Organizer Information
The University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) is a public research university within the University of California system. Its academic offerings include undergraduate and graduate study in the arts, humanities, engineering, sciences, and interdisciplinary fields. Relevant programs for artists, designers, filmmakers, and media researchers include the Department of Art, Film and Media Studies, and the interdisciplinary Media Arts and Technology program. These departments offer different degrees and have distinct admissions requirements and deadlines.
Key Information
- Official Institution Name: University of California, Santa Barbara
- Opportunity Type: University Programs & Admissions
- Study Levels: Undergraduate, graduate, doctoral
- Degrees Offered: BA, MFA, MA/PhD, MS, PhD
- Academic Fields: Fine Arts, Film and Media Studies, Photography, Digital Media, Visual Arts, Media Arts and Technology, Sound Design, Multimedia Engineering
- Relevant Programs: BA in Film and Media Studies; MFA in Art; MA/PhD in Film and Media Studies; PhD-only in Film and Media Studies; MS in Media Arts and Technology; PhD in Media Arts and Technology
- Language of Instruction: English
- International Applicants: Yes
- Application Period: Undergraduate applications for Fall 2027 open 1 August 2026; graduate application periods vary by program.
- Application Deadline: 30 November 2026 for Fall 2027 undergraduate applications; 1 December 2026 for Film and Media Studies graduate applications; 16 December 2026 for Media Arts and Technology; 6 January 2027 for the Art MFA.
- Start of Studies: Fall 2027 for the listed admissions cycle
- Application Fee: Undergraduate: $80 per campus for U.S. residents and $95 for international applicants, according to the current undergraduate admissions FAQ; graduate: $135 for U.S. citizens and permanent residents and $155 for other applicants, according to Graduate Division guidance.
- Tuition: Varies by study level, residency classification, and mandatory fees.
- Funding: Graduate financial support and teaching assistantships may be available, subject to program-specific eligibility and availability.
Field of Study & Eligible Disciplines
UCSB offers study in the following relevant disciplines:
- Fine Arts and Visual Arts: Studio practice, painting, photography, video, digital media, print media, performance, and spatial and public arts through the Department of Art’s MFA program.
- Film and Media Studies: Film history and theory, global cinema, media analysis, screenwriting, filmmaking, digital media, and archival and curatorial practice.
- Media Arts and Technology: Visual and spatial arts, electronic music, sound design, multimedia engineering, digital media systems, and interactive media.
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The Art MFA accepts creative work and academic interests spanning visual studies, theory and criticism, film studies, performance, design, architecture, and media studies. Applicants are evaluated through portfolio review.
General Eligibility
- UCSB accepts domestic and international applicants, subject to the admission requirements of the relevant study level and program. Undergraduate applicants must meet the applicable University of California first-year or transfer requirements. Graduate applicants must satisfy university-wide graduate admission standards and the requirements of their chosen department.
- The Art MFA and graduate Film and Media Studies programs have separate academic and application requirements. Admission to one program does not establish eligibility for another.
Educational Background
- Undergraduate programs: First-year applicants generally need a secondary-school leaving qualification that permits university entry in their education system. Transfer applicants must meet UC transfer admission requirements.
- Art MFA: Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and have a minimum GPA of 3.0. A background in visual studies is desirable, but the department considers creative activity across several disciplines.
- Film and Media Studies graduate programs: Applicants must demonstrate aptitude for scholarly research and intellectual maturity. Prior study in film and media studies or a related humanities, arts, or social science discipline can provide relevant preparation.
- Media Arts and Technology: Applicants should consult the program's graduate admissions requirements for the qualifications and materials applicable to the MS or PhD.
Language Requirements
- Undergraduate applicants: Applicants whose native language is not English and whose prior education does not meet UCSB's English-language conditions must demonstrate proficiency. Accepted options include IELTS Academic with a minimum overall score of 6.5, Duolingo English Test with a minimum score of 115, and qualifying TOEFL scores. TOEFL minimums differ by test date: 80 for tests taken before January 2026, and 4.5 for tests taken from January 2026 onward under the undergraduate policy. Other approved examination or coursework pathways may apply.
- Graduate applicants: The university's general minimums are IELTS Academic 7.0, Duolingo English Test 120, or TOEFL iBT 80 for tests taken before 21 January 2026 and 4.0 for tests taken on or after that date. Departments may impose higher thresholds. Applicants who hold a qualifying degree from an accredited institution where English is the sole official language of instruction may qualify for an exemption under Graduate Division rules.
Application Fee
| Application category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate — U.S. residents, per campus | $80 |
| Undergraduate — international applicants, per campus | $95 |
| Graduate — U.S. citizens and permanent residents | $135 |
| Graduate — other applicants | $155 |
| Art MFA — separate SlideRoom submission | $10 |
Tuition
| Study level/applicant category | Verified fees | Billing structure |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate — California resident | Tuition: $4,574; student services: $448; campus-based fees: $426.51; technology fee: $50.80; health insurance: $3,128.25 | Per quarter, 2026–2027 |
| Graduate — nonresident | Resident charges above, plus $5,034 nonresident supplemental tuition | Per quarter, 2026–2027 |
| Undergraduate | Tuition and nonresident charges depend on the applicable student classification; campus-based fees are separately assessed | Quarterly |
Graduate charges shown are the published quarterly basic assessments before any applicable fee remission. The published graduate health-insurance charge may be waived when qualifying alternative coverage is approved. The university's 2026–2027 undergraduate campus-based fees total $702.43 per regular quarter; this is a campus-fee figure, not total tuition.
Funding & Financial Support
UCSB offers graduate funding mechanisms that may include fellowships, teaching assistantships, and fee remissions, subject to program rules and availability.
- Art MFA: The Department of Art identifies a Teaching Assistantship award program that can provide teaching experience and support.
- International doctoral applicants: The International Doctoral Recruitment Fellowship may provide support toward nonresident supplemental tuition for eligible incoming international doctoral students.
- Media Arts and Technology, Fall 2027: The program states that it cannot provide program-based financial support to incoming PhD students for the 2027–2028 academic year. Teaching assistantships may be available competitively, but are not guaranteed.
Applicants should verify funding eligibility and the terms of each award before relying on it to cover tuition or living costs.
University Services & Academic Support
Relevant academic resources include:
- Art MFA: Faculty interaction, studio seminars, critique, theory courses, directed media research, and a visiting-artist lecture colloquium.
- Film and Media Studies: Faculty advising, research and production projects, public screenings at Pollock Theater, and opportunities to participate in student filmmaking and screenwriting groups.
- International students: The Office of International Students and Scholars provides information and assistance concerning international student expenses, visas, and related matters.
- Graduate research: Departmental faculty and graduate program advisers provide program-specific academic guidance.
Access to individual facilities, projects, and funding depends on the program and applicable eligibility conditions.
Application Requirements
Undergraduate applicants
- UC Application.
- Academic records and required educational information.
- English-proficiency evidence when applicable.
- Official transcripts and test scores according to the relevant admission and enrollment deadlines.
Art MFA applicants
- Online graduate application.
- Bachelor's degree and minimum 3.0 GPA.
- Portfolio submitted through SlideRoom.
- Curriculum vitae.
- Statement of Purpose.
- Personal History statement.
- Contact information for three recommendation writers.
- Applicable English-language test scores, unless exempt.
Film and Media Studies graduate applicants
- Online graduate application and application fee.
- Official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions attended.
- Statement of Purpose.
- Statement of Personal Achievements/Contributions.
- Résumé or CV.
- Applicable English-proficiency documentation.
The department admits applicants to its MA/PhD or PhD-only pathways rather than offering a terminal MA program.
Media Arts and Technology applicants
The Fall 2027 admissions page requires a Statement of Purpose and Personal History Statement through the Graduate Division application. Applicants should check the program's official application instructions for the full set of materials.
How to Apply?
- Undergraduate Application Portal
- Graduate Application Portal
- Art MFA portfolio submission Portal
- Film and Media Studies Application Portal
- Media Arts and Technology Application Portal
Deadline & Timeline
Undergraduate admission — Fall 2027
- Application Opens: 1 August 2026
- Application Period Opens: 1 October 2026
- Application Closes: 30 November 2026
- Admission Decisions: Mid-March 2027
- Statement of Intent to Register Deadline: 1 May 2027
- Official Transcripts Deadline: 1 July 2027
- Official Test Scores Deadline: 15 July 2027
Film and Media Studies — Graduate admission
- Application Deadline: 1 December 2026
Media Arts and Technology — Graduate admission
- Application Deadline: 16 December 2026
Art MFA — Fall 2027 admission
- Application Deadline: 6 January 2027
These deadlines are program-specific. Applicants should verify the relevant program's current instructions before submission.
Location
University of California, Santa Barbara — Santa Barbara, California, United States
Additional Details
- Application-fee discrepancy: The 2026–2027 General Catalog lists undergraduate fees of $70 for domestic applicants and $80 for international applicants, and graduate fees of $105 and $125, respectively. The current admissions FAQ and Graduate Division FAQ publish higher amounts. Applicants should confirm the fee displayed by the applicable official application system before paying.
- Film and Media Studies: The undergraduate BA is primarily a critical-studies degree that includes research, writing, and production opportunities; it should not be treated as a dedicated production-only degree.
- Graduate Film and Media Studies: The department's MA is part of the MA/PhD pathway, not a standalone terminal master's program.
- Media Arts and Technology: Applicants seeking doctoral study for Fall 2027 should plan for independent financing unless they secure another eligible funding source. Assistantships are competitive and not guaranteed.