Graduate Award Guide

Financial Aid Award Guide

The Financial Aid and Scholarships Office works closely with students to make a priceless UC Berkeley education an affordable reality. At UC Berkeley, we are proud to say that nearly everyone is eligible for financial aid. This Graduate Award Guide will assist you in understanding and accepting the financial aid you have been offered.

The Financial Aid and Scholarships Office administers federal loans, state Dream loans and work-study awards for graduate and professional students. If you are interested in being considered for federal loans, state Dream loans, and/or work-study, please complete the applicable financial aid application; either the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Student Aid Commission’s California Dream Act Application.

Students receiving merit-based awards including fellowships, fee remissions for teaching and research appointments, and department awards are encouraged to contact the Graduate Division or their academic department for more information about these awards.

Note: Federal regulations require that these awards be reported to the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office. The total of the financial aid awards you receive cannot exceed your Cost of Attendance. It is possible, therefore, that these merit-based awards could reduce other financial aid awards. We may need to reduce your federal loan(s) and/or work-study award(s) by the amount of your merit-based award(s) to ensure that your total awards do not exceed your Cost of Attendance. Some adjustments may result in an invoice on your student account.