International applicants will have graduated from a secondary school and earned a certificate of completion that enables attendance at a university in that country.

You must take a minimum of five IB exams, with two exams taken at the higher level. The overall average must be 5 with no exam score below 4. Exams must be taken in academic subjects comparable to the UC A-G course pattern. UCSB uses grades leading up to the final year to determine if a student will be eligible for admission along with predicted grades for year 12.

You must complete at least five GCSE/IGCSE (O-Level) exams with a 3.4 GPA or higher and at least three GCE (A-Level) exams with a 3.0 (unweighted) GPA or higher and no grade below C to be considered for admission. If you receive A, B, or C grades on your GCE (A-Level) exams, UCSB may grant you transfer credit toward your bachelor's degree. The exact amount of credit will be determined after you are formally admitted and provide your official Statement of Results.
Scoring 560 or higher on the Writing section of the SAT Reasoning test or a score of 31 or higher on Writing and Language in the SAT with Essay (new SAT).
Scoring 3, 4, or 5 on the AP examination in English Language and Composition, or English Literature and Composition.
Scoring 6 or 7 on the IB Standard Level examination in English: Literature, or Language and Literature.
Scoring 5, 6, or 7 on the IB Higher Level examination in English: Literature, or Language and Literature.
Taking the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 80 or better on the Internet-based test and 550 or better on the paper-based test.
Taking the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam with a minimum 6.5 or better band score (academic modules).
Scoring 24 or higher on the combined ACT English/Writing or English Language Arts.