University of California, Santa Cruz Silicon Valley Extension has announced the International Student Merit Scholarship, a merit-based award for international students, including those from India, enrolling in certificate programmes at its Silicon Valley campus.

The scholarship provides a one-time award of USD 1,000, applied as a reduction to the International Student Fee during the first quarter of enrolment. It is open to new F-1 international students enrolling full-time in eligible certificate programmes.

The Extension programmes are aimed at international graduates and early-career professionals and combine academic instruction with applied learning. The courses include project-based work and curricula aligned with industry practices, focusing on skills relevant to roles in technology, business and innovation-driven sectors in the United States and other global markets.

Dean PK Agarwal said the scholarship responds to growing interest among Indian students in short-term professional programmes in the US that combine academic learning with practical exposure. He noted that studying in Silicon Valley offers insight into technology-driven industries and supports skill development for professional environments.

Somiya D, an alumna of the Project and Programme Management Certificate, said the programme used industry-based examples and real-time scenarios that helped connect academic concepts with workplace requirements.

To be eligible, applicants must apply as new F-1 international students, meet admission requirements for their chosen certificate programme, submit complete application documents and enrol full-time. The scholarship is not available to continuing students, part-time enrolments or those on non-F-1 visas.

Applicants must submit a separate scholarship application, including a 300–500 word personal statement outlining academic objectives, professional interests and reasons for applying. Applications must be submitted one month before programme deadlines.

Application deadlines are 15 June (fall), 15 October (winter), 15 January (spring) and 1 April (summer). Recipients must maintain full-time enrolment, achieve a minimum GPA of 3.0 and remain in valid F-1 visa status.

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