Ready to explore the beautiful beaches and scenic mountains of Santa Barbara while taking academically intensive classes in your favorite subjects? Located on the edge of the Santa Ynez mountains and overlooking the Pacific Ocean, University of California, Santa Barbara provides a dynamic living and learning environment where students can make their dreams a reality.

In partnership with Summer Discovery, The Research Mentorship Program and the Summer Research Academies allow participants to discover interdisciplinary subjects while discovering new knowledge through university-level research. These transformative summer experiences are designed to shape each student's academic, professional, personal, and social development. We can't wait for you to join us on-campus in our 21st year with the University of California, Santa Barbara, and learn from top instructors at America’s #7 Top Public University.

UCSB Pre-College Programs for High School Students

Learn more about our UCSB Programs

Research Mentorship Program (RMP)

Summer Research Academies (SRA)

2023 Courses and Academies

See All UC Santa Barbara Courses

Campus Life & Activities

Our home on campus is Santa Cruz Residence Hall, overlooking the stunning Pacific Ocean. Here, you will be a part of a dynamic community of students and staff who live together in one residence hall. You'll be only a short walk from De La Guerra Dining Commons, academic buildings, the University Center (UCEN), the beach, and two outdoor pools.

Get in touch with your inner adventurer with a hike on the beautiful Paradise Road, or participate in ocean sports at Leadbetter, Santa Barbara, or Goleta beach. Whatever your preference, we’ve got an opportunity for fun in the sun! Known for its incredible recreation centers, access to surfing, beautiful coast line, and more, UC Santa Barbara is a great place to learn and spend your summer.

Top UCSB Residential Activities

Soak up the sun at Leadbetter, Santa Barbara, or Goleta Beach
Explore the charm of Southern California and some of its best views on local hiking trails
Have some fun in the sun by going surfing in some of Cali's most famous beaches
Spend time off-land going snorkeling with your peers
Sing the night away with your peers at Karaoke night
Wind down with outdoor movie nights
Have a fun night out with a bowling match
Spend an afternoon ice skating with your peers

All program activities are subject to change based on current safety protocols.

Dates & Tuition

Jun 25 - Aug 5 $6,5996 Weeks *No courses July 4thResearch Mentorship Program (College Credit)See Available Courses
Jul 2 - Jul 29 $5,3994 Weeks *No courses July 4thSummer Research Academies (College Credit)See Available Courses

Testimonials

“I truly enjoyed my time here. All of the staff were very helpful and encouraging. This program allowed me to gain experience for college courses and college dorm life.” Alexandra H. 2018 Alumni
“I've made the greatest friends anyone could ever have, and I don't know how to say thank you to all of you for making it possible. This program has changed my life forever.” Colton B. 2018 Alumni
"The program was academically rigorous and challenging but the perfect opportunity for me to step out of my comfort zone." Damla O. 2019 Alumni
"The experience was amazing. I got to meet friends from all over the world, I explored a new city, and now I feel prepared and less nervous for college, and all of this thanks to this program."Natalie Joa C. 2019 Alumni

Program Details

Living: Our home on campus is Santa Cruz Residence Hall. Students live in a double room with communal hallway bathrooms, blanket and pillow are provided. Every room includes a bed, study desk, closet, and free Wi-Fi. Lounges, game rooms, laundry facilities, and the Summer Discovery Office are all in our residence hall.

Dining: Unique to Summer Discovery is our all-inclusive meal plan. Enjoy three meals every weekday, and two on the weekends, while on campus in the modern De La Guerra Dining Commons. Choose from daily options at the salad bar, deli counter, pizza oven, stir fry station, ice cream, and more. Are you a vegetarian? Do you have food allergies? Special diets are not a problem.

Tuition includes: Term fees, housing, 3 meals daily while on campus (2 on weekends), use of athletic and recreation facilities, activities and trips, transportation for included activities.

Not included: $95 student ID/technology fee, airfare, airport transfers (available for $40 each way), international registration fee ($359), meals eaten off campus, medical expenses, laundry, linens, spending money, Summer Discovery promotions do not apply to the Summer Research Academies or the Research Mentorship Program (please visit UCSB Summer Session's website for more information about these programs).

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