University of California Los Angeles Scholarship: 2025
Save Big on UCLA Tuition!
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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.
| 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 and provide with financial aids. Below is a breakdown of need-based UCLA scholarships you may be eligible for.
| 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.
| 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 different 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.
| 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 (UCLA) 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.
| 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 recommendation 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. These 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 transportation.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a full scholarship to UCLA?
The UCLA Regents Scholarship offers up to full tuition for students with outstanding academic records (typically a 3.8+ GPA), awarded by invitation. Apply early and meet the scholarship criteria.
Does UCLA give scholarships to international students?
Yes, scholarships at UCLA like the Undergraduate International Student Scholarship provide up to $10,000 per year for international students, along with other funding opportunities.
Can I get a full scholarship in California?
Yes, full scholarships like the UCLA Regents Scholarship and the Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan are available for both domestic and international students, covering full tuition.
Does California State University Los Angeles offer scholarships?
Yes, California State University Los Angeles scholarships are available for merit-based and need-based aid, similar to UCLA's scholarship options.
Does the University of California give full scholarships to international students?
While full scholarships are limited, scholarships for international students in the US can be received through scholarships like the UCLA Undergraduate International Student Scholarship, and external scholarships like the AmberScholar,.