Take UC Santa Cruz courses as a visiting student

If you are currently enrolled at another college or university, you can take UC Santa Cruz courses through Open Campus without applying for admission. Visiting students from across the country can earn UC transferable credits while continuing to make progress toward their degree.

Whether you are trying to stay on track, complete specific requirements or take a course not offered at your home institution, Open Campus provides a flexible way to do so. Courses are available in person on UC Santa Cruz’s campus or online, making it easier to fit into your existing schedule.

Transfer of Credit

All courses are transferable. Credit acceptance is determined by the receiving institution, so we recommend confirming approval in advance.

 

UCSC Mascot Sammy with three UCSC students on a wooden bridge

Why Open Campus?

🐌 Learn alongside UC Santa Cruz students

Join classes with UCSC students and experience a University of California academic environment as part of the Banana Slug community.

📚 Access courses not offered at your school

Explore subjects that may not be available at your home institution. View our featured courses page for a sample of available offerings!

📈 Earn UC Santa Cruz credit

Complete credit-bearing coursework that may transfer toward your degree. Check with your institution before enrolling.

Enrollment FAQs

  1. Search for the course

    Search the course you are interested in to confirm it will be offered during the quarter you plan to enroll. You will need all of the course information listed to apply.

    We recommend reaching out to the instructor before submitting your application. While not required, it can be helpful to introduce yourself, explain your background and confirm that the course is a good fit.

  2. Register and pay application fee

    Register for section UCSC.1000 and pay a one-time application fee. If you are a returning Open Campus student, please email opencampus@ucsc.edu and we will register you for the next session.

  3. Submit Open Campus form

    Submit a completed Open Campus form and pay your tuition by the deadlines indicated in the fee schedule.

    Open Campus Form

Here’s what to expect after you submit your enrollment form:

  1. Email confirmation
    After you submit your enrollment form, you'll receive a confirmation email from the Open Campus team.

  2. Enrollment form verification
    The Open Campus team will review your form to make sure all information is accurate. If anything needs correction, they’ll contact you.

  3. Instructor approval
    Open Campus staff will reach out to the course instructor for approval. If the instructor denies your request, you'll be notified. If approved, your enrollment will move forward.

  4. Prerequisite check
    The instructor may request an unofficial transcript before approving your enrollment. The Open Campus team will let you know if this is needed. Your enrollment won't proceed until the transcript is submitted and reviewed.

  5. Canvas access
    Once approved, you’ll be added to the course on Canvas.

  6. Final enrollment and payment
    You’ll get an email once you’re officially enrolled. Note: Open Campus courses are managed through your UCSC Extension portal—not your MyUCSC portal. All payments must be made in the Extension portal before the deadline. If you miss the payment deadline, you’ll be dropped from the course.

  7. Final grades and transcripts
    At the end of the quarter, your instructor will submit your grade. You can also request transcripts as needed once grades are available.