some helpful links to get you closer to your dream of professional studies in Silicon Valley.

     

 

Have questions about the UCSC Silicon Valley experience?

Prospective International Students

Prospective students can click here to schedule an online meeting with an advisor.

  • Mondays, 4–6 p.m. (PT)
  • Wednesdays, 8–10 a.m. (PT)

Current International Students

Already enrolled? You can meet with an international advisor in person or online. Please email: extensioninternational@ucsc.edu


CERTIFICATES & COSTS

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The average tuition cost of our programs is $16,000.

ONE-QUARTER SHORT PROGRAM

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Spend a quarter in an immersive, focused study and earn a digital badge specialization in a top Silicon Valley program.

HOW TO APPLY

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You must have a college degree. This could be an associate’s, bachelor's, master's, doctorate, or other equivalent higher degree.


INTERNSHIPS & OPT

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Nearly all of our international students who complete a professional certificate program go on to qualify for unpaid internships and paid work experiences through the federally managed Optional Practical Training (OPT) program.

HOUSING | TRANSPORTATION

View of Silicon Valley at sunset taken from the eastern hills

Find the best resources for housing and transportation in Silicon Valley.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

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Every student is responsible for following the  UCSC Silicon Valley Extension Academic Integrity Policy and understanding the difference between attribution and plagiarism.

   

 
American International Recruitment Council Institutional Member

Overseas Representatives

 
WESTERN EUROPE

Representative Contact: Joy Martin Consulting

 
LATIN AMERICA • AFRICA • ASIA

Representative Contact: Global Study Partners

   

Interested in being an agent partner?

UCSC Silicon Valley Extension invites collaborative relationships with professional educational advisers and institutions around the world. We thank you for your support in facilitating these life-changing experiences for international students.

Become an Agent Partner

   

International Inquiry Form

Contact Us
Speak to an international programs representative.

Call +1 (408) 450-4945

Envelope extensioninternational@ucsc.edu

To schedule an online meeting with an international advisor, please click here.

Recent International Stories

What Students Are Saying

"I received a clear view of the industry and what are the needs faced by enterprises today."
— Anonymous Student     International Student
"I made a lot of good connections while I was here."
— Aakash Dave     International Student Entrepreneur, Founding CEO of Spotmi
Aakash Dave
"It was pretty deep and the assignments were demanding so I had to work hard to get the point."
— Renato Roschel Ribeiro, MBA     International Student Director of Digital & Analytics | Data Analytics Professor
Renato Roschel Ribeiro, MBA