Does UC Santa Barbara have opportunities for international students to receive scholarships? I'm especially interested in undergraduate support as an international applicant. Any information on what's available and how to apply would be great!
UC Santa Barbara offers some opportunities for international students to receive financial aid, but it's essential to note that these opportunities are relatively limited. UC Santa Barbara does not provide need-based financial aid to international students.
UC Santa Barbara does have some merit scholarships that international students may be eligible for; these are typically prestigious and competitive. One example is the Regents Scholarship, which is the most distinguished scholarship offered to entering undergraduates. Scholars receive a $6,000 honorarium for a few years dependent on the entry level (freshman or transfer). Keep in mind this is highly competitive, with only the top 1-2% of incoming students considered.
There are also several scholarships awarded through the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships that do not require U.S. citizenship, such as the Undergraduate Scholarship. However, you'll want to carefully review the criteria for each of these, as some may still require a U.S. Social Security number or other U.S.-specific qualifications.
For these scholarships, you would typically be considered as part of your admission process, and separate applications aren't administered by the university.
Additional opportunities may be found outside of the university. Be sure to explore scholarships specifically designed for international students, for instance, from foundations or private organizations in your home country.
Please know it's always a smart idea to reach out to the UC Santa Barbara Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships for the most current and detailed information.
Remember, securing financing as an international student can be challenging, so it's advised to begin this process early and explore all potential sources of funding.
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