UCSC Silicon Valley 1000 Merit Scholarship New F1 Students 2026

UCSC Silicon Valley Extension has announced an International Student Merit Scholarship that gives new F-1 international students a one-time $1,000 (USD) credit. The amount is applied as a reduction of the International Student Fee in the first quarter of enrolment, and is tied to certificate programmes (not degree programmes) at UCSC Silicon Valley.

What does the scholarship cover?

UCSC’s official scholarship page says recipients receive a $1,000 one-time merit scholarship, applied automatically to the first-quarter International Student Fee. It does not cover living expenses, and it applies only to student fees for the first quarter.

Key details at a glance

• Award: $1,000 (one-time) fee reduction (first quarter only)
• Who can apply: New incoming F-1 students in initial status enrolling in a UCSC Silicon Valley certificate programme
• Not eligible: continuing students, part-time enrolment, or non-F-1 visa categories
• Personal statement: 300–500 words as part of the scholarship form

Check the programs offered at USCS

Eligibility rules that students must meet

To be considered, applicants must submit a complete programme application (including documents such as transcripts and proof of English proficiency/financial documents) and enrol full-time: 12 units per quarter as required for F-1 students.

If selected, students must also:

• Maintain minimum 3.0 GPA
• Stay in valid F-1 status
• Attend required orientations and check-ins

Failure to meet academic/visa compliance requirements can lead to loss of the award.

Deadlines you need to track

UCSC lists quarter-wise scholarship deadlines as:

• Fall: June 15
• Winter: October 15
• Spring: January 15
• Summer: April 1

UCSC also advises applying early because F-1 students may need time for visa appointments and travel preparation.

For Indian graduates and early-career professionals looking at short, career-focused US certificate programmes, the scholarship can reduce first-quarter fee costs—but it comes with strict full-time enrolment and GPA requirements linked to maintaining F-1 compliance.

What to do next?

• Choose an eligible UCSC Silicon Valley certificate programme and submit the programme application with required documents.
• Fill the scholarship form and write the 300–500 word statement (goals, career plan, why UCSC Silicon Valley).
• Submit before the quarter deadline and plan your visa timeline accordingly.