We try our best to ensure that studying our NLP program at UCSC is an inspiring experience which will provide students with the professional skills they need for a successful career. It is equally important to us that students thrive personally and – we hope – find friends for life. We’re delighted that your loved one is thinking about joining us.
This page provides links which we hope will ease and support the application process as well as giving you insight into what you can expect should your family member choose to join us.
Find out more about student life at the University and get advice from our specialist international teams when you most need it.
How we can help
Choosing a program and a university
Our NLP Support Team can give you and your family member advice and information about studying at UCSC. We want to make sure you have the information you need to be able to fully support them in making the decision that is right for them.
Navigating the application process
We are able to provide advice and support to parents and supporters so that you can help your loved one navigate the application process. Please note that while we can answer general questions about UCSC and the NLP MS Program, we cannot provide personal information about an applicant or student without their expressed permission.
Please feel welcome to review our program’s admissions and application requirements on our website. If you have any questions about these requirements, please contact our Support Team.
Applying for a visa
Pursuing a visa can be a complicated process. We recommend first reviewing the Office of International Student and Scholar Services’ site and the Graduate Admissions’ FAQ page. Our Support Team is not able to advise on immigration policies, but if you have specific questions or concerns please let us know so we can help identify any available options.
Your student’s wellbeing
UC Santa Cruz works to create learning environments where all students can succeed. We believe in supporting the development of the “whole student” so that all of our students have opportunities to thrive academically, professionally, and personally.
Graduate students at UCSC have access to a variety of support services, resources, and events throughout the year and our Bowers building in Silicon Valley includes recreational and social spaces where our students can enjoy downtime and socialize with their peers. Members of our NLP Student Ambassadors team also organize inclusive social activities such as hikes and game nights to ensure our students can get to know one another, build a close-knit community at UCSC, and have fun.
To review more of the resources available to UCSC graduate students, please feel welcome to visit the Graduate Division’s website and the Graduate Commons’ resources page.
Study skills and academic support
UCSC offers a number of services and resources for students who may need additional support with their studies. Graduate students can access one-on-one writing tutoring from writing coaches at the VOCES Graduate Student Writing Center or join a Writing Together event to work on their assignments alongside fellow students in programs across the University.
Small class sizes ensure our NLP students can access individualized support from their instructors and Teaching Assistants each quarter. We also have a Program Team and Graduate Advising Team dedicated to supporting your student’s academic success.
Additionally, UCSC’s Disability Resource Center provides a variety of accommodations and services for graduate students to support them in making the most of their educational experience.
Careers support
Our program has been designed with expert input and involvement from a panel of Industry Advisors. Students can be confident all the material they learn is up-to-date and industry-informed. They also benefit from contact with Industry Advisors through a series of guest lectures and networking events. All students work on a Capstone project mentored by either a member of faculty or an industry expert which provides them with authentic workplace experience. Capstone projects provide useful insight into the range of career opportunities available to NLP graduates, give them access to networks of useful contacts, and can be invaluable experience to showcase in an interview. You can find out more on our NLP Capstone Experience page.
UCSC has excellent professional development resources available through our Center for Career Success. This can include everything from help with optimizing a resume, gaining mock interview experience, or engaging in customized career coaching.
Health
All students are required to have access to health insurance that works locally while attending UCSC. Graduate students are automatically enrolled in and charged for the UC Student Health Insurance Plan (UCSHIP), but they also have the option to waive UCSHIP if they want to use their own private insurance. More information can be found on UCSC’s Student Health Center’s site.
Finance
A small number of fellowships and stipends are available to students. This financial support is awarded based on merit and financial need. Please visit our Financials page to find out more.
Accommodations
Finding accommodations in the Silicon Valley can be a concern for graduate students. Off-campus housing resources are available to help students navigate local rental listings, and our team of NLP Student Ambassadors may also be able to help provide advice and recommendations on living in Silicon Valley. Additional help is available for international students on ISSS’ website.
I can confidently say I would not have the skills to create Apollo without the NLP Program. I used every single thing we learned from all of our classes.