Independent Programs

Person standing beside a lake

Independent Programs are study abroad or away programs not facilitated by the University of California. They can be a good option for students who are not able to find a UC program that meets their academic, personal, or professional goals.

Important Factors with Independent Programs:

  • Financial Aid does not apply.
  • Out-of-state tuition does not apply
  • Students could receive transfer credit, though not guaranteed.
  • UC credit is not available.
  • The maximum number of lower division credits a student can transfer to their UCSC degree is 105 quarter units (credit from another UC, Advance Placement (AP), or International Baccalaureate (IB) are exempt from this limitation).
  • Students must take a leave of absence for the duration of their program during all terms except for summer term.

For more information on Independent Programs, please see this Independent Programs Database, which contains a range of international education organizations.


Additional Considerations

  • Determine major/minor coursework: If the Office of Admissions approves your coursework for transfer credit after you have submitted the Proposed Program Evaluation, meet with your major or minor advisors to discuss if any of the approved courses you take while you are abroad may satisfy major or minor requirements.
  • Pre-Departure Items: If you are selected for participation by your IP, you will need to meet their deadlines, complete their pre-departure requirements, and follow their participation instructions.  

Withdrawing: Email globallearning@ucsc.edu and your IP if you decide to withdraw or your plans change.


IP Affiliates

IP Affiliates are specific organizations that UCSC Global Learning has established partnerships with. Each option is a respected International Education Organization based in the United States that designs programs to include academics, housing, health insurance, on-site support, pre-departure information, and excursions. All of the programs below are widely known and partner with universities and colleges across the United States. 


CEA Global Education

Year, Semester, Summer and Internships

Automatic Grants for UCSC Students:

  • $500 – Year-long programs
  • $250 – Semester or quarter programs
  • $100 – Summer programs

For more information, email CEA directly at info@ceastudyabroad.com


The Education Abroad Network (TEAN)

Year, Semester, and Summer Programs in Australia, NZ, and Asia

For more information, email TEAN directly at info@teanabroad.org


International Studies Abroad (ISA)

Year, Semester, Summer, Quarter, Internships, Service-Learning, and Research

Automatic Grants for UCSC Students:

  • $200 – Any program

For more information, email ISA directly at isa@studiesabroad.com.


Academic Programs International (API)

Year, Semester, Summer, Internships, Virtual

For more information, contact API here. 


CIS Abroad (CIS)

Year, Semester, Summer, Internships, Virtual


Semester at Sea

Semester programs on a large ship built as a floating university campus. Students visit 10 – 12 countries in a semester and receive credit from Colorado State University. 

* Financial aid packaging is possible through Colorado State University, email globallearning@ucsc.edu for more information.*

For more information, email SAS directly at admissions@isevoyages.org


Other IP Options at UCSC

Below you will find additional IP study abroad programs. Although these are not current UCSC affiliates, they are popular options for UCSC students.


Independent Programs Academic Planning

To earn transfer credit from an IP, have an official transcript from your program organization sent to the address below.

  • Upon receipt of your official transcript, the Office of Admissions will award transfer credit for UC-transferable courses as long as you have completed the Proposed Program Evaluation.
  • If you forgot to fill out the Proposed Program Evaluation before your program, or your classes changed and you didn’t fill out the PPE with your updated classes please submit a Review of Transfer Credit.
  • Transfer courses do not affect your cumulative UCSC GPA.
  • Once courses are transferred and added to your UC transcript, you can speak with your major/minor advisors about how those courses may be counted toward major/minor requirements.

ATTN: Study Abroad/Away Transfer Credit Evaluation
Admissions Office, Hahn
University of California Santa Cruz
1156 High Street
Santa Cruz, CA
95060

Last modified: Apr 29, 2024