Make Dreams a Reality with UC Berkeley
The Financial Aid and Scholarships Office works closely with students to make a UC Berkeley education an affordable reality. At Berkeley, we are proud to say that nearly everyone is eligible for financial aid.
Undergraduate Students
Nearly two-thirds of undergraduate students qualify for financial aid. We encourage prospective undergraduate students to use Berkeley’s Financial Aid Estimator to produce an estimated financial aid award.
Graduate Students
For graduate students who wish to supplement their department awards or Graduate Division awards, we offer assistance with federal student loans, state Dream loans and/or work-study. Once you have been offered aid by your department or by the Graduate division visit the Graduate Award Guide.
The Financial Aid and Scholarships Office administers federal & state loans and work-study awards for graduate and professional students.
If you are interested in being considered for aid, please complete the applicable financial aid application, either the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Student Aid Commission California Dream Act Application.
Berkeley Graduate Dream Act Aid is a financial aid program made possible by the passage of the California Dream Act of 2011 and SB354. The program provides loans to make college more affordable for students who complete Statement of Legal Residence (SLR) and qualify for an AB 540 nonresident tuition exemption.
The UC Berkeley Title IV school code: 00131200.
The FAFSA and the California Dream Act Application are available in October each year. The FAFSA and California Dream Act Application are used to determine aid eligibility for the specific academic year (fall, spring, and summer term) for which the application is completed. The aid application needs to be completed for each academic year that you wish to apply for aid.
The priority deadline for the 2024-25 academic year (fall 2024, spring 2025, summer 2025) is May 2. If you file after May 2, some types of financial aid may be limited. Students who completed the 2023-24 FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application specifically for spring or summer 2023 should also file the 2024-25 FAFSA or California Dream Act Application by the Spring deadline.
Navigating Your Financial Journey
Begin your journey by applying for aid by the early Spring deadline. Learn more about what you can expect along the way with this introduction to financial aid at Berkeley.
Types of Aid
- Explore the types of financial aid available at Berkeley or find details about a specific offering:
- Innovative Berkeley Aid Programs
- Grants
- Scholarships
- Prizes and Honors
- Loans
- Work-study
Starting a New Year
Resources for the beginning of the school year.
- Award Notification
- Financial Aid checklist
- Maintaining Your Eligibility
- Share Information with Parents and Others
- Sign Up for Direct Deposit
- Understanding Your Commitment
Owning Your Finances
Resources that support personal financial management.
- Center for Financial Wellness
- Build a Budget
- Creating a Spending Plan
- Financial Aid Payments and Refunds
- iGrad personal finance tool
- Managing Debt
- Repaying Your Loan
- Saving Money
- Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) FAQ
Aid for Special Programs
Unlock your potential with specialized support.
- Disabled Students Program
- Newly Admitted Students Pathways
- Study Abroad
- Summer Aid
- Veterans Benefits
Other Campus Opportunities for Students
Berkeley opportunities you don’t want to miss out on!
- ASUC Student Union
- First Year Pathways
- Global Edge
- Research opportunities
- Student clubs and organizations
- Berkeley Study Abroad
Other Prospective Student Resources
Learn more about the university with Discover Berkeley, by signing up for a personalized email admissions guide, and exploring these additional student resources.
- Academic Calendar
- Academic Guide
- Admissions
- Admissions Dates and Deadlines
- Berkeley Life student blog
- Dining at Cal
- Housing Options
- Housing Rates
- Residential Life
- University Health Services
Notice of Availability:
Notice of Availability:
In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the University of California, Berkeley publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. This report includes current security policies plus crime and fire statistics for the previous three calendar years. The body of the report also contains contact information for various campus and community resources related to crime prevention and survivor assistance. A digital copy of the report can be accessed via the link below, or paper copies are available free of charge at 1 Sproul Hall.
UC Berkeley Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
Consumer Information:
For other important consumer information, please review the Consumer Information with the Office of the Registrar.