Update for fall 2024 applicants
Due to the Department of Education's recent announcement about the FAFSA delay, UC has changed its financial aid priority deadline to May 2.
In addition, the deadline for incoming freshman students to submit their Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) has been extended to May 15.
Financial aid packages are expected to be provided by mid-April, giving students time to review their options before making a decision.
Here's how to apply:
Applying is free, and many students are surprised to find out what they're eligible to receive. Whether or not you think you’ll qualify for need-based financial aid, it’s still a good idea to apply — it’s the only way to you'll be considered for every type of aid possible.
1. Submit your application for admission to UC.
- When you fill out the application for undergraduate admission, you have the opportunity to apply to a number of UC scholarships.
2. File a 2024–25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) OR a California Dream Act Application between December 31, 2023 and May 2, 2024
- Most students should file a FAFSA, which serves as your primary application for most federal, state and school financial aid. Students can begin applying Dec. 31.
- If you're an undocumented student, file a California Dream Act Application for state and school financial aid instead. Students can begin applying Dec. 31. You must be AB540 eligible or have Temporary Protected Status or be on a 'U' visa to complete the application.
- If you're an international student attending UC on a student visa, learn more about financing your UC education.
3. Check to make sure your Cal Grant GPA verification was submitted.
- If you're a California resident or eligible for in-state tuition under AB540, make sure your GPA has been submitted for a Cal Grant (in addition to the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application).
- California community colleges and most California high schools automatically submit students' GPAs for Cal Grants. Check with your school to make sure; if they don't automatically submit your GPA, download the Cal Grant GPA Verification Form or the Non-SSN GPA Verification form for Cal Grants (for undocumented students) and have your school submit it to the California Student Aid Commission.
The FAFSA or California Dream Act Application and Cal Grant GPA Verification Form must be completed and filed (postmarked) between December 31, 2023 and May 2, 2024.
We strongly encourage you to submit your financial aid applications by April 2 in order to receive your financial aid offers before you commit to a college.
Don't wait until you're accepted to UC to apply for financial aid.
What happens next?
All of the information you submit will help UC determine the amount and type of financial aid you receive. Each UC campus to which you have been accepted will calculate your aid and send you an electronic financial aid award offer.
Here's what you should do after applying to keep the financial aid process on track:
- Find out how campuses will communicate with you. All campuses rely on students to frequently check email and student online portals for document requests and award notices.
- Campuses may contact you seeking additional information. Respond immediately to all requests for follow-up documents and actions, including those from both the financial aid and admissions offices.
- You should hear about your financial aid award before the campus asks you to commit to attending, and with enough time to make an informed decision. (For fall 2024 applicants: The Statement of Intent to Register deadline is May 15 for admitted freshmen and June 1 for transfers.
- Make sure you accept (or decline) your financial aid offer (typically through the UC campus online portal).
- After you've been admitted, if your personal or family circumstances change or your basic financial aid budget doesn't cover your educational expenses, you can appeal to your campus financial aid office for more help.
- Apply again next year! You'll need to apply for financial aid every year you're enrolled in school to continue receiving aid. (And even if you didn't receive financial aid one year, you may be eligible to receive financial aid the following year).