Program Details and Estimated Costs

Full-time status

International students on F-1 visas are required to be full-time students. We define full-time as 12 units per quarter. If you are on an F-1 visa, you must enroll in 12 units each quarter to maintain your legal status. You may enroll in less than 12 units in your final quarter if you are on track to complete the requirements for your certificate program. Note: Only one online course (3 units) each quarter may count toward your visa status.

How long does a certificate take to complete?

Most of our international students complete one certificate in nine to 12 months of full-time study.

Complete more than one certificate

Some students can complete two certificates in that time frame.

Make the most of a short stay

Other students may opt to complete a specialization in one of our new one-quarter short programs.

Business Certificate Programs

BUSINESS PROGRAMS	Length of Program	Quarter Units	Estimated Tuition	Recommended Start
Business Administration	3 Quarters	30 units	$15,350	Any Quarter
Human Resource Management	3 Quarters	30 units	$17,850	Any Quarter
Marketing Management	3 Quarters	30 units	$16,100	Fall, Spring
Project and Program Management	3 Quarters	30 units	$17,850	Any Quarter

Technology Certificate Programs

Technology Programs	Length of Program	Quarter Units	Estimated Tuition	Recommended Start
Computer Programming [i]	3 Quarters	30 units	$16,100	Any Quarter
Data Science and Data Analytics	3 Quarters	30 units	$16,100	Any Quarter
Embedded Systems	3 Quarters	30 units	$15,350	Any Quarter
Software Engineering and Quality [ii]	3 Quarters	30 units	$16,100	Any Quarter
Silicon Chip Design & Semiconductor Engineering	3 Quarters	30 units	$15,350	Any Quarter

UX Design Certificate Program

Program	Length of Program	Units	Estimated Tuition	Recommended Start
User Experience and Web Design	3-4 Quarters	30 units	$16,100	Winter / Summer

F-1 Visa Application Deadlines

International student applications must be submitted by the following dates:

Quarter	Quarter Start & End Dates	If you are IN THE U.S., forms are due:	If you are NOT IN THE U.S., forms are due:
Fall	August 19–Dec 31	August 1	July 15
Winter	January 1–March 31	December 15	November 15
Spring	March 18–June 15	March 1	February 15
Summer	June 3–August 31	May 15	May 1

Important Program Conditions

[i] 3. Computer Programming: Prior knowledge in this field is recommended for students interested in this program.

[ii] 4. Software Engineering and Quality: Prior knowledge in this field is recommended for students interested in this program.

*Please contact extensioninternational@ucsc.edu if interested.

Fees & Services

Included in the program tuition cost listed above are numerous fees that apply to all students in the program. These fees provide services for the entire duration of your studies and include:

• orientation,
• maintenance of your F-1 status,
• Student and Community Development course,*
• OPT application review,
• OPT support,
• internship placement assistance,
• academic programming,
• course registration,
• advising,
• events that maximize your learning and career potential
• access to computer labs & Wi-Fi, technology,
• housing referrals and resources,
• medical insurance assistance,
• photo ID cards, and
• other general needs.

The fee also includes two $40 drop fee waivers.

*The Student and Community Development course can be waived for students who have studied in the U.S. previously or can demonstrate having met the learning outcomes previously.

These fees are not included

• Application Fee: Nonrefundable $150. Due at the time of application.
• I-901 SEVIS Fee: $350
• USCIS OPT Fee: $410
• Cancellation Fee: International student fee is refundable minus a $200 cancellation fee if enrollment is canceled at least three business days before the orientation session begins.
• Express Mail Fee (optional): $50. Overseas students may request faster mail delivery for immigration document processing.
• Books and Materials Costs: Additional curricular requirements are not included.

Paying your fee

UCSC Silicon Valley Extension only uses Flywire for the international student orientation fee of $4,500.

Learn more about Flywire here.

More information

You can learn more about the international program, the 12-unit quarterly minimum, taking courses outside your program, and pursuing an internship, by visiting this page.