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Scholarships for UCLA students


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Key takeaways about UCLA scholarships

  • UCLA offers merit scholarships, need-based aid, grants, work-study and other financial aid programs that can help lower college costs.
  • The Regents Scholarship and UCLA Alumni Scholarships are two of the university's best-known undergraduate scholarship opportunities.
  • Transfer students can explore UCLA scholarships, departmental awards, and private scholarships.
  • UCLA does not provide undergraduate institutional financial aid to international students who aren't U.S. citizens or permanent residents, so outside funding may be especially important.
  • Private scholarships can supplement other financial aid and may reduce what students need to borrow.

UCLA scholarships: Where to start

If you're looking at UCLA and wondering how students actually afford it, you're definitely not alone. Tuition is only part of the picture. Housing, meals, books, transportation and everyday expenses can add up quickly.

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The good news is that scholarships can make a meaningful difference. Research from Sallie's "How America Pays for College 2026" found that 61% of families used scholarships to help pay for college, with an average of $8,291 received among scholarship users. Even more encouraging, 76% of families using scholarships said the funding made college attendance possible.

UCLA students may be able to combine university scholarships, grants, state and federal aid, work opportunities and private scholarships to help lower college costs.

This guide explains how UCLA scholarships work, where outside scholarships fit into the picture and how students can build a practical funding strategy that may help reduce borrowing.

How much does UCLA cost?

What you may pay to attend UCLA depends on factors such as residency, housing, your academic program and the financial aid you receive. To explore estimated costs, financial aid information, admissions details and other information about attending UCLA, visit UCLA's profile on Scout College Search. It's a helpful starting point for comparing costs and planning how you'll pay for college.

Your actual net cost may be lower than the published price after scholarships, grants and other financial aid are applied.

Does UCLA offer scholarships?

Yes. UCLA offers scholarships through university programs, UCLA Alumni, academic departments and donor-funded awards. Students can also pursue private scholarships from outside organizations.

Depending on the opportunity, students may find:

  • Merit scholarships
  • Need-based scholarships and grants
  • Regents Scholarships
  • UCLA Alumni Scholarships
  • Departmental scholarships
  • Cal Grants and other state aid, if eligible
  • Private and outside scholarships

Does UCLA offer merit scholarships?

Yes. UCLA offers merit-based scholarship opportunities that can recognize academic achievement, leadership, service and other accomplishments. The Regents Scholarship and UCLA Alumni Scholarships are two of the best-known options.

UCLA merit scholarships explained

UCLA scholarship programs may recognize academic achievement, leadership, service, campus or community involvement and other accomplishments.

Scholarship What to know
Regents Scholarship A highly competitive UCLA undergraduate honor based on exceptional academic achievement and promise
UCLA Alumni Scholarships Merit-based scholarships for eligible incoming first-year and transfer students
Departmental scholarships Opportunities offered through individual colleges, schools, departments or programs
Donor-funded scholarships Awards with criteria established by UCLA programs or scholarship donors

Regents Scholarship

The Regents Scholarship is one of UCLA's highest undergraduate honors. UCLA selects Regents Scholars based on exceptional academic achievement and promise, and the program is available to eligible students entering from high school or as transfers. Students should review UCLA's current scholarship information for the latest requirements and benefits.

UCLA Alumni Scholarships

UCLA Alumni Scholarships support eligible incoming first-year and transfer students based on academic excellence, leadership and a drive to create change. Recipients also become members of the Alumni Scholars Club, which offers alumni mentoring, professional development, leadership programming and networking opportunities. A separate Alumni Scholarship application is required, so students should check current application dates and requirements.

Departmental scholarships

Many UCLA colleges, schools, departments and academic programs offer scholarships tied to specific majors, research interests, creative work, academic achievement, career goals or campus involvement.

These opportunities may not always be as visible as university-wide scholarships, so students should check with their academic department and UCLA scholarship resources regularly.

Does UCLA offer full-ride scholarships?

UCLA says its scholarships can range from covering part of tuition to fully funding costs associated with a college education. How much a student receives depends on the specific scholarship and their eligibility, so it’s important to look at individual UCLA awards as well as grants and outside scholarships when building a funding plan.

Scholarships for UCLA transfer students

Transfer students can still make scholarships part of their UCLA funding strategy.

Eligible transfer students may find opportunities through the Regents Scholarship, UCLA Alumni Scholarships, academic departments, the UCLA Scholarship Application, and private organizations. UCLA's Transfer Student Center also offers an annual scholarship for current UCLA transfer students.

California community college students should also explore scholarships offered through their current college, local foundations, professional organizations, and community groups that support students transferring to four-year schools.

Can community college students get UCLA scholarships?

Yes. Eligible community college transfer students can apply for UCLA scholarship opportunities that are open to transfers, including UCLA Alumni Scholarships and other university or departmental awards. Private transfer scholarships can provide additional options.

Scholarships for international students at UCLA

Undergraduate international students should plan carefully for college costs. UCLA Undergraduate Admission states that UCLA does not award institutional scholarships or financial aid to undergraduate students who aren't U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

International students can still look for funding from outside organizations, scholarship programs in their home countries, foundations and other private sources. UCLA also directs international students to external scholarship-search resources.

Because eligibility rules vary, international students should review each scholarship carefully and plan their funding strategy early.

Private scholarships for UCLA students

One of the biggest scholarship mistakes students make is assuming UCLA scholarships are their only option. Private scholarships can come from community foundations, employers, nonprofits, professional associations, civic groups, national organizations and scholarship platforms.

Research from "How America Pays for College 2026" found that 67% of families who didn't use scholarships said the student never applied. That means many students may miss out on funding simply because they don't start the process.

Private scholarships may help with tuition, housing, books, fees, transportation or other education-related expenses, depending on the award's rules.

California scholarships

California scholarships can be especially useful for UCLA students because some opportunities are designed for students who live in California, attend a California college or plan to build a career in the state.

Look at local community foundations, regional nonprofits, civic organizations, professional associations and employers. Local and regional scholarships may also attract a different applicant pool than large national awards.

First-generation scholarships

Many organizations offer scholarships for first-generation college students. Depending on the award, criteria may include academic achievement, leadership, community involvement, financial need or personal experience.

STEM scholarships

Students studying engineering, computer science, data science, life sciences, mathematics, health sciences or other technical fields may qualify for STEM scholarships and industry-sponsored awards.

Healthcare scholarships

Students interested in medicine, nursing, public health, pharmacy, dentistry, psychology or other healthcare paths may find scholarships connected to their field of study or career goals.

Arts and media scholarships

Students pursuing film, media, journalism, communications, music, theater, design or other creative disciplines may find private scholarships based on creative work, leadership or career goals.

Scholarship search tools such as Scholly® Scholarships can help UCLA students find private scholarships based on their interests, major and goals.

UCLA Center for Scholarships & Scholar Enrichment

UCLA's Center for Scholarships & Scholar Enrichment, formerly known as the Scholarship Resource Center, helps UCLA students search for and apply to scholarships through advising, workshops and application support.

  • Scholarship search support: Explore UCLA, departmental, private, community-based and national scholarship opportunities.
  • UCLA Scholarship Application: Admitted and continuing students can complete a profile to be considered for UCLA scholarship opportunities.
  • Application workshops and advising: Get help with scholarship searches, personal statements, essays and recommendation strategies.
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How to apply for UCLA scholarships

Scholarship applications get easier when you have a simple system. Start with UCLA's financial aid and scholarship process, then expand your search to departmental, California, and private scholarships.

1. Complete the FAFSA® or California Dream Act Application

U.S. citizens and permanent residents seeking financial aid should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). Eligible AB 540 students should complete the California Dream Act Application instead.

Submit the appropriate application by UCLA's current priority deadline. For help getting started, see Sallie's FAFSA® guide.

2. Submit requested UCLA financial aid information

After applying for aid, monitor your UCLA account and respond to requests for additional information. Missing materials can delay the financial aid process.

3. Complete the UCLA Scholarship Application

UCLA encourages admitted and continuing students to complete their profile in the UCLA Scholarship Application. UCLA Financial Aid & Scholarships, schools, and departments use the application to consider students for opportunities throughout the academic year.

4. Review UCLA Alumni Scholarship opportunities

UCLA Alumni Scholarships use a separate application for prospective first-year and transfer students. Review the current UCLA Alumni Scholarship information for application timing and requirements.

5. Search for departmental and private scholarships

Don't rely only on university-wide funding. Academic departments and outside organizations can provide additional scholarship opportunities.

6. Prepare essays and recommendation materials

Many scholarships ask similar questions about your goals, leadership, service, challenges, and future plans. Save your strongest scholarship essays, resume, and recommendation materials so you can adapt them efficiently.

7. Track deadlines carefully

Create a simple tracker with the scholarship name, deadline, required materials, and application status. This can help you avoid missed deadlines and duplicate work.

8. Continue applying throughout college

Scholarships aren't limited to incoming first-year students. Current UCLA students, transfer students, and graduate students can continue looking for new funding opportunities.

Why scholarship searches shouldn't stop after your first year

Scholarships aren't only available before college begins. New opportunities can become available as you enter a major, join campus organizations, develop new interests or move further along in your degree.

Continuing students, transfer students and graduate students should keep searching throughout college. Building scholarship searching into your routine can help you uncover funding opportunities you might otherwise miss.

Tips to increase your scholarship chances

Scholarships can be competitive, but that doesn't mean the process is out of your control. A strong strategy can help you find better-fit opportunities, avoid missed deadlines, and submit more applications without burning out.

Applying to more scholarships means more chances to win

Save your best essays and answers, and reuse them whenever possible. If you meet the criteria and it feels like your kind of scholarship, go for it. Once you've got a system down, the applications get quicker and easier.

Apply to a mix of scholarship types

Don't focus only on the largest national awards. Build a balanced scholarship strategy that includes UCLA scholarships, California scholarships, local awards, major-specific scholarships, transfer scholarships, and private scholarships.

Don't rule yourself out too early

Many students assume scholarships are only for students with perfect grades. Sallie’s research in “How America Pays for College 2026” shows that nearly half of families (48%) believe scholarships are only for top students, even though many awards consider leadership, service, work experience, extracurricular involvement, career goals, and personal background.

Use your UCLA story

Strong scholarship applications often connect a student's goals with how they plan to use their education. Explain why you're pursuing your field of study, what impact you hope to make, and how scholarship funding would help you reach those goals.

Stay organized

Create a scholarship tracker that includes deadlines, award amounts, essay requirements, recommendation requests, and application status. Staying organized can help you avoid missed opportunities.

Keep applying after freshman year

Scholarship opportunities continue throughout college. Many awards are specifically designed for continuing students, transfer students, upperclassmen, and graduate students.

Can scholarships reduce student loan borrowing?

Yes. Scholarships can help reduce the amount students and families need to cover through savings, income, payment plans, or student loans. Because scholarships typically don't need to be repaid, every scholarship dollar can help lower overall college costs.

At a university where housing, meals, books, and living expenses can add up quickly, even smaller scholarships can make a meaningful difference.

Scholarship stacking can help lower costs

Scholarship stacking means combining awards from multiple sources instead of relying on a single scholarship.

Scholarship Award amount
Local scholarship $1,000
Private scholarship $2,500
Departmental scholarship $1,500
Total scholarship funding $5,000
Potential impact Up to $5,000 less to borrow or pay out of pocket

A few smaller awards may not seem life-changing individually, but together they can make a meaningful difference.

Always start with free money

Scholarships definitely take some effort, but they’re worth it. Every award can mean less money you need to borrow and repay. In Sallie’s “How America Pays for College 2026,” 76% of families using scholarships said the funding made college attendance possible.

UCLA financial aid explained

Scholarships are only one part of paying for UCLA. Many students use a combination of grants, scholarships, work opportunities, family contributions, federal aid, and private scholarships.

Aid type Repayment required? Usually based on
UCLA scholarships No Merit, need, program eligibility, or donor criteria
UCLA grants No Financial need
Cal Grant No California residency, financial need, and state eligibility
Federal Pell Grant No Financial need and federal eligibility
Federal Work-Study No Financial need and employment
Private scholarships No Varies by scholarship
Federal student loans Yes Federal eligibility
Private student loans Yes Creditworthiness and lender requirements

Students seeking need-based aid generally need to submit either the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) or the California Dream Act Application, depending on eligibility.

Scholarships for graduate students at UCLA

Graduate funding works differently from undergraduate aid. UCLA graduate students may find support through fellowships and awards, traineeships, teaching assistantships, Graduate Student Researcher positions, departmental funding, and outside funding opportunities.

Fellowships and awards

UCLA offers graduate fellowships, grants, and other awards that may provide financial support for graduate study. Availability and application processes vary, and some awards require nomination by a student's academic program or department.

Teaching and research positions

Teaching assistantships and Graduate Student Researcher positions can provide financial support while giving students experience in teaching or faculty-supervised research. Students should check with their academic department for available positions and current requirements.

Departmental funding

Academic programs and departments play an important role in graduate funding at UCLA. Students should check directly with their program for available fellowships, assistantships, research positions, and other support. UCLA also provides information about graduate employment opportunities.

Outside funding for graduate students

Graduate students can also explore funding from foundations, government agencies, professional organizations, and other outside sources. UCLA provides outside funding resources and maintains the GRAPES graduate and postdoctoral funding database to help students search for fellowships, scholarships, grants, and other funding opportunities.

Students can also use Scholly® Scholarships to search for private scholarships for graduate students that match their field of study, background, or career goals.

Find more scholarships with Sallie

Finding legitimate scholarships can take time. Scholarship matching tools such as Scholly® Scholarships can help simplify the process by surfacing opportunities that align with your interests and goals.

Simplified applications can also help you keep momentum. Scholly® Easy Apply Scholarships lets you apply to multiple scholarships with one quick application. You can also enter Sallie's $2,000 No Essay Scholarship in 2 minutes or less, and graduate students can apply for Sallie's $5,000 Grad No Essay Scholarship.

Additional scholarship resources

These resources can help you find opportunities based on your major, education level, goals and personal experiences.

Your next steps

You don't need to win a full-ride scholarship for scholarships to make UCLA more affordable.

Start with UCLA's financial aid and scholarship resources, then expand your search to California scholarships, local awards, major-specific opportunities and private scholarships. Keep applying throughout college as new opportunities become available.

You can also use UCLA's Scout College Search profile to explore estimated college costs, financial aid information, admissions details and other planning information.

FAQs about UCLA scholarships

Does UCLA offer scholarships?

Yes. UCLA offers merit-based, need-based, and other scholarship opportunities. UCLA Financial Aid & Scholarships, individual schools, and academic departments award scholarships, and students can also pursue private scholarships from outside organizations.

Does UCLA offer full ride scholarships?

UCLA says scholarships can range from covering part of tuition to fully funding costs associated with a college education. How much a student receives depends on the specific scholarship and their eligibility, so students should review each award to understand what it may cover.

What GPA do I need for UCLA scholarships?

There isn't one GPA requirement for every UCLA scholarship. Eligibility depends on the specific award, and many scholarships consider factors beyond grades, such as leadership, service, activities or other accomplishments.

Does UCLA give merit scholarships?

Yes. UCLA offers merit-based scholarship opportunities, including the Regents Scholarship and Alumni Scholarships, as well as departmental and donor-funded awards.

Are there scholarships for transfer students at UCLA?

Yes. Eligible transfer students may be considered for the Regents Scholarship, UCLA Alumni Scholarships, departmental awards and other UCLA or private scholarships. UCLA also has scholarship resources specifically for current transfer students.

Does UCLA offer scholarships for international students?

UCLA states that it does not provide undergraduate institutional scholarships or financial aid to international students who aren't U.S. citizens or permanent residents. International students can still explore external scholarships, home-country funding and other private resources.

What scholarships are available for California students?

California students can explore UCLA scholarships as well as state aid such as Cal Grants and the Middle Class Scholarship, if eligible. Local organizations, employers, community groups, and private scholarship providers can offer additional opportunities.

Can scholarships cover housing at UCLA?

Some scholarships can be used for education-related expenses beyond tuition, including housing, books or other costs. How funds can be used depends on the scholarship's terms, so check each award before planning around it.

How do I apply for UCLA scholarships?

Start by completing the appropriate financial aid application, such as the FAFSA® or California Dream Act Application. Admitted and continuing students should also complete the UCLA Scholarship Application, while UCLA Alumni Scholarships use a separate application. Keep searching for departmental and private scholarships as well.

What is the UCLA scholarship deadline?

There isn't one deadline for every UCLA scholarship. The UCLA Scholarship Application opens in late March and remains open year-round, although priority timing varies for admitted and continuing students. UCLA Alumni Scholarships and other individual programs have separate application timelines, so students should check each scholarship's current requirements.

What is the best scholarship search tool for UCLA students?

There isn't one best tool for every student. Start with UCLA's Scholarship Application and Center for Scholarships & Scholar Enrichment for university and outside opportunities, then expand your search with tools such as Scholly® Scholarships, local organizations and professional associations.

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SLM Education Services, LLC does not provide, and these materials are not meant to convey, financial, tax, or legal advice. Consult your own financial advisor, tax advisor, or attorney about your specific circumstances.

The school referenced on this page is not affiliated with Sallie Mae and does not endorse Sallie Mae loans.

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