UC Electrical and Computer EngineeringUniversity of California, Santa Barbara

Program Info

Dates and tuition are specific to the 2027 intake.

Historical admission data is not published.

Statement of purpose

Narrative essay; must not duplicate the Personal History Statement.

CV or resume

Brief resume or CV of academic career.

Personal history statement

Minimum 250 words; typically 1–2 pages, double-spaced PDF.

Recommendation letters x 3

Three required; up to four accepted. Academic preferred; one industry letter allowed.

Unofficial transcript(s)

From all post-secondary institutions attended, with grade scale. Official transcripts typically required after SIR if admitted.

Official sources are the final authority

Academic: Bachelor's degree with GPA 3.0/4.0; Bachelor's degree or equivalent from an accredited university; at least a B average in undergraduate coursework (Graduate Division minimum). PhD objective typically for applicants who already hold a master's; exceptional baccalaureate applicants may apply MS/PhD.
Prerequisites: Relevant academic background; Open to applicants with a bachelor's in electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, or related fields who demonstrate high technical skill and promise for professional success.
IELTS: 7.0 overall; Overall Band score of 7 when English proficiency proof is required.
TOEFL: New scale: 4.0 overall | Old scale: 80 overall; For exams taken on or after 21 January 2026. Required if applicable.; For exams taken before 21 January 2026. Required if applicable.
GRE: Not considered; ECE has eliminated the GRE requirement for admission; do not rely on GRE scores for evaluation.