How to Enroll

Transfer Edge is a six-week-long program that takes place during Summer Session B. Program activities will begin on August 1, 2026 and conclude on September 12, 2026.

After completing UC Santa Barbara’s Statement of Intent to Register (SIR), completing the Statement of Legal Residence (SLR), and activating a UCSBnetID through the UCSB Identity Manager, incoming transfers can apply to Transfer Edge via the following steps beginning April 27, 2026: 

1. Complete the quick online enrollment application. Please note that you will need to sign up for an account to complete the application. We recommend using your UCSB email for this account. 

2. Complete two FAFSA or CADAA forms! To be considered for financial aid for Transfer Edge, you must add UCSB’s school code: 001320 to your 2025 – 2026  FAFSA or CADAA June 30, 2026. Please note that this is in addition to the 2026 – 2027 FAFSA or CADAA, which provides aid beginning in Fall 2026. 

3. Once your enrollment application has been approved, review the Transfer Edge course registration process and the major-specific advising information sent via email, and register for courses on GOLD.

Transfer Edge participants enroll in 6-12 units during the program (Summer Session B).

Transfer Edge participants will all have three components that make up their schedule: 

1. Transfer Edge Core Course - INT 186ED (1 unit) - Transfer Edge Seminar (mandatory)

2. One of the following Major Exploration Courses (mandatory)

   • INT W 120 (2 units) - Transferring to the Research University 

   • INT W 188C (1 unit) - Transfer Exploration Seminar in Communication

   • INT W 188E (1 unit) - Transfer Exploration Seminar in Economics 

   • PSTAT 188 (2 units) - Transfer Exploration Seminar: Statistics & Data Science 

3. Major Requirements, College Requirements, and/or Elective Courses

Upon admission into Transfer Edge, program staff will ensure that students are registered in the mandatory Core Course and the appropriate Major Exploration Course for their major. Then, students will register on GOLD for the remainder of their own courses (major requirements, college requirements, and/or elective courses) to reach the 6-unit program minimum.

Yes, all Transfer Edge participants will be enrolled in the mandatory core coursework for the program (INT 186ED and a Major Exploration Course). If the lecture times for either course conflict with another course you wish to register for, you will need to either alter your schedule to remove conflicts or opt out of the Transfer Edge program. If a course you’d like to register for conflicts with a discussion time of one of the required courses, email transfer@summer.ucsb.edu for assistance with a potential schedule adjustment. Please do not preemptively drop your INT 186ED or Major Exploration Course.

Yes, community building and becoming a part of the Gaucho community are integral components of the Transfer Edge Program. There are kickoff events on move-in weekend, socials to play games and unwind with peers, fireside chats to learn about peers and alumni, and gaucho guides who present on student resources. Transfer Edge participants are required to attend a minimum number of events throughout the program, as referenced in the INT 186ED syllabus.

Transfer Edge participants can participate in the program as a residential or commuter student, and will be asked to indicate their residential status within the online application. Commuter students are responsible for securing their own off-campus housing. Residential participants reside in the El Dorado Apartments.

Because El Dorado Apartments include a kitchen, a meal plan is not included in the cost of housing. However, Transfer Edge participants can sign up for an Off Campus Summer Meal Plan. Prices vary based on selection.

The total cost to participate in Transfer Edge is a combination of both fixed and variable amounts, and is unique to each student’s housing election, number of units, and financial aid package (where applicable). The program also offers several Financial Aid & Savings opportunities designed to increase program accessibility. 

Transfer Edge Fixed Costs: 

• $25.00 non-refundable application fee

• $50.00 non-refundable programming and activity fee

• $33.87 student technology fee

• $575.09 campus-based fee

• $561.76 Estimated UC Student Health Insurance Plan (UC SHIP)

  • This fee reflects the 2025 cost, and will be updated with the 2026 amount when available.

  • This fee can be waived for eligible students. Please review the waiver process and associated deadlines as soon as possible to avoid late fees and/or missed deadlines. 

Transfer Edge Variable Costs:

• $291.00 per-unit course fee

  • Transfer students can choose to take 6-12 units. All students benefit from in-state tuition rates and a 12-unit fee cap during the summer months.

  • Check out our Summer Sessions Fee Estimator for a tuition fee estimation.

• $1,382.00 Apartment in El Dorado Apartments

  • Based on a six-week residency, with two occupants per room

  • Charged only to participants who choose the residential option.

• Summer Meal Plan

  • Optional, varies based on the plan selected.

Transfer Edge advisors are here to answer your questions and support you in your decision-making process. You can contact our team via email at transfer@summer.ucsb.edu or sign up to receive a phone call via Qless via our Contact Us page.