Step UPP: Undergraduate Pathway Program
This step-by-step Undergraduate Pathway Program is designed to prepare high school graduates to seek admission to a US research university. Beginning with an intensive English Academy and moving through a guided academic year at UCSB, students build the transferable units and academic foundation they need to pursue admission to UC Santa Barbara.
Why Choose Step UPP at UC Santa Barbara?
As a defined pathway, Step UPP gives students an exceptional, progressive preparation for succeeding in the rigorous academic environment of top universities in the US — combining intensive English training, guided general education coursework, and a guaranteed route toward admission to UCSB.
Program Highlights
- Intensive English Preparation: 6 weeks of Intensive English Language Training at UCSB's English Academy that gets you where you need to be!
- Structured Academic Year: 3 quarters of instruction in General Education and academic preparation courses.
- Guaranteed Admission Pathway: Guarantee to seek admission to UCSB after completing Santa Barbara City College (SBCC).
- Transferable Units: 28 transferable units that count toward your admission application.
Further Details
- Step 1 - Apply
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To Submit your Application you will need
- Copy of your passport
- Photo passport-style
- High school transcript and diploma (GPA 2.7)
- English language proficiency (TOEFL 75; IELTS 6.0; Duolingo 95; CET-4 500)
- Proof of financial eligibility (tuition plus estimated living expenses) - Step 2 - Summer English Academy
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The English training schedule consists of four hours per day and four days a week, for six weeks. Coursework will include:
- Academic Reading and Writing
- Language and Culture
- Speaking and Pronunciation
- Step 3 - Academic Year
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The academic year will include the following:
Fall Quarter:
- 1 General education course
- 2 Academic English language preparation courses
Winter Quarter:
- 3 General education courses
Spring Quarter:
- 3 General education coursesThe schedule for classes will be provided one week before the start of each quarter. The General Education courses may include Economics, Geography, Psychology, Anthropology, and/ or Communication. Courses subjects are subject to change.
- Step 4 - Transfer to SBCC
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After the Spring quarter, students will transfer to Santa Barbara City College to complete their General Education requirements.
UCSB will assist with applying to Santa Barbara City College and work closely with advisors there to get students enrolled
- Step 5 - Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG)
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Students apply to the TAG program to gain admission to UCSB. The SBCC International office will assist students through this process.
- Academic Year 2026-2027 Program Dates & Tuition Pricing
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Application fee: $210
Tuition Price: $39,980
Non-refundable deposit: $500 (Payment is required after being accepted into the program and is necessary for issuing the I-20 form.)
Orientation: August 3, 2026
Summer Summer English Academy (6 weeks): August 3, 2026 to September 11, 2026 (mandatory)*
2025-2026 Academic Year: September 23, 2026 to June 11, 2027 -
"I chose to attend UCSB because I want
to have a unique life and study experience."
-Jungang