ECE Apply FAQs

What Constitutes a Completed Application (Application Checklist)

Application Checklist

An application is considered complete once:

• the online application has been completed and submitted
• the application fee has been paid
• all transcripts, supplemental documents (Statement of Purpose, Resume/CV, Personal History and Diversity Statement), letters of recommendation, and scores have been received
  • Statement of Purpose: this is a brief statement outlining your reasons for undertaking our graduate program, the particular area of specialization within the major field, past academic work, and academic goals. You may also include names of UCSB ECE faculty whose research field interests you most.
  • Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Personal History and Diversity Statement: should describe aspects of your personal background, accomplishments, or achievements that you feel are important in your contribution to a diverse population at UCSB. For example, include any economic challenges experienced while achieving higher education, any unusual or varied life experiences that might contribute to the diversity of the graduate group like fluency in other languages, experience in living in bicultural communities, academic research interests focusing on cultural, societal or educational problems as they affect underserved segments of society or evidence of an intention to use the graduate degree toward serving disadvantaged individuals or populations.
  • Three letters of recommendation: While three letters are required, applicants can submit up to four letters of recommendation. Academic references are preferred, although applicants may submit one letter from industry.
  • Transcripts: Unofficial transcripts with the official university seal and grade scale are acceptable for application purposes.  Please redact identifying personal information such as social security numbers and home addresses.
    • International Applicants: Degree certificates required (if the degree is awarded) AND original language and certified English translation transcripts required.
    • TIPS for uploading official transcripts:
      • Must be current transcripts with institution name/identifying marks (e.g., logos, seals, stamps...) and transcript legend or university key (grading scale)
      • Do not upload transcripts from secondary or higher secondary schools
      • Only PDFs accepted with a 10 MB size maximum
      • Black and white copies are sufficient
      • Ensure scan can print on letter-size paper - 8 ½ by 11 in (21 ½ by 30 cm
      • Select the “view document” button to verify whether the transcript(s) meet all requirements
        NOTE: UC Santa Barbara reserves the right to require official transcripts at any time during the admissions process, and rescind any offer of admission if discrepancies between uploaded and official transcript(s) are found.
  • GRE scores: ECE has eliminated the GRE requirement for 2023 admission
  • TOEFL or IELTS scores( if applicable): International students whose native language is not English are required to take the TOEFL or IELTS. Exceptions to TOEFL or IELTS testing may only be considered for those students who have or will be completing an undergraduate or graduate education at an institution whose primary language of instruction is English, or are permanent residents of the U.S.
    • Applicants should instruct ETS to send official scores to UCSB Institution Code 4835. A department code is not required
    • What are the minimum TOEFL or IELTS scores required? The minimum TOEFL score is 550 for the paper-based test and 80 for the internet-based test. The minimum IELTS score is an overall band score of 7.
    • If I have already taken the TOEFL or IELTS, how long are my test scores valid? Scores can be no more than two years from the date that the online application is started.
    • May I waive the TOEFL or IELTS requirement? Exceptions to TOEFL or IELTS testing may only be considered for those students who have completed an undergraduate or graduate education at an institution whose official sole language of instruction is English

Should I send, email, or upload additional materials such as papers, awards...?

Supplemental Materials

We Do Not accept additional materials. A mention of papers, technical reports, theses, etc., in the resume is sufficient. Also, Do Not send copies of your passport.

If we receive such materials, they will be discarded.

Applicants will not be notified once the application is complete - it is the applicant's responsibility to follow up and review their application status.

What is and where can I find my student PERM #?

UCSB Perm # / Student ID

The PERM # is your unique UCSB student identification number that you will use throughout your studies at UCSB. To find your PERM #, refer to the application status page several days after completing and paying the online application fee.

What is the minimum GPA requirement?

GPA Requirement

A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) is a minimum requirement for all applicants. However, meeting the 3.0 minimum alone does not guarantee admission.

Financial Support Information

Financial Support Information

How do I apply for financial support?

The completed application for admission automatically serves as the application for financial support. Applications must be completed and submitted by December 15th to be considered for financial support. There are no exceptions for applications completed after the December 15th deadline.

I have been admitted to the graduate program, how do I find out if I received financial support?

Not all students admitted into our graduate program are awarded financial support. If you have an award, notification of a Teaching Assistantship (TAship) or a Graduate Student Research position (GSR) is sent by the ECE Department soon after the Dean of the Graduate Division notifies you of the final admission.

Do I need to submit a financial statement at the time of application — International students only

All international students need to complete documentation of financial ability to pay for expenses for the first year of study at UCSB.

Applicants do not need to submit a financial statement until they have been officially admitted and will not be penalized in any way for not submitting the financial statement earlier with other application materials.

Please note that newly admitted students should refer to the O.I.S.S. (Office of International Students and Scholars) website and send the financial statement directly to O.I.S.S. and not the ECE department.

Send to:
Office of International Students Scholars
University of California, Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
93106-7150
USA