Admission as a Transfer Student
The University of California defines a transfer applicant as a student who has been a registered student in a college or university, or in college-level extension classes following high school graduation. Summer session attended immediately following high school graduation is excluded in this determination. If you are a transfer applicant, you cannot disregard your college record and apply for admission as a first-year student.
The admission and selection process for transfers to UC Santa Cruz reflects the academic rigor and preparation needed for admission to a major research institution. Meeting the minimum qualifications for the university does not guarantee you admission as a transfer student. It is expected that students will have completed the lower-division courses required by their intended major prior to transfer. See Screening Major Selection Criteria for a listing of all majors that currently require specific courses/grades prior to transfer to UC Santa Cruz.
Transfer applicants are thoroughly reviewed to determine their full spectrum of academic and personal achievements, including transfer coursework completed for their intended major. UCSC uses faculty-approved criteria to determine which transfer students will be selected for admission. UC Santa Cruz gives the highest priority to junior-level transfer students coming from California community colleges.
Information regarding the admission and selection process for UC Santa Cruz can be accessed at the Undergraduate Admissions website. This site provides information on the minimum qualifications for the University of California for students in California, in other states, and outside of the U.S.
UC Santa Cruz Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) Program
UC Santa Cruz's TAG (Transfer Admission Guarantee) Program is designed for California community college transfer students at the junior level. The benefits of participating in UCSC TAG include informational mailings and invitations to events. All California community colleges participate in the UC Santa Cruz TAG program.
The UC TAG application must be submitted online between September 1 and September 30 for the following fall quarter. UCSC accepts transfer admission agreements for fall quarter only.
Further information may be found on the Undergraduate Admissions Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) Program page.
UC Transfer Admission Planner (TAP)
The UC Transfer Admission Planner (UC TAP) is an online tool designed to help prospective UC students transferring from California community colleges track and plan their coursework, including those students who are seeking a Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) with one of the participating UC campuses.
Further information may be found on the UC Transfer Admission Planner site.
Credit for Courses Taken Elsewhere
The university gives unit credit to transfer students for courses they have completed at other accredited colleges and universities, including courses taken at recognized institutions outside of the U.S. To be accepted for credit, your courses must be comparable to those offered at any UC campus as determined by the UC Santa Cruz Undergraduate Admissions Office, following UC transfer credit practices. The UC Santa Cruz department sponsoring your major decides which transfer courses may be used to satisfy major requirements.
A total of 70 semester units (105 quarter units) of lower-division credit toward a university degree may be earned at other colleges/universities. Only subject credit will be granted for courses taken in excess of that cap. Please note that credit from another University of California campus is exempt from this limitation.
Lower-division Transfer Students
Lower-division (sophomore level) transfer students are welcome to apply. We recommend that you complete as much as possible of the coursework described above in “Selection Criteria” before applying.
Senior Standing Applicants
UC Santa Cruz accepts applications from senior standing applicants–students who have attended a four-year college or university for more than two years and who have completed 90 UC-transferable semester units (135 quarter units) or more. Impacted majors, such as computer science, are not available for senior-standing applicants. Also, please note that certain majors have screening requirements that must be met, although non-screening majors are available as well.
Second Baccalaureate Applicants
UC Santa Cruz accepts applications from second baccalaureate applicants–students applying for a second bachelor’s degree. In order to apply for a second baccalaureate, you will need to submit a Miscellaneous Appeal under the "Submit Appeal (Late Applicants and Applicants without CruzID)" option. Then, if your appeal is granted, the option to apply for UC Santa Cruz will open on the UC application. Please note that additional selection criteria will be applied, and admission is subject to approval by the appropriate department. Impacted majors, such as computer science and psychology, are not available for second baccalaureate applicants. Also, please note that certain majors have screening requirements that must be met, although non-screening majors are available as well.
Opportunities to take courses at UC Santa Cruz as a non-matriculated student are available through Summer Session, Concurrent Enrollment through UC Extension, and Intersegmental Cross-Enrollment.
UC Santa Cruz Transfer Services
The Office of Undergraduate Admissions provides information to all students who wish to transfer to UC Santa Cruz. Please see the Undergraduate Admissions website for information on admission requirements, the Transfer Preparation Program and peer mentors, the Transfer Admission Guarantee, and a multi-year transfer student timeline.
Student-led guided tours take place year-round and require advance reservations. Please see the Undergraduate Admissions website to make a reservation. Virtual tour options are also available.
In addition, UC Santa Cruz Admissions counselors visit many community colleges in California. Check with your counseling department or transfer center to determine whether a UCSC counselor will be visiting your community college.
UC Santa Cruz Office of Admissions Transfer Preparation Program (TPP)
The UC Santa Cruz Transfer Preparation Program (TPP) supports prospective transfer students from California community colleges and assists them in enrolling at UC Santa Cruz, as well as at other campuses. TPP Admissions representatives work with students who are attending California community colleges to answer their questions and help them transfer to UC Santa Cruz or another four-year university..
The Transfer Preparation Program also collaborates with programs and initiatives that strengthen the transfer process and support students in making a successful transition to a four-year institution.