Welcome to Silicon Valley!
Where the next generation of innovation is born
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!
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
The average tuition cost of our programs is $16,000.
ONE-QUARTER SHORT PROGRAM
Spend a quarter in an immersive, focused study and earn a digital badge specialization in a top Silicon Valley program.
HOW TO APPLY
You must have a college degree. This could be an associate’s, bachelor's, master's, doctorate, or other equivalent higher degree.
INTERNSHIPS & OPT
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
Find the best resources for housing and transportation in Silicon Valley.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
Every student is responsible for following the UCSC Silicon Valley Extension Academic Integrity Policy and understanding the difference between attribution and plagiarism.
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.
International Inquiry Form
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
"From assignments, class exercises, and group discussions to the project work and quizzes—it all helped me build strong foundations and solidify concepts."
— Neville Mistry
International Student
Program Manager
"I made a lot of good connections while I was here."
— Aakash Dave
International Student
Entrepreneur, Founding CEO of Spotmi
"It’s a very supportive program. The engagement within our class was great. We learned from the professors as well as our classmates."
— Renuka Adnane, MSOD PHR SHRM-CP
International Student
Human Resources Business Partner
"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
"The response from my fellow students was so enthusiastic that I had to think more in depth. It evolved. Every course demands that you think in a certain way. Every course took me a step further."
— Bouwien Luppes
International Student
Art Entrepreneur and Marketer
"She’s really inspired me to do a lot of things I was not doing with the kids. It helps you think differently about your role. It helped me a lot with teaching art and creativity. If they want to color a heart blue, we let them do it."
— Vandana Gupta
International Student
Child Care Teacher
"Diana is a fabulous instructor and is always willing to share her insights and make sure course content is adapted to everyone's needs. She is approachable and willing to help you have a thorough understanding of the content without judgment."
— Jasleen Kaur Monga
International Student
Learning Specialist | Educational Therapist
"Jagadeesh really prepares for the sessions and the assignments, not letting students to lose focus during classes, engaging all. He has got a lot of examples to share and makes people think to apply what we learn in the class."
— SasiKumar Arumugan
International Student
Lead Software Engineer
"The class involved whiteboard sessions and collaboration projects which really prepared me well to start working in the industry and tackle UX design interviews."
— Agnieszka Zimolag
International Student
Product Design, Cloud at IonQ
