University of California Scholarships

Name: University of California Scholarships

Award Amount: Varies

Information And Eligibility:
The University of California (UC) system offers one of the most comprehensive and wide-ranging scholarship programs in the United States, supporting both undergraduate and graduate students across its nine undergraduate campuses. These scholarships are designed to recognize a broad range of student achievements and circumstances, including academic excellence, leadership, community service, special talents, research interests, and demonstrated financial need. Because the UC system attracts a highly competitive applicant pool, scholarships play an important role in making a UC education accessible to students from diverse backgrounds.

UC scholarships generally fall into several categories. Merit-based scholarships reward strong academic performance, exceptional accomplishments, and leadership potential. Need-based scholarships are intended to reduce financial barriers for students with demonstrated financial need and are often awarded as part of a comprehensive financial aid package. In addition, many campuses and academic departments offer major-specific or talent-based scholarships for students studying fields such as engineering, science, education, humanities, fine arts, and health-related disciplines.

Each UC campus administers its own scholarship programs, meaning eligibility criteria, award amounts, and application processes can vary significantly from one campus to another. Some scholarships require separate applications, essays, or recommendations, while many others are awarded automatically based on information submitted through the UC admission application and financial aid forms. Students are encouraged to review the scholarship opportunities available at each campus to fully understand the options for which they may be considered.

For California residents, the UC system places a strong emphasis on affordability. Programs such as the Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan help ensure that eligible low-income students have their systemwide tuition fully covered. Scholarships may be layered with federal, state, and institutional grants to reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket costs. Nonresident and international students may also qualify for select merit-based scholarships, depending on the campus and program.

Because scholarship consideration is often tied closely to financial aid eligibility, students are strongly encouraged to submit all required financial documents on time. Completing the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application by the priority deadline is essential for need-based awards. Many scholarships are renewable for multiple years, provided students maintain satisfactory academic progress and enrollment requirements.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must apply for admission to a University of California campus.
• Must demonstrate academic achievement, leadership, talent, or financial need, depending on the scholarship.
• Must submit the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application for need-based consideration.
• Some scholarships may require California residency, enrollment in a specific major, or participation in designated programs.
• Graduate-level scholarships may require department-specific materials or faculty recommendations.

Application Requirements:

• Submit the UC admission application by the published deadline.
• Complete the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application.
• Submit any supplemental scholarship applications, essays, or materials required by individual campuses or departments.
• Provide transcripts, letters of recommendation, portfolios, or research statements when applicable.
• Monitor campus financial aid portals for additional forms or deadlines.

Additional Details:

• Each UC campus maintains its own scholarship database for freshmen, transfer students, current students, and graduate students.
• Some scholarships are renewable with continued academic progress.
• Departmental scholarships may have separate deadlines and application requirements.
• International students may be eligible for select merit-based awards.

Deadline: March

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