The University of California at Los Angeles (or UCLA) is one of the top research institutions in the world. UCLA is organized according to six undergraduate colleges and has over 30,000 undergraduate students. UCLA is a University of California college which means for admissions purposes, students must apply using the UC application. UCLA scholarships include a number of merit scholarships and need-based financial aid opportunities for students:

What scholarships are offered?

The major scholarships offered by UCLA are:

• UCLA Achievement Scholarship
• UCLA Regents Scholarship Program
• Chancellor’s Blue and Gold Scholarship Program

Keep reading for profiles on each!

UCLA Achievement Scholarship

This merit-based scholarship is based on a student’s academic record and demonstrated financial need. There is no additional application required (students simply need to submit their FAFSA or DREAM Act Application). Students who are awarded UCLA Achievement Scholarships will receive between $500 and $10,000. These awards are also renewable!

UCLA Regents Scholarship Program

The UCLA Regents Scholarships are among the most prestigious awards offered. Each year, up to 100 Regents scholarships are offered to freshman and transfer students. Students are chosen based on academic achievement, leadership, and promise as students and leaders in the UCLA community. These renewable scholarships are worth $2,000 per year and are awarded regardless of financial need. However, if a student has demonstrated financial need, the student will be awarded grants and/or scholarships to cover the rest of the financial need! Regents Scholars also receive additional perks such as priority class registration, housing, and parking.

UCLA Chancellor’s Blue and Gold Scholarship Program

The Chancellor’s scholarship aims to support first year students who come from Los Angeles County High Schools. Transfer students who attended high school in Los Angeles County are also eligible. These awards are worth $1,000 to $5,000 per year and are renewable. Community service is a big part of this scholarship program and to renew their scholarships, students must complete 20 hours of community service per year.

How do students apply for UCLA Scholarships?

Students who hope to apply for scholarships at UCLA must:

1. Complete the scholarship section on the admissions application
2. Complete and submit the FAFSA (or the Dream Act application) by March 2nd
3. Have a minimum GPA of 4.1 (or a 3.5 GPA if they are applying as a transfer student from a Community College)

Need-based financial aid

UCLA offers need-based financial aid to students who submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or the Dream Act Application by March 2nd. These grants are essentially free money that will not need to be repaid.

Many of the need-based financial aid opportunities are only available for California residents including Cal Grants, the Middle Class Scholarship Program, and the University of California Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan.

Students and families should also use the Net Price Calculator to estimate their potential financial aid.

Next Steps:

• Learn more about UCLA Scholarship opportunities for students on their website.
• Don’t forget to apply for need-based financial aid! UCLA requires students to fill out the FAFSA (or Dream Act Application) to be eligible.
• Check out our guide Great Schools, Great Merit Scholarships for a list of other great merit scholarship opportunities organized by university.