ISRP: Cost

Program Fee

$975  (effective 9/1/25 – 8/31/26)

A one-time fee, due prior to arrival, that includes application processing, pre-arrival support, and a certificate upon successful completion of the program. The Program Fee excludes airfare, airport transfers and local transportation, mandatory health insurance, any applicable visa fees, any materials costs specific to a student intern’s research project, and any other personal expenses.

Other Estimated Expenses

Housing

On-campus housing is available to student interns only during the Summer Session (late June through late August). Student interns who have an internship start date at any other time of the year (from the beginning of September through mid-June) must find their own housing off campus. Refer to the official academic calendar for exact dates for each academic term.

• On campus (Summer ISRP only) ~$3,025 for 8 weeks (55 nights at ~$55 per night)

Single occupancy room with shared bath and kitchen in an on-campus residence hall; Pricing is for room only. A meal plan, if desired, must be purchased separately (see 

below). Housing charges are payable prior to arrival and are based on an intern’s actual duration of stay and number of nights requested.

• Off campus (Academic Year ISRP only) – ~$1,200~$3,500+ per month 

For off-campus rental options, including market costs for one-bedroom apartments and other housing arrangements, refer to the UCSC Community Rentals website.

Meals

Student interns have the option to purchase a campus dining hall meal plan, prepare their own meals, or do a combination of both of these options. 

• Campus Dining Halls – Student interns may purchase “Flexi Dollars” in increments of $100 to use for discounted entry into the campus dining halls. Based on current dining hall entry prices, below are estimated example costs over an 8-week period:
  • $700 for ~1 meal per day for 8 weeks
  • $1,400 for ~2 meals per day for 8 weeks
  • $2,200 for ~3 meals per day for 8 weeks
• Self-prepared Meals – Student interns may also choose to prepare their own meals at their own expense using shared kitchen facilities in their on-campus residence hall, or in their own kitchen, if living off-campus. Food expenses will vary widely based on individual needs and tastes. The cost below is a general estimate. 
  • ~$200+ per month for groceries

Health Insurance

Student interns on the J-1 visa are required to maintain minimum health insurance coverage for their duration of stay in the U.S. The estimated monthly cost for the UC Santa Cruz Visiting Scholar Benefit Plan is provided as an example, however, interns may elect to choose a different health insurance plan if it meets minimum requirements. See here for more detailed information about Health Insurance Requirements for J-1 Exchange Visitors. 

• UC Santa Cruz Visiting Scholar Benefit Plan – ~$70 to ~$260 per month
• Actual monthly insurance costs will vary widely based on personal factors – e.g. age, health conditions – the insurance provider, and type of plan/coverage chosen. 

Local Transportation

Student interns receive a campus ID for use on limited campus transportation. A city bus pass is required for most travel beyond the campus.

• Santa Cruz Metro Bus Pass – $65, for a 31-day monthly pass. Can be purchased via website or Santa Cruz METRO Splash Pass App.

Your actual expenses will depend on the duration of your internship. The expenses above do not include the I-901 SEVIS fee, the visa fee or the cost to travel to and from the United States. All costs are subject to change without notice.