Santa Barbara City College is a public community college on a bluff above the Pacific Ocean, and it's often ranked among the best community colleges in the US. International students take two-year transfer programmes and move on to UC Santa Barbara, UCLA, Berkeley and other California universities. The setting, between the mountains and the beach, is hard to beat.
Santa Barbara, California, United States
Official website: sbcc.edu
Winner of the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence
Strong transfer record to UC campuses
An oceanfront campus in Santa Barbara
$9,000 – $12,000
International students, associate programmes
$22,000 – $28,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on sbcc.edu before you apply.
Associate in Arts (Transfer)
Associate DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 5.5, TOEFL: 61
Associate in Business Administration (Transfer)
Associate DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 5.5, TOEFL: 61
Associate in Computer Science
Associate DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 5.5, TOEFL: 61
Associate in Film and Media Production
Associate DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 5.5, TOEFL: 61
An oceanfront campus.
A national prize for community college excellence.
Transfer routes to UC Santa Barbara and beyond.
Most students transfer to four-year universities.
Film and media students build portfolios for industry.
California internships are available after transfer.
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
No PG intake
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
No PG intake
The campus sits on a hill above the harbour and beach, a short walk from downtown.
Santa Barbara is beautiful and relaxed but has very high rent, so many students share rooms.
Form I-20 issued by SBCC
Proof of funds for one academic year
SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
Completed DS-160 online application
US embassy or consulate interview
Passport valid six months beyond stay
SBCC's international deadlines are usually in spring for fall and in autumn for spring. Apply early, as places fill.
Classes start in fall and spring.
It's the F-1 student visa. Get your I-20 from SBCC first (they need your deposit and bank documents), then pay the SEVIS fee, complete the DS-160 and attend the visa interview. Book the interview early in peak season.
Transfer programmes in arts, business, computer science and film are popular. Entry needs high school completion and IELTS 5.5.
The SBCC Foundation offers scholarships after the first semester. Ask the international office.
