University of California Los Angeles Scholarship: 2025

Attending UCLA is a dream for many students, but with the University of California Los Angeles tuition costs reaching $13,227 for California residents and $42,000 for out-of-state students, finding financial aid is essential. Luckily, the University of California Los Angeles Scholarship programs offer various funding opportunities to help students manage their education expenses. From merit-based awards to need-based grants, UCLA provides financial support to thousands of students each year. In fact, 43% of UCLA undergraduates receive some form of financial aid, and the university distributes over $200 million in federal loans annually. Whether you're a domestic or international student, securing a UCLA scholarship can significantly reduce your tuition burden. This guide covers everything you need to know about UCLA scholarships, including eligibility, application steps, and additional financial aid options. By the end, you'll have a clear path to funding your UCLA education.

Types of UCLA Scholarships

UCLA offers a variety of scholarships to help students fund their education. Whether you’re a high-achieving student, in financial need, or pursuing a specific major, there’s a scholarship that fits your profile. Understanding these categories can help you maximize your financial aid options.

1. Merit-Based Scholarships

Merit-based scholarships at UCLA reward students for academic excellence, leadership, and extracurricular involvement. If you have a strong GPA, demonstrate leadership, or participate in community service, these scholarships can help reduce your tuition costs.

Merit-Based Scholarships

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Scholarship Name	Grant Amount	Exact Eligibility Criteria	Application Deadline
UCLA Regents Scholarship	Up to full tuition	Open to incoming freshmen and transfer students with an outstanding academic record (typically 3.8+ GPA); by invitation only.	Varies by invitation (typically in the spring for incoming students)
Alumni Scholarships	$4,000 – $20,000	Open to incoming freshmen and transfer students with leadership experience, strong academics (minimum 3.5 GPA), and community service involvement.	March 2 (for fall admission)
Chancellor’s Blue & Gold Scholarship	$1,000 – $5,000 per year	Available to students from low-income backgrounds (annual family income below $80,000), with strong academic performance (3.5+ GPA).	March 2 (for fall admission)
College Honors Scholarship	$500 – $5,000	Available to students enrolled in the UCLA Honors Program, maintaining a minimum 3.7 GPA.	March 2 (for fall admission)
UCLA Athletic Scholarships	Varies	Offered to student-athletes based on athletic performance, NCAA eligibility, and coach recommendations.	Varies (check with the UCLA Athletic Department)
UCLA Freshman Alumni Scholarship	$4,000 – $20,000	Open to first-year students who demonstrate exceptional leadership, academic excellence (minimum 3.8 GPA), and involvement in extracurricular activities.	March 2 (for fall admission)
UCLA National Merit Scholarship	$2,000 – $5,000	Awarded to students recognized as National Merit Finalists who have designated UCLA as their first-choice institution.	October (varies by state)
UCLA Achievement Scholarship	$2,000 – $10,000 per year	Open to high-achieving students from underrepresented backgrounds, requiring a minimum 3.7 GPA and financial need.	March 2 (for fall admission)
UCLA Fiat Lux Scholarship	$1,000 – $5,000	Available to first-generation college students with high academic achievement (minimum 3.5 GPA) and financial need.	March 2 (for fall admission)
UCLA Engineering Merit Scholarship	$5,000 – $10,000 per year	Awarded to top incoming engineering students, based on academic excellence (minimum 3.8 GPA) and leadership in STEM activities.	February 1
UCLA Humanities Excellence Scholarship	$2,000 – $8,000	Open to students pursuing humanities majors, demonstrating academic distinction (minimum 3.5 GPA) and leadership in literary, artistic, or cultural activities.	March 2 (for fall admission)
UCLA Law Merit-Based Scholarship	Varies	Available to incoming law students with top LSAT scores (typically 165+), a high undergraduate GPA (3.7+), and leadership potential.	January 15

If you’re looking for a University of California Los Angeles scholarship, these merit-based options provide a strong starting point. UCLA also offers need-based aid and departmental scholarships, which we’ll cover next.

2. Need-Based Scholarships at UCLA

Not every student has the financial means to afford a UCLA education, but that shouldn’t stop you from pursuing your degree. If you have financial need, there are several University of California Los Angeles scholarships designed to help cover tuition, housing, and other expenses. These scholarships prioritize students from low-income families and those who demonstrate financial hardship. Below is a breakdown of need-based UCLA scholarships you may be eligible for.

Need-Based Scholarships at UCLA

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Scholarship Name	Grant Amount	Exact Eligibility Criteria	Application Deadline
Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan	Covers full UC system-wide tuition	Open to California residents with family income below $80,000 who qualify for financial aid.	March 2 (for fall admission)
UCLA Undergraduate Scholarship Program	$500 – $10,000 per year	Awarded to students with significant financial need, enrolled full-time, and maintaining satisfactory academic progress.	March 2
UCLA Financial Aid Grant	Varies based on need	Open to students who have submitted FAFSA or California Dream Act Application and demonstrate financial need.	March 2
Pell Grant	Up to $7,395 per year	Available to students with exceptional financial need based on FAFSA application.	June 30
Cal Grant (A & B)	Covers tuition and living expenses	Open to California residents with demonstrated need, high school GPA of at least 3.0 (Cal Grant A) or 2.0 (Cal Grant B).	March 2 (for fall admission)
Middle Class Scholarship (MCS)	Varies (up to 40% of tuition)	Open to California residents from middle-income families (income up to $217,000).	March 2 (for fall admission)
Dream Act Scholarships	Varies	Open to undocumented students who meet AB 540 criteria and have financial need.	March 2
Work-Study Programs	Varies	Provides students with part-time job opportunities to help cover education costs. Requires FAFSA submission.	Varies (check with UCLA Financial Aid)
UCLA Achievement Scholarship (Need-Based)	$2,000 – $10,000 per year	Awarded to high-achieving students from underrepresented backgrounds who also demonstrate financial need.	March 2

3. Departmental Scholarships at UCLA

If you're pursuing a specific major or field of study, you may qualify for departmental scholarships at UCLA. These scholarships are offered by individual departments and schools within UCLA, recognizing students for their academic performance, research contributions, or potential in their chosen field. Some awards are automatically considered upon admission, while others require a separate application.

Departmental Scholarships at UCLA

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Scholarship Name	Grant Amount	Exact Eligibility Criteria	Application Deadline
UCLA College of Letters and Science Scholarships	$1,000 – $5,000 per year	Awarded to students majoring in humanities, social sciences, and life sciences with strong academic performance (minimum 3.5 GPA).	March 2 (for fall admission)
UCLA Engineering Scholarships	$2,000 – $10,000 per year	Open to engineering students who demonstrate academic excellence (minimum 3.7 GPA) and leadership in STEM activities.	February 1
UCLA School of Theater, Film & Television Scholarships	Varies	Available to students pursuing film, theater, or media studies, based on artistic and academic merit.	January 15
UCLA School of Nursing Scholarships	Varies	Offered to nursing students based on financial need, academic achievement, and commitment to the field.	March 15
UCLA Anderson School of Management Scholarships	Varies	Open to business and MBA students with strong academic backgrounds and leadership potential.	November 17
UCLA School of Medicine Scholarships	Up to full tuition	Awarded to medical students demonstrating high academic achievement and financial need.	March 1
UCLA Arts & Architecture Scholarships	Varies	Available to students majoring in design, architecture, or fine arts, based on portfolio and academic performance.	February 15
UCLA Law School Scholarships	Varies	Merit-based and need-based awards for law students with outstanding LSAT scores and academic records.	January 20

Departmental scholarships provide exclusive funding for students in specific fields of study, helping to reduce the cost of tuition and other educational expenses. If you’re enrolled at UCLA, it’s worth exploring these opportunities to maximize your financial aid options.

4. University of California Los Angeles Scholarships for International Students

Studying in the U.S. as an international student can be expensive, but there are funding opportunities available to help offset costs. While UCLA scholarships for international students are limited compared to domestic financial aid, UCLA does offer some merit-based awards, departmental scholarships, and external funding options for non-U.S. citizens. If you're looking for a UCLA scholarship for international students, check out the available options below.

University of California Los Angeles Scholarships for International Students

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Scholarship Name	Grant Amount	Exact Eligibility Criteria	Application Deadline
UCLA Undergraduate International Student Scholarship	$5,000 – $10,000 per year	Open to incoming international students with outstanding academic records (minimum 3.7 GPA) and leadership experience.	March 2 (for fall admission)
UCLA Graduate Division Fellowships	Varies	Available to international graduate students pursuing master’s or PhD programs based on academic merit and research potential.	Varies by program (check specific deadlines)
UCLA School of Engineering International Student Scholarship	$2,000 – $8,000	Awarded to non-U.S. students enrolled in engineering programs with high academic achievement.	February 1
UCLA Law School Scholarships for International Students	Varies	Open to international law students based on academic excellence and LSAT scores.	January 15
UCLA Global Leaders Scholarship	$3,000 – $7,500	Available to international students who demonstrate strong leadership, community involvement, and academic performance.	November 15
UCLA Dean’s Global Scholarship	Varies	Awarded to high-achieving international undergraduate and graduate students with financial need.	March 15
External Scholarships (Fulbright, AAUW, Joint Japan/World Bank Scholarship, etc.)	Varies	Offered through external funding sources for international students studying in the U.S.	Varies by scholarship (typically between March and October)

Finding a University of California Los Angeles scholarship for international students can be challenging, but with thorough research and a strong application, you can increase your chances of securing funding. Take advantage of departmental awards, external funding sources, and merit-based scholarships to make your UCLA education more affordable.

5. External Scholarships for UCLA Students

In addition to UCLA scholarships, students can apply for external scholarships offered by private organizations, nonprofits, and government programs. These scholarships can help cover tuition, housing, and other expenses, reducing the financial burden of attending UCLA. Many external scholarships are open to both domestic and international students, and they often have different eligibility criteria based on academic merit, financial need, or specific fields of study. If you're looking for additional funding beyond a UCLA scholarship, here are some great external opportunities to explore.

External Scholarships for UCLA Students

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Scholarship Name	Grant Amount	Eligibility Criteria	Application Deadline
Fulbright Program	Varies (full tuition & living expenses)	Open to international students pursuing graduate studies in the U.S.; selection based on academic merit and leadership potential.	Varies by country (typically between March - October)
Gates Millennium Scholars Program	Full tuition & expenses	Available to low-income, high-achieving minority students in the U.S.; must have a minimum 3.3 GPA and leadership experience.	January 15
Horatio Alger Scholarship	$10,000 – $25,000	Awarded to U.S. students who have overcome adversity and demonstrate financial need and academic achievement.	October 25
AAUW International Fellowships	$18,000 – $30,000	Open to female international students pursuing graduate or postgraduate studies in the U.S.	November 15
Joint Japan/World Bank Scholarship	Full tuition & stipend	Available to students from developing countries pursuing graduate degrees in fields related to economic development.	May 24
The Point Foundation Scholarship	Varies	Awarded to LGBTQ+ students with academic excellence and leadership experience.	January 26
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarship	Up to $40,000 per year	Open to high-achieving undergraduate transfer students with financial need.	November 17
National Merit Scholarship	$2,500 – $10,000	Awarded to high school students with exceptional PSAT scores and strong academic performance.	October (varies by state)
The Soros Fellowship for New Americans	Up to $90,000	Available to immigrant and refugee students pursuing graduate education in the U.S.	October 26

Outside a UCLA scholarship, students can apply for AmberScholar, which offers grants of up to $12,000 to support tuition, accommodation, and academic expenses. Open to students worldwide, it’s a simple, fee-free application process designed to ease financial burdens.

How to Apply for UCLA Scholarships?

Applying for a University of California Los Angeles scholarship requires careful planning and timely submissions. Follow these steps to increase your chances of securing funding:

Step 1: Submit the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application

To be considered for need-based UCLA scholarships, submit the FAFSA (for U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens) or the California Dream Act Application (for undocumented students meeting AB 540 criteria). This determines your eligibility for grants and scholarships.

Step 2: Check the UCLA Scholarship Portal

Visit the UCLA Scholarship Portal to explore available awards and requirements. Some scholarships are automatically awarded, while others need a separate UCLA scholarship application.

Step 3: Write a Strong Scholarship Essay

Many scholarships require an essay. Common prompts include:

How will this scholarship help you achieve your academic goals?
Describe a challenge you’ve overcome.
What impact do you want to make in your field?
Keep it personal, authentic, and concise.

Step 4: Gather Recommendation Letters

Some UCLA scholarships require letters from teachers, professors, or mentors. Request them early and provide your recommenders with relevant details.

Step 5: Meet All UCLA Scholarship Deadlines

Check the UCLA scholarship deadline for each award, as dates vary. The FAFSA deadline is usually March 2, but individual scholarships may have different cutoffs. Applying early and thoroughly increases your chances of securing a UCLA scholarship that eases your financial burden. Additionally, if you’re looking for more scholarships in the US, check out the Top USA Scholarships for Indian Students to expand your funding options.

Additional Financial Aid Options at UCLA

Beyond UCLA scholarships, the university offers several financial aid options to help students manage tuition and living costs.cThese financial options, combined with UCLA scholarships, help 43% of UCLA students reduce tuition and focus on their studies.

Securing financial aid at UCLA is more accessible than you might think. With a range of University of California Los Angeles scholarship opportunities, students can find funding that matches their academic achievements, financial needs, and career goals. Whether through UCLA scholarships, grants, or external awards, there are numerous ways to ease the cost of tuition. The key is to apply early, meet deadlines, and explore every available resource. Take advantage of the financial aid options UCLA provides, and invest in a future where affordability doesn’t stand in the way of education.

Student Housing near the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA)

Finding the right student housing near UCLA ensures convenience and comfort. Here are some top options:

1. 1823 Pelham Ave (0.8 miles from UCLA) offers shared apartments with fully furnished rooms, study desks, a kitchen with appliances, and access to common areas.
2. 1740 S Kelton Ave (1.2 miles from UCLA) provides shared rooms, offering high-speed WiFi, laundry facilities, and easy access to public transport.
3. 6677 Santa Monica Blvd (5.6 miles from UCLA) features 3-bedroom shared apartments with modern interiors, fully equipped kitchens, a gym, and social spaces.
4. 840 Hilgard Ave (0.3 miles from UCLA) offers ensuite and non-ensuite apartments with all-inclusive bills, high-speed internet, and study areas.