BA

Museum Studies

Learn more about studying Museum Studies as an international student.

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Key facts

  • Degree type
    Bachelor's
  • Duration
    4 years
  • Delivery method
    On campus
  • Pace
    Full-time
  • Annual tuition fee
    57,300USD
  • Start date
    Sep
  • QS Ranking
    #173

Program overview

What the University of California Santa Barbara says about their program:

Museum Studies is an undergraduate programme at the University of California, Santa Barbara leading to a Bachelor of Arts. The programme introduces students to the main ideas, methods and applications of museum studies through structured study and opportunities to explore related areas.

Students develop subject knowledge alongside analytical, communication and practical skills that can support further study or a wide range of careers. As part of UCSB, they also benefit from a research-led learning environment and the academic resources of a large public university.

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Admission requirements

Undergraduate academic requirements

  • Completion of high school education.

English proficiency

  • Score 24 or higher on the ACT English Language Arts (ELA)
  • Score 31 or higher on Writing and Language in the SAT**
  • Score 3, 4 or 5 on the AP examination in English Language and Composition, or English Literature and Composition
  • Score 6 or 7 on an IB Standard Level examination in English (Language A only)
  • Score 5, 6 or 7 on an IB Higher Level examination in English (Language A only)
  • Score 6.5 or higher on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS)*
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)* examination

  • Internet-based test (iBT) or iBT Home Edition test taken before January 2026

    Minimum score of 80 or better

  • Internet-based test (iBT) or iBT Home Edition test taken January 2026 or later

    Minimum score of 4.5 or better

  • Duolingo English Test (DET)

    Minimum score of 115

  • Earn a grade of "C" or better in a UC-transferable college course in English composition (worth 3 semester or 4 quarter units)

Any one of these exams must be completed by the December test date prior to enrollment and sent directly from the testing agency to:

UCSB Office of Admissions 1210 Cheadle Hall University of California Santa Barbara Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, USA

Please Note: TOEFL, IELTS, and DET scores are valid for two years from the date of the exam, and scores must be available in July prior to enrolling at UC.

  • UC does not accept IELTS One Skill Retake or MyBest TOEFL; only the highest composite score from a single sitting is allowed. **The digital SAT Reading and Writing score has not been approved to meet English language proficiency.

English proficiency waivers

  • High School Language of Instruction

    If you attended a high school for three or more years where English was the primary language of instruction, you do not need to take an English proficiency test.

  • College Coursework

    Earning a grade of "C" or better in a UC-transferable college course in English composition fulfills the requirement. Transfer students automatically meet this through their required composition courses.

  • Advanced Placement (AP)

    A score of 3, 4, or 5 on the AP English Language and Composition (or Literature) exam satisfies the proficiency requirement.

Documents required

  • Passport
  • Academic Transcripts
  • Degree certificate or diploma
  • Proof of English proficiency
  • Statement of purpose or personal statement
  • Recommendation letters
  • Finance proof
  • Translations
  • Credential evaluations
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Required grades

to see how attainable this program is.

  • A levels

    ABB

  • International Baccalaureate (IB)

    30

All grade information on Studee is provided for guidance only. Always check the university's official program page for the latest information on required grades.

Additional requirements

Documents

  • University of California application
  • Application fee of $95 USD
  • Academic records for all secondary schools attended, with official translations where required
  • Proof of secondary-school completion and official records after admission
  • International students must meet the UC subject requirements and school accreditation requirements
  • First-year application deadline

    November 30

Essays and statements

  • UC application Personal Insight Questions
  • Applicants should complete the writing responses required in the UC application

Selection

UCSB uses a holistic review process. Meeting minimum eligibility does not guarantee admission, and applications are assessed using academic and personal-achievement factors in context.

Tests and examinations

  • UCSB does not use SAT or ACT scores for admission or scholarship selection
  • If the language of instruction was not English, submit TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo English Test evidence
  • UCSB international guidance lists minimum English-proficiency scores of TOEFL 80, IELTS 6.5 or Duolingo 115

How to apply

  • Direct

    Fixed deadline
    Application fee95.00 USD
    Fee waiver

    Application-fee waivers are available through the University of California process for eligible applicants. Review the UC fee-waiver guidance before submitting the application.

    Read the fee waiver policy

Scholarships at University of California Santa Barbara

  • Regents Scholarship

    Official page

    UC Santa Barbara offers Regents Scholarships to selected entering students. Students should consult UCSB’s official scholarship pages for current selection and eligibility rules.

  • UCSB scholarship opportunities

    Official page

    UC Santa Barbara publishes scholarship resources and institutional scholarship information for students. International applicants should review individual award requirements because eligibility differs by scholarship.

All scholarship information on Studee is provided for guidance only. Always check the university's official scholarship page for the latest information on eligibility, award amounts, deadlines, and application requirements.

Fees

Tuition and living costs depend on the programme, housing choice and student circumstances. UCSB’s official cost-of-attendance budgets include tuition, campus fees, housing, food, books, transport, health care and personal expenses. For immigration purposes, OISS currently estimates undergraduate international student costs at approximately $80,000 for the first year. International students should check the official cost calculator and prepare proof of funding before requesting their immigration documents. Scholarships and grants may be limited for international students.

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What is the cost of living near University of California Santa Barbara?

Category Cost  (in United States Dollar)
Rent, 1-bed apartment in city centre$2,538
Rent, 1-bed apartment outside centre$2,187
Utilities (electricity, heating, water, refuse)$143
Internet (60 Mbps unlimited)$80
Mobile phone plan (data + calls)$61· USA average
Monthly public transport pass$54
Monthly grocery basket$278
Books and study supplies (monthly)$123
Coffee shop drink$6
Cinema or cultural event ticket$13
Gym membership$62

Indicative monthly costs per person.

Data sourced from livingcost.org (Crowdsourced), numbeo.com (Crowdsourced) and finaid.ext-prod.sa.ucsb.edu (University published).

Visa requirements for the University of California Santa Barbara

Navigating the visa process is a crucial step in your study abroad journey. Make sure to seek guidance and support to ensure you meet all necessary requirements for your time at University of California Santa Barbara.

USA student visa requirements