University Of California Los Angeles Scholarship In 2026-27

Looking for the University of California Los Angeles Scholarship in 2026-27? Learn about UCLA scholarships, eligibility, awards, deadlines, and how to apply. The cost of attending a highly ranked university can make the dream of studying in the United States seem financially out of reach. For students considering the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), scholarships and other forms of financial aid can significantly reduce the amount they need to pay or borrow for college.

Types of UCLA Scholarships

Every serious University of California Los Angeles scholarship search should start with a clear picture of the categories available. Merit, need, athletics, identity, major-specific, and first-generation awards all operate under different criteria and deadlines. Here is what each looks like in practice:

Merit-Based Scholarships

Merit scholarships at UCLA reward academic excellence, leadership, and meaningful extracurricular involvement. Strong GPA, demonstrated community impact, and competitive academic profiles all factor into eligibility depending on the specific award. If financial need is also part of your situation, several of these scholarships layer financial criteria on top of academic ones — giving students with both a stronger overall case.

1. UCLA Regents Scholarship

Amount: Up to full tuition
Deadline: Varies by invitation, typically spring for incoming students

The Regents Scholarship is the most prestigious University of California Los Angeles scholarship available to undergraduates — and it is not applied for in the traditional sense. Invitation only, it goes to incoming freshmen and transfer students with outstanding academic records, typically a 3.8 GPA or above. If you receive an invitation, treat it as the priority it is. Full tuition coverage at one of the most competitive public universities in the country is not an opportunity to approach casually.

2. Alumni Scholarships

Amount: $4,000 to $20,000
Deadline: March 2 for fall admission

Open to incoming freshmen and transfer students, this University of California Los Angeles scholarship rewards the combination that UCLA values most consistently: strong academics (minimum 3.5 GPA), genuine leadership experience, and documented community service involvement. The range in award amount reflects the range in applicant profiles — stronger overall applications tend to land at the higher end.

3. Chancellor’s Blue and Gold Scholarship

Amount: $1,000 to $5,000 per year
Deadline: March 2 for fall admission

Designed specifically for students from low income backgrounds with annual family incomes below $80,000, this University of California Los Angeles scholarship combines financial need with academic performance requirements of 3.5 GPA or above. For students who meet both criteria, this award addresses real cost of attendance pressure in a way that purely merit based scholarships do not.

4. College Honors Scholarship

Amount: $500 to $5,000
Deadline: March 2 for fall admission

Available to students enrolled in the UCLA Honors Program who maintain a minimum 3.7 GPA, this University of California Los Angeles scholarship rewards the students already operating at the highest academic level on campus. Enrollment in the Honors Program is the primary eligibility gate — if you qualify for that program, this scholarship belongs in your funding strategy.

5. UCLA Athletic Scholarships

Amount: Varies
Deadline: Varies — check directly with the UCLA Athletic Department

For student athletes who meet NCAA eligibility standards and receive coach recommendations, this University of California Los Angeles scholarship path operates on a different timeline and through a different process than academic awards. Athletic performance is the primary evaluative criterion. If you are being recruited, confirm scholarship availability and terms directly with the relevant program early in the process.

6. UCLA Freshman Alumni Scholarship

Amount: $4,000 to $20,000
Deadline: March 2 for fall admission

Open to first-year students who demonstrate exceptional leadership, strong academics at a minimum 3.8 GPA, and meaningful extracurricular involvement, this University of California Los Angeles scholarship sits at the higher end of the merit award range. The emphasis on leadership as a distinct criterion — not just academic performance — means applicants with documented impact in their communities compete strongly even against candidates with slightly higher GPAs.

7. UCLA National Merit Scholarship

Amount: $2,000 to $5,000
Deadline: October, varies by state

Awarded to students recognized as National Merit Finalists who have designated UCLA as their first choice institution, this University of California Los Angeles scholarship requires no additional application beyond the National Merit process itself. If you hold Finalist status and UCLA is genuinely your first choice, designating it correctly and on time is the only action required to remain eligible.

8. UCLA Achievement Scholarship

Amount: $2,000 to $10,000 per year
Deadline: March 2 for fall admission

This University of California Los Angeles scholarship targets high-achieving students from underrepresented backgrounds who demonstrate both academic excellence at a minimum 3.7 GPA and financial need. The combination of identity, performance, and need criteria means the applicant pool for this award is more specifically defined than most university wide scholarships — which translates to a more targeted competition.

9. UCLA Fiat Lux Scholarship

Amount: $1,000 to $5,000
Deadline: March 2 for fall admission

Built specifically for first-generation college students, this University of California Los Angeles scholarship requires a minimum 3.5 GPA and demonstrated financial need. For students who will be the first in their family to earn a college degree, Fiat Lux represents UCLA’s direct acknowledgment of the additional weight that journey carries — and its commitment to reducing the financial barrier that too often interrupts it.

10. UCLA Engineering Merit Scholarship

Amount: $5,000 to $10,000 per year
Deadline: February 1

Awarded to top incoming engineering students based on a minimum 3.8 GPA and demonstrated leadership in STEM activities, this University of California Los Angeles scholarship operates on an earlier deadline than most other awards — February 1 rather than March 2. Engineering applicants who miss that date lose eligibility regardless of how strong their profile is. Mark it early and treat it as a hard deadline.

11. UCLA Humanities Excellence Scholarship

Amount: $2,000 to $8,000
Deadline: March 2 for fall admission

Open to students pursuing humanities majors with a minimum 3.5 GPA and demonstrated leadership in literary, artistic, or cultural activities, this University of California Los Angeles scholarship rewards the kind of intellectual and creative engagement that humanities programs are built around. Strong applicants show not just academic achievement but active contribution to the cultural and artistic communities they have been part of.

12. UCLA Law Merit-Based Scholarship

Amount: Varies
Deadline: January 15

Available to incoming law students with LSAT scores typically at 165 or above, undergraduate GPAs of 3.7 or higher, and demonstrated leadership potential, this University of California Los Angeles scholarship operates on a January 15 deadline — earlier than most undergraduate awards and earlier than many law school applicants expect. Top LSAT performance and a compelling leadership narrative give candidates the strongest positioning for this award.

Need-Based Scholarships at UCLA

Financial hardship should not determine whether you attend one of the best public universities in the country. UCLA’s need-based funding landscape is broader than most students realize — and the students who map it carefully before applying consistently leave money on the table that less informed applicants never find.

If financial need is part of your situation, every University of California Los Angeles scholarship listed below deserves serious attention. Here is what each one covers, who qualifies, and when you need to act:

1. Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan

Amount: Full UC system-wide tuition
Deadline: March 2 for fall admission

For California residents whose family income falls below $80,000, this University of California Los Angeles scholarship covers the full cost of UC system wide tuition not a partial award, not a reduction. The full amount. Eligibility runs through standard financial aid qualification, which means submitting your FAFSA or California Dream Act Application on time is the critical first step. Miss the filing deadline, and you lose access to this award regardless of how strong your need case is.

2. UCLA Undergraduate Scholarship Program

Amount: $500 to $10,000 per year
Deadline: March 2

Open to full-time students demonstrating significant financial need and maintaining satisfactory academic progress, this University of California Los Angeles scholarship is one of the most broadly accessible need-based awards in the UCLA system. The range in award amount reflects the range in financial circumstances — students with the most acute need and strongest academic standing tend to land at the higher end. Staying enrolled full time and keeping your academic record in good standing are the two factors entirely within your control.

3. UCLA Financial Aid Grant

Amount: Varies based on need
Deadline: March 2

This University of California Los Angeles scholarship is driven entirely by what your FAFSA or California Dream Act Application reveals about your financial situation. There is no fixed award amount because the grant is calibrated to individual need — which means the more accurately and completely you complete your financial aid application, the more precisely UCLA can assess what you require. Submit early, submit accurately, and follow up to confirm receipt.

4. Pell Grant

Amount: Up to $7,395 per year
Deadline: June 30

The Pell Grant is federal funding, not UCLA-specific—but it is one of the most significant pieces of any need-based financial aid package at the university. Students with exceptional financial need who complete the FAFSA qualify for consideration. This University of California Los Angeles scholarship component requires no separate application beyond the FAFSA itself, making it one of the most accessible awards available to eligible students. The June 30 deadline is later than most UCLA-specific awards, but earlier filing consistently produces better outcomes.

5. Cal Grant A and B

Amount: Covers tuition and living expenses
Deadline: March 2 for fall admission

California residents with demonstrated financial need have access to two distinct Cal Grant tracks through this University of California Los Angeles scholarship pathway. Cal Grant A requires a minimum high school GPA of 3.0 and covers tuition costs. Cal Grant B targets students with lower income thresholds, requires a minimum 2.0 GPA, and extends coverage to living expenses in addition to tuition. Understanding which track you qualify for and applying for both if you meet the criteria gives you the broadest possible coverage from this program.

6. Middle Class Scholarship

Amount: Varies, up to 40% of tuition
Deadline: March 2 for fall admission

Designed for California residents from middle-income families earning up to $217,000 annually, this University of California Los Angeles scholarship addresses the funding gap that too many students fall into earning too much to qualify for the most generous need-based awards but not enough to absorb full tuition without strain. Up to 40% tuition coverage can represent a significant annual reduction in what your family actually pays. If your household income sits anywhere in the middle income range, this award belongs in your funding strategy.

7. Dream Act Scholarships

Amount: Varies
Deadline: March 2

Open to undocumented students who meet AB 540 criteria and demonstrate financial need, this University of California Los Angeles scholarship ensures that immigration status does not categorically prevent access to UCLA’s funding resources. Eligibility runs through the California Dream Act Application rather than the federal FAFSA. Students who qualify should complete that application with the same urgency and accuracy as any other financial aid filing — the deadline and the process are real, and the award requires active pursuit.

8. Work Study Programs

Amount: Varies
Deadline: Varies — confirm directly with UCLA Financial Aid

Work study is not a scholarship in the traditional sense—it is a University of California Los Angeles scholarship adjacent program that generates income through part-time employment rather than a direct award. Students who qualify through FAFSA submission gain access to campus job opportunities specifically structured around academic schedules. The earnings directly offset education costs without affecting other need-based aid eligibility. Confirm your eligibility and available positions early in the academic year—the best placements fill quickly.

9. UCLA Achievement Scholarship — Need-Based

Amount: $2,000 to $10,000 per year
Deadline: March 2

This University of California Los Angeles scholarship combines two distinct criteria: high academic achievement and financial need, with a specific focus on students from underrepresented backgrounds. It is not purely a need-based award academic performance matters but the financial need component means students who qualify on both dimensions are competing in a more specifically defined pool than most university wide scholarships. A minimum 3.7 GPA alongside documented financial need gives the strongest candidates the most competitive positioning for this award.

Departmental Scholarships at UCLA

University wide awards get most of the attention — but for students who know their major, departmental scholarships at UCLA represent some of the most accessible and least competed for University of California Los Angeles scholarship funding available. These awards are offered by individual schools and departments, recognizing students for academic performance, research contributions, and demonstrated potential in their specific field. Some are automatically considered upon admission. Others require a separate application. All of them reward students who have already committed to a direction — which means the earlier you identify your intended major, the earlier you can build departmental funding into your overall strategy.

1. UCLA College of Letters and Science Scholarships

Amount: $1,000 to $5,000 per year
Deadline: March 2 for fall admission

For students majoring in humanities, social sciences, or life sciences with a minimum 3.5 GPA, this University of California Los Angeles scholarship is one of the broadest departmental awards available — which also makes it one of the most worth pursuing early. The College of Letters and Science covers a significant portion of UCLA’s undergraduate population, and students who identify this award as part of their funding plan before the March 2 deadline give themselves a genuine advantage over those who discover it too late.

2. UCLA Engineering Scholarships

Amount: $2,000 to $10,000 per year
Deadline: February 1

Engineering applicants operate on a different timeline than most UCLA candidates — the February 1 deadline arrives a full month before the March 2 cutoff that governs most other awards. This University of California Los Angeles scholarship rewards academic excellence at a minimum 3.7 GPA alongside demonstrated leadership in STEM activities. Missing the deadline by even a day removes eligibility entirely. Engineering students should treat February 1 as the most important date in their application calendar.

3. UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television Scholarships

Amount: Varies
Deadline: January 15

Available to students pursuing film, theater, or media studies, this University of California Los Angeles scholarship evaluates artistic merit alongside academic performance. The January 15 deadline makes it the earliest departmental cutoff on this list, a detail that catches students off guard more often than it should. If the School of Theater, Film and Television is your destination, build your application timeline around that date, not the standard March deadline that governs most other awards.

4. UCLA School of Nursing Scholarships

Amount: Varies
Deadline: March 15

Offered to nursing students on the basis of financial need, academic achievement, and demonstrated commitment to the field, this University of California Los Angeles scholarship reflects the healthcare profession’s increasing emphasis on attracting and retaining students who bring both intellectual ability and genuine vocational purpose to their training. For nursing candidates navigating a demanding program alongside financial pressure, this award addresses both dimensions of that challenge directly.

5. UCLA Anderson School of Management Scholarships

Amount: Varies
Deadline: November 17

Open to business and MBA students with strong academic backgrounds and leadership potential, this University of California Los Angeles scholarship carries the earliest deadline of any departmental award on this list—November 17. Business and MBA applicants who are not already tracking this date are at risk of missing a funding opportunity that their peers who planned earlier will access. Anderson scholarship funding is worth investigating as soon as you identify UCLA’s business school as a serious option, not after you have submitted everything else.

6. UCLA School of Medicine Scholarships

7. UCLA Arts and Architecture Scholarships

Amount: Varies
Deadline: February 15

Available to students majoring in design, architecture, or fine arts, this University of California Los Angeles scholarship evaluates portfolio quality alongside academic performance—making it one of the few departmental awards where creative output carries as much weight as GPA. Students pursuing these programs should treat their portfolio as the primary application document and ensure it reflects the quality of work they want UCLA to associate with their name before the February 15 deadline.

8. UCLA Law School Scholarships

Amount: Varies
Deadline: January 20

Combining merit-based and need-based criteria, this University of California Los Angeles scholarship is available to law students with outstanding LSAT scores and strong undergraduate academic records. The January 20 deadline places it among the earlier departmental cutoffs and for law applicants who are also pursuing other funding options, the compressed timeline between law school application deadlines and scholarship deadlines makes early planning essential rather than optional.

University of California Los Angeles Scholarships for International Students

Studying in the United States as an international student is expensive and UCLA is not among the cheaper options. But the funding landscape is broader than most applicants realize, and a well-researched University of California Los Angeles scholarship strategy can meaningfully reduce what you actually pay. Here is what is available, who qualifies, and what each award is worth.

1. UCLA Undergraduate International Student Scholarship

Amount: $5,000 to $10,000 per year
Deadline: March (fall admission)

The most direct University of California Los Angeles scholarship available to incoming international undergraduates. Open to students with a minimum 3.7 GPA and documented leadership experience, this award rewards the combination of academic excellence and demonstrated initiative that UCLA’s most competitive applicants consistently bring to their applications.

2. UCLA Graduate Division Fellowships

Amount: Varies by program
Deadline: Check program-specific deadlines

For international students pursuing master’s or PhD programs, Graduate Division Fellowships are awarded on the basis of academic merit and research potential. The award amount and application timeline vary significantly by program — which means the most important step is identifying your specific department’s fellowship calendar early and treating those deadlines as non-negotiable.

3. UCLA School of Engineering International Student Scholarship

Amount: $2,000 to $8,000
Deadline: February 1

A targeted University of California Los Angeles scholarship for non U.S. students enrolled in engineering programs with strong academic records. For international students entering one of UCLA’s most competitive and career relevant schools, this award provides direct financial relief alongside access to one of the strongest engineering networks in the country.

4. UCLA Law School Scholarships for International Students

Amount: Varies
Deadline: January 15

Open to international law students based on academic excellence and LSAT performance. Law school funding at any top institution is competitive, and at UCLA, international students who bring strong scores and a compelling application profile should investigate this opportunity early in the application cycle.

5. UCLA Global Leaders Scholarship

Amount: $3,000 to $7,500
Deadline: November 15

This University of California Los Angeles scholarship is built specifically for international students who lead — in their communities, their academic environments, or both. Strong academic performance is necessary but not sufficient here. The award is designed for candidates whose record of involvement and impact tells a story that goes beyond grades.

6. UCLA Dean’s Global Scholarship

Amount: Varies
Deadline: March

Awarded to high-achieving international undergraduate and graduate students who also demonstrate financial need. The combination of merit and need criteria means this scholarship serves a specific profile—candidates who are academically competitive and for whom the cost of a UCLA education represents a genuine barrier. If that describes you, this award belongs at the top of your application list.

7. External Scholarships — Fulbright, AAUW, Joint Japan/World Bank, and Others

Amount: Varies
Deadline: Typically March to October

External funding is one of the most underutilized components of any University of California Los Angeles scholarship strategy. Awards from organizations outside UCLA itself can cover tuition, housing, and living expenses and many are open to both domestic and international students across a wide range of eligibility criteria. Do not treat external scholarships as a fallback. Treat them as a parallel application track running alongside your UCLA specific funding research.

External Scholarships for UCLA Students

A complete University of California Los Angeles scholarship strategy does not stop at UCLA’s own awards. External scholarships from private organizations, nonprofits, and government programs can cover tuition, housing, and other expenses that institutional aid does not reach. Here is what is available:

1. Fulbright Program

Amount: Varies — full tuition and living expenses
Deadline: Varies by country, typically March to October

One of the most prestigious international student funding programs in the world. Open to international students pursuing graduate studies in the U.S., with selection based on academic merit, leadership potential, and the strength of the proposed academic program. Country-specific deadlines vary significantly identify yours and work backward from it.

2. Gates Millennium Scholars Program

Amount: Full tuition and expenses
Deadline: January 15

Available to low-income, high-achieving minority students in the U.S. with a minimum 3.3 GPA and documented leadership experience. Full coverage of tuition and expenses makes this one of the most transformative awards available to eligible students pursuing a University of California Los Angeles scholarship alongside external funding.

3. Horatio Alger Scholarship

Amount: $10,000 to $25,000
Deadline: October 25

Awarded to U.S. students who have demonstrated resilience in the face of adversity and can show both financial need and academic achievement. This is not an award for students with perfect circumstances it is specifically designed for students who have built strong records despite meaningful obstacles.

4. AAUW International Fellowships

Amount: $18,000 to $30,000
Deadline: November 15

Open to female international students pursuing graduate or postgraduate studies in the United States. For women navigating the cost of a UCLA graduate program, the AAUW Fellowship is one of the most substantial external awards available and deserves serious attention in any funding strategy.

5. Joint Japan/World Bank Scholarship

Amount: Full tuition and stipend
Deadline: May 24

Available to students from developing countries pursuing graduate degrees in fields related to economic development. Full tuition coverage plus a living stipend makes this one of the most comprehensive awards available to eligible international students — and the field focus means UCLA’s strong economics, policy, and public affairs programs align well with the scholarship’s intent.

6. The Point Foundation Scholarship

Amount: Varies
Deadline: January 26

Awarded to LGBTQ+ students with strong academic records and demonstrated leadership experience. A meaningful funding option for eligible students whose identity and advocacy work are central to the profile they bring to any University of California Los Angeles scholarship application.

7. The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarship

Amount: Up to $40,000 per year
Deadline: November 17

Open to high-achieving undergraduate transfer students with demonstrated financial need. At up to $40,000 annually, this is one of the most generous external awards available to transfer students — and for students entering UCLA from community college, it represents a funding opportunity that can fundamentally change the financial calculation of completing a degree.

8. National Merit Scholarship

Amount: $2,500 to $10,000
Deadline: October, varies by state

Awarded to high school students with exceptional PSAT scores and strong overall academic performance. For domestic students building a University of California Los Angeles scholarship strategy from the beginning of their undergraduate planning, National Merit recognition opens institutional and corporate scholarship opportunities that extend well beyond the base award.

9. The Soros Fellowship for New Americans

Amount: Up to $90,000
Deadline: October 26

One of the most significant graduate funding awards available to immigrant and refugee students pursuing graduate education in the United States. At up to $90,000, the Soros Fellowship is not a supplementary award — it is a primary funding source that can cover the full cost of a graduate program for eligible candidates. If you qualify, this application deserves your full attention and your best work.

How to Apply for UCLA Scholarships

Applying for a University of California Los Angeles scholarship takes more than simply submitting an application and hoping for the best. Careful preparation, strong supporting documents, and attention to deadlines can put you in a better position to compete for available funding.

Step 1: Submit the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application

The first step toward qualifying for a University of California Los Angeles scholarship based on financial need is completing the appropriate financial aid application. U.S. citizens and eligible noncitizens generally use the FAFSA, while undocumented students who meet California requirements may use the California Dream Act Application. These applications help determine eligibility for certain grants, scholarships, and other forms of financial assistance.

Step 2: Check the UCLA Scholarship Portal

Your search for a University of California Los Angeles scholarship should include the UCLA Scholarship Portal. Review the available awards, eligibility requirements, application instructions, and deadlines carefully. Some scholarships may be considered automatically based on your financial aid information, while others require you to submit a separate application.

Step 3: Write a Strong Scholarship Essay

A compelling essay can make your University of California Los Angeles scholarship application more memorable. Instead of simply listing your achievements, use the essay to show who you are, what you have accomplished, and how financial support would help you reach your goals.

Common scholarship prompts may ask:

How would this scholarship assist you in reaching your academic objectives?
What challenge have you overcome?
What kind of influence do you want to have in your field?

Keep your response personal, specific, and focused. Strong essays sound like the applicant rather than a collection of impressive phrases.

Step 4: Gather Recommendation Letters

Some University of California Los Angeles scholarship opportunities may require recommendations from teachers, professors, counselors, mentors, or other qualified individuals. Ask your recommenders well in advance and give them enough information about your academic achievements, activities, goals, and the scholarship requirements to write a meaningful recommendation.

Step 5: Meet All UCLA Scholarship Deadlines

Meeting every deadline is essential when applying for a University of California Los Angeles scholarship. Scholarship dates can vary, so check the requirements for each award rather than relying on one general deadline. Financial aid deadlines may also differ from individual scholarship deadlines.

Submit your applications early whenever possible and review every requirement before sending them. A strong application that arrives after the deadline is unlikely to help you secure funding. If you are also searching for scholarships outside UCLA, exploring top USA scholarships for Indian students can expand your funding options.

Conclusion

The University of California Los Angeles scholarship landscape is broader than a handful of prestigious merit awards. UCLA offers merit-based, need-based, and non-need-based scholarships, while eligible students may also receive federal and California grants, institutional aid, work-study, and other forms of financial assistance. For the 2026–27 academic year, the financial difference can be substantial. UCLA estimates the annual cost of attendance for a new California resident living on campus at $45,500, compared with $84,770 for a nonresident living on campus.

That gap makes strategic financial planning essential. Start by completing the appropriate financial aid application. Then complete the UCLA Scholarship Application, answer additional questions carefully, investigate departmental opportunities, and pursue external scholarships. Do not wait until your tuition bill arrives before looking for funding.

International applicants need to be even more deliberate. UCLA states that it does not provide undergraduate scholarships or financial aid to international students who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents, meaning those students must arrange sufficient funding through personal resources, family support, sponsorship, or external scholarships before enrolling.

Ultimately, the goal should not be to find one magical “full ride.” The stronger strategy is to combine as much non-repayable funding as possible and minimize the amount you need to borrow. If you are targeting UCLA for 2026, start with the official scholarship portal, check the deadlines applicable to your student category, and build your funding strategy around the actual cost of attendance rather than the headline value of a single scholarship.

University of California Los Angeles Scholarship in 2026-27