UCSC Silicon Valley Merit Scholarship Worth ₹90,000 Open for Indian F-1 Visa Students — How to Apply

Students planning a short-term academic stint in Silicon Valley now have a new incentive.UCSC Silicon Valley offers a USD 1, 000 (around Rs 90, 000) International Student Merit Scholarship to Indian and other international students who will be enrolling in its certificate programs.

This single payment will be credited as a discount on the International Student Fee for the first quarter of enrollment. It is available to new F, 1 international students who are enrolling full, time in qualifying UCSC Silicon Valley certificate programs.

Made public on February 9, 2026, the scholarship is a gesture to support international graduates and early, career professionals who are looking for industry, focused education in the US.

The certificate programs blend academic instruction with real, world experience, such as project- based coursework that is in line with the present industry practices. The curriculum is geared towards developing practical skills that are directly relevant to functions in technology, business and innovation, driven sectors in the US and other markets worldwide.

Dean PK Agarwal, Dean, UCSC Silicon Valley, said: “At UCSC Silicon Valley, our Extension programs are designed around applied learning models and focus on building skills relevant to today’s professional environments. The International Student Merit Scholarship” is intended to support international students as they begin their academic journey in the US.”

Eligibility and application process

- To qualify, applicants must apply as new F-1 international students

- The students should meet the admission requirements for their chosen certificate program

- Submit complete documentation 

- Enrol full-time in line with visa regulations.

The award will not be extended to students who are currently enrolled and continuing their studies, part, time students, or those applicants who are from non, F, 1 visa categories.

Applicants, in addition to their scholarship applications, must submit a personal statement of 300, 500 words that should include their academic goals, professional interests, and the reasons for application. The applications must be submitted at least one month before the program's deadline.

The deadlines are:

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

Students are encouraged to factor in the visa processing time when making their applications.

Recipients are required to enroll in 12 units per quarter to be considered full, time students, maintain a 3.0 GPA, stay in valid F, 1 visa status, and fulfill all academic and orientation requirements.

More information on the criteria, documentation, and schedules can be found on the official UCSC Silicon Valley site.