
Certificates & Costs
Program Details and Estimated Costs
Due to updated federal guidance (May 2023), international students must participate in their courses in person. Of the 12 units required for their F-1 visa, only one course (up to 3 units) may be a remote course. The programs listed below allow students to meet those requirements.
Please confirm availability with the International Team and check back soon for new programs.
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 course (3 units) each quarter may count toward your visa status.
Time Estimate • Dual Certificates • Short Programs
Most of our international students are able to complete at least one certificate in nine to 12 months of full-time study. Some students can complete two certificates in that time frame. Other students may opt to complete a specialization in our new one-quarter short program.
Business Certificate Programs
Program | Length of Program | 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 |
Procurement and Supply Chain Management | 3 Quarters | 30 units | $15,350 | Any Quarter |
Technology Certificate Programs
Program | Length of Program | 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 |
Linux Programming and Administration | 3 Quarters | 30 units | $15,350 | Any Quarter |
Software Engineering and Quality [ii] | 3 Quarters | 30 units | $16,100 | Any Quarter |
VLSI Engineering | 3 Quarters | 30 units | $15,350 | Any Quarter |
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.
International Inquiry Form
Speak to an international programs representative.
Call +1 (408) 450-4945
Envelope extensioninternational@ucsc.edu