Unlocking Opportunities: A Comprehensive Guide to UCLA Scholarships for Prospective Students

For prospective students, financing a college education can seem daunting. UCLA is committed to making education accessible and affordable, and offers a range of scholarships to help students achieve their academic dreams. This article provides a comprehensive overview of UCLA scholarships for prospective students, drawing on the latest information to guide you through the application process and help you discover the opportunities available.

Understanding the Financial Aid Landscape at UCLA

Paying for a college education is a partnership between the student, their family, the government, and UCLA. UCLA offers various ways to cover educational expenses, including scholarships, grants, loans, and part-time jobs. Understanding these options is the first step in creating a financial strategy that works for you.

Key Dates and Deadlines

Staying on top of important dates and deadlines is crucial for maximizing your chances of receiving financial aid. Here are some key dates to keep in mind:

March 2, 2026: Priority deadline for completing the 2026-27 aid application.
March 21, 2026: UCLA Scholarship Application opens to admitted and continuing students.
June 30: Deadline to submit required questions on the general scholarship application for continuing students.

Applying for Financial Aid

Prospective domestic citizens and eligible noncitizens should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Undocumented California residents should complete the California Dream Act Application (CADAA). Students are encouraged to complete their aid application early using UCLA’s school code, 001315. For more information, please visit our Apply for Aid webpage.

Navigating UCLA Scholarships

Scholarships are monetary awards that do not need to be repaid. They are a great way to access additional funds for college, significantly reduce student loans, or need for work. Scholarships are designed to reward, encourage, and assist students pursue academic excellence and leadership roles. Additional criteria, such as campus or community activities, volunteer work, work experience, and financial need can be considered during the selection process.

UCLA Scholarship Application

The UCLA Scholarship Application opens in late March each year and remains open year-round. UCLA Financial Aid & Scholarships, as well as UCLA schools and departments, use the portal to process their awards throughout the academic year, but we try to award as many scholarships prior to the start of the upcoming academic year as possible. In some cases, a student may receive an award later in the academic year, as their eligibility is identified. Admitted and continuing students should log into the scholarship portal and complete a profile to be considered for scholarship opportunities.

Admitted Students: Priority consideration is given to admitted students who complete their application(s) WITHIN TWO WEEKS of admission decisions being released. This timeline allows award offers to be made available as early as possible and assist families in deciding which school to attend before the National College Decision Day (May 1- First-Years, June 1- Transfer Students).

Continuing Students: Scholarships awarded to undergraduate students require an application through the portal each year. Required questions take under 30 minutes to complete and answers are retained for most questions from year to year. To be considered:

Submit the required questions on the general application by June 30.
Submit a FAFSA or Dream Act application by the March 2 priority deadline EVERY YEAR to be considered for need-based scholarships.
Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress in order to continue to receive scholarships.
To maximize your opportunities, complete the optional questions on the general application and review your “Recommended” opportunities that require further information.

If you receive a scholarship, it will appear on your BRUIN FINANCIAL AID LETTER (BFAL) and/or the UCLA Scholarship Application portal, after you complete any post-acceptance tasks, such as a thank you note to the scholarship’s donor. *We recommend enrolling in BruinDirect in order to have faster access to any future refunds.

Types of Scholarships Available

UCLA offers a diverse range of scholarships, each with its own eligibility criteria and award amounts. Here are some examples of scholarships available to prospective students:

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Alumni Scholarships: Since 1936, UCLA Alumni have supported our newest Bruins through Alumni Scholarships. The UCLA Scholarship Application will open on March 21, 2026 to admitted and continuing students. The Alumni Scholarship applications for fall 2026 first-year and transfer students will open two to three days after the admission decisions are released. Additional need-based grants are available to Alumni Scholars who demonstrate financial need as determined by the Alumni Scholarships Program and the Financial Aid Office. The UCLA Alumni Scholarships are merit and leadership scholarships awarded through an application screening by alumni volunteers and selection by the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships. The first round of Alumni Scholarship offers are made to top-ranked scholars within a week of UCLA Admissions decisions. If you do not receive an offer during this initial round, you may still receive an Alumni Scholarship. Awards continue to be made throughout the summer, as students are matched to the restricted scholarships within the program. NOTE: You do not need to be related to UCLA alumni to apply. Being an Alumni Scholar is more than just receiving a scholarship. Scholars are involved in campus events and organizations, increase their connections to the university, build their leadership skills at UCLA and stay involved as alumni.
Stephen A. Arditti Esq. and Melva B.: With preference to those pursuing a UC Center Sacramento internship or having completed one.
Stephen A. Arditti Esq. and Melva B.: Preference to rising senior transfer/re-entry students, with a preference to students who worked in the year previous to entering UCLA.
Cathy D. and Michael A.: Available for entering first year students in Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science, or entering first year students with select majors within the UCLA College of Letters and Sciences or the UCLA School of Arts and Architecture, with preference to students who are high school seniors graduating from Alexander Hamilton High School.
Dr. Henry H. Chan Scholarship: Preference to full time UCLA undergraduates who are aspiring educators and/or Belmont High School graduates. Henry H. Chan was a graduate of Belmont High School and wanted to share his gratitude to those who helped shape his education, particularly Mr. Simkin and Ms.
Dr. Henry H. Chan Healthcare Scholarship: Preference to full-time UCLA upperclassmen pursuing a career in healthcare who carry a minimum 3.0 GPA and can demonstrate financial need as determined by the UCLA Financial Aid and Scholarships office.
The UCLA College Continuing Student Scholarship Program: For continuing undergraduate students with a major in the UCLA College who demonstrate financial need and carry a minimum cumulative 2.5 GPA, was established in 2022 to provide multiple scholarship awards each year.
Thelma L. Pajalich Scholarship: Entering first-year students from University High School in West Los Angeles only. Award provides full amount of California resident tuition and room and board fees at UCLA.
Available to entering students in the UCLA College who submit a Statement of Intent to Register, and who have financial need as determined by the UCLA Financial Aid Office. Candidates must be Bell or Huntington Park High School graduates with a minimum 3.0 high school G.P.A. preference to those who attended Nimitz Middle School.
North Hollywood High School graduate with a minimum 3.0 GPA, who submits his/her Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) at UCLA for Fall Quarter. Applicants must demonstrate financial need.
Available to entering first-year UCLA students who are graduates of El Monte High School (El Monte, CA) and demonstrate financial need.
The Junamici Scholarship: For entering freshmen in the UCLA College Division of Humanities and/or the UCLA International Institute who are majoring/minoring in foreign languages. Covers full cost of attendance; renewable. citizens. Applicants must maintain a minimum cumulative 2.8 GPA and be enrolled during Fall, Winter, and Spring Quarters.
The Mingori Climate Science Scholarship: For rising juniors (apply during sophomore year) working on topics related to climate change, majoring in either Climate Science or Environmental Science (or related field). The Mingori Climate Science Scholarship was established in 2021.
Open to entering first-year students who demonstrate financial need and strong leadership skills.
Preference to an enrolled UCLA student in good academic standing diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis.
A scholarship for re-entry students aged 25 to 50. Scholarships are based on merit and financial need.
Don R. Luginbill Scholarship: For full-time UCLA undergraduate students intending to become a teacher at any level, for any subject in any geographical area. Other factors to be considered include scholarly achievement; monetary need; participation in school activities such as student government, sports, clubs and service to the school staff or student body; community service and overcoming a disability or illness to achieve scholarship and provide service and leadership. Award amount varies.
Open to continuing UCLA students who are enrolled full time and part of a chapter in the UCLA Interfraternity Council, with preference to those who are active members of Theta Xi. Minimum 3.0 GPA. Award amount varies.
Open to continuing UCLA students with California residency who are enrolled full time and part of a chapter in the UCLA Interfraternity Council, with preference to those who are active members of Theta Xi. Minimum 3.0 GPA.
Carl H. Lindner III Scholarship: The scholarship is open to high school students from Tennessee and Kentucky only.
Alfred C. and Alice M. Stelle Scholarship:

Scholarships are merit-based, need-based, and non-need-based monetary awards. They may range from paying a portion of your tuition to fully funding all costs linked to your college education. SCHOLARSHIPS DO NOT NEED TO BE REPAID and are a great way to access additional funds for college, significantly reduce your student loans, or need for work. Scholarships are designed to reward, encourage, and assist students pursue academic excellence and leadership roles. Additional criteria, such as campus or community activities, volunteer work, work experience, and financial need can be considered during the selection process.

Tips for Maximizing Scholarship Opportunities

Start Early: Begin your scholarship search and application process well in advance of deadlines. We recommend you start working on applications 6-9 MONTHS BEFORE the academic year you hope to receive the funding.
Create a Scholarship Resume: Save time and energy by creating a “scholarship resume” that you can use to quickly complete common application questions.
Highlight Your Interests and Achievements: Many scholarships are based on criteria other than, or in addition to, financial need and academic achievement. Take note of your interests, hobbies, background, work experience, career goals, etc. Note: These are OPTIONAL questions on the UCLA Scholarship Application, but may be required for specific scholarships or private scholarships.
Be Proactive and Diligent: BE PROACTIVE AND DILIGENT in applying for scholarships. It takes a lot of work, but in the end all your efforts will REALLY PAY OFF.

Additional Financial Aid Options

In addition to scholarships, UCLA offers other forms of financial aid, including grants, loans, and work-study programs.

Grants

Grants are a type of financial aid that recipients do not have to repay. Sources include funding from the federal and state governments, as well as UCLA. Most are awarded based on need and require submission of the FAFSA or CA Dream Act by the priority deadline.

Loans

Students have a variety of borrowing options available so you are encouraged to research your options carefully. Federal student loans are not credit-based and have terms set by the Department of Education. Interest paid on student loans is tax-deductible. There are flexible payment options, and repayment can be delayed until after the student’s graduation on federal and private loans. Parents have the option to take out a low-interest educational loan from the government and a private loan from a bank or other private lenders. The terms for federal parent loans are determined by the Department of Education. Federal parent loans are not based on credit scores but adverse credit can impact eligibility. Loan payments can be postponed until after the student graduates. Interest paid on parent loans is tax-deductible.

Work-Study Programs

A part-time job can help pay for textbooks and day-to-day living expenses. Each year nearly 8,000 UCLA undergraduates work on campus part-time. The 2025-2026 Work Study hiring deadline has been extended to Tuesday, March 31, 2026. We encourage students to review our Work Study Program Calendar for important dates and our Work Study webpage for more information.

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Special Considerations

Special Student Populations Updates

We encourage students to review our Special Student Populations Updates webpage for important information that may be relevant to them.

2026-2027 Federal Financial Aid Updates

H.R. 1 - One Big Beautiful Bill Act: On July 4, 2025, the H.R.1 bill (One Big Beautiful Bill Act) was enacted into law. Significant provisions regarding Federal Loan limits that will affect college students are scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2026, with a legacy provision included for current borrowers to borrow under current limits for the remainder of their program of study. We encourage students and families to review our 2026-2027 Federal Financial Aid Updates webpage for more information and guidance on how to best prepare for these changes that will take effect July 1, 2026.

Receiving and Managing Your Awards

Bruin Financial Aid Letter (BFAL)

After you’re admitted to UCLA, Financial Aid and Scholarships will provide you with a Provisional Award Letter (PAL) that will inform you of your eligibility for grants, scholarships, loans and work programs. Your PAL is expected to be available at the end of April or early May due to FAFSA delays. When you’re admitted, you’re asked to submit a Statement of Intent to Register (SIR). Once you submit it your award will be finalized. Yes, your financial aid notification will offer assistance to cover your total Cost of Attendance. You must be a California resident to be assessed in-state tuition. UCLA Financial Aid and Scholarships will adjust your financial aid award to incorporate your scholarships. Typically, scholarships are used to replace federal work-study and/or need-based student loans.

Thanking UCLA Scholarship Donors

UCLA shows its appreciation for the generous support of our scholarship donors by sending them each a stewardship report, generally comprised of a scholar profile and thank-you letter(s). We may also provide video updates and messages from students. Donors look forward to and appreciate learning more about how their philanthropy has made an impact, and this is one way we can demonstrate how their support has helped students like you thrive at UCLA and beyond. To demonstrate the impact of donor support, we need every recipient of a donor-funded scholarship to fill out a scholar profile and write a thank you note. LETTER SAMPLES ARE PROVIDED! These “post-acceptance” questions provide you with an opportunity to express your appreciation to the donors of your scholarship, many of whom are Alumni, and let them know more about your own experience and accomplishments at UCLA. If you receive a renewable award, you will be expected to provide them with an annual update. Our donors are proud to support you, and want to encourage you throughout your UCLA journey! Scholarship recipients can find the post-acceptance questions in the UCLA Scholarship Application. Once you accept your scholarship award, you will receive a link to the questionnaire that our stewardship colleagues will share with your donor. In some cases, you may receive a separate link provided by UCLA staff. UCLA scholar profiles may contain the following prompts:

Why you chose UCLA
Academic interests and extracurricular activities
Career aspirations
Scholarship impact
Thank you note request

You may also receive a request to create a video message through ThankView.

External Scholarship Resources

While UCLA offers many scholarship opportunities, it's also wise to explore external scholarships. The UCLA Center for Scholarships and Scholar Enrichment is a good place to start, as they provide a list of curated scholarship search engines, workshops, and individualized writing support sessions. There is no single source that can give you a list of all the scholarships for which you may be eligible. It is best to consult several sources, such as scholarship search engines, scholarship books, your high school, and community organizations. Outside agency or private scholarships (from foundations, organizations, groups, and individuals) can also be an excellent way to help fund your education.

What to do if you receive an outside scholarship?

If you receive a private scholarship from an OUTSIDE AGENCY/DONOR, follow these 3 steps:

Request that CHECKS ARE MADE PAYABLE to UC REGENTS or UCLA.
Give the donor your 9-digit UID (UCLA Identification Number) and ask them to include it with your award.
Have the donor include a letter explaining the award terms when the scholarship check/payment is sent to UCLA.

Overcoming Financial Challenges

Financial Aid Adjustments

If you or your parent/guardian’s financial situation changes after you apply or at any time during the academic year, you may submit a projected year income appeal along with supporting documentation. Unfortunately, UCLA isn’t able to negotiate our financial aid awards in response to offers from other universities.

Additional Resources

UCLA is dedicated to helping make your UCLA education affordable. Parents have access to a number of resources, including some that offer tax benefits. Savings Accounts and Tax Benefits Some families set up special college savings accounts, such as Coverdell Education Savings Accounts and 529 plans, which enable them to put away money for college tuition and related expenses. Families can also withdraw money from their 401(k) or 403(b) retirement savings accounts. Withdrawals are penalty-free when the money is used to pay for education. The government offers tax benefits and credits for higher education. Reduce the time involved in earning a degree by taking more than the minimum courses required per term and/or attending summer school. Where book expenses are concerned, the UCLA Store is committed to offering the best value for students. They have new books, used, digital, rentals and price matching. When it comes to transportation, many students ask if they need to have a car on campus. Most first-year students do not need a car, especially given parking limitations on campus. When you enroll at UCLA, you’re eligible to apply for the BruinPay Plan.

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