Outreach Events and Webinars

Financial Aid and Scholarships Office 2024 Bridges Senior Weekend Event Tabling

Here at the Financial Aid & Scholarships Office, we are committed to providing access to an excellent education at UC Berkeley.

We understand, however, that the financial aid process can sometimes be confusing or challenging to navigate. With our outreach events and webinars, scheduled throughout the year and by request, we strive to provide prospective students, current students, their supporters, our campus community, and beyond, with information and resources to assist with understanding, planning, and making important financial decisions.

For an in-depth introduction to navigating financial aid at UC Berkeley, consult our ​​Prospective Students guide.

2025-26 Events Schedule

2026 Summer Webinar Series: Managing Your Financial Aid

As financial aid policies, processes, and student responsibilities continue to evolve, staying informed can help you make confident decisions and remain on track with your aid eligibility. Building on our Spring Webinar Series: Planning Ahead, this summer series is designed to help students and families deepen their understanding of financial aid and navigate important next steps ahead of the academic year.

Each session will provide timely updates, practical guidance, and opportunities to ask questions directly to financial aid professionals. Topics will include the impact of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act on financial aid, financing options to help cover remaining college costs, understanding Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), and navigating student portals, deadlines, processes, and ongoing aid eligibility.

Whether you are preparing for your first year or continuing your academic journey, these sessions are intended to help you feel informed, prepared, and supported.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act and Its Impact on Your Financial Aid

June 3 | 1 to 2 p.m.

Learn about recent federal legislative changes and how the One Big Beautiful Bill Act may impact financial aid programs.

Register for OBBBA and Its Impact

Paying for College and Graduate School: Exploring Options to Cover Your Remaining Costs

June 10 | 1 to 2 p.m.

Financial aid offers may not always cover your expenses. Learn about other financing options including payment plans, outside scholarships, student employment and loans.  

Register for Paying for College and Graduate School

Keeping Your Aid: Understanding Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

June 17 (tentative) | 1 to 2 p.m.

Students must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) to remain eligible for financial aid. But what is SAP anyway? Learn about this requirement and the appeal process in this session.

Register for Satisfactory Academic Progress

Financial Aid 102: Beyond the Basics

July 29 | 1 to 2 p.m.

This session takes a deeper look at financial aid processes and deadlines, maintaining aid eligibility, and navigating CalCentral.

Register for Financial Aid 102

Past Events

2025 Fall Webinar Series: Financial Aid Essentials

Stretching Your Aid: Navigating Financial Aid Appeals

October 22 | 1 to 2 p.m.

Facing unexpected expenses or financial changes? Learn how Economic Hardship Appeals and Cost of Attendance Adjustments can ensure your aid is reflective of your circumstances.

Access the Stretching Your Aid webinar Slide Deck

All About Scholarships

October 29 | 1 to 2 p.m.

Scholarships are opportunities just waiting for you. Learn how to find and win awards beyond UC Berkeley, what to do when you receive outside funding, and how to discover campus honors and prizes.

Access the All About Scholarships webinar Slide Deck

Student Employment Through Work-Study

November 5 | 1 to 2 p.m.

Work-study can help you earn money and gain experience while you’re at Berkeley. This session breaks down what it is, how to get started, and how to make the most of the program.

Access the Work-Study webinar Slide Deck

2026 Spring Webinar Series: Planning Ahead

Summer Financial Aid: What You Need to Know

February 25 | 1 to 2 p.m.

Thinking about taking classes this summer? You may be eligible for summer financial aid. Join us to learn who qualifies, what types of aid may be available, and the steps you need to take to prepare for a smooth transition into the summer term.

Costs, Financial Aid & Residency for Out-of-State Students

April 1 | 5 to 6 p.m.

Are you considering UC Berkeley as an out-of-state student? Join staff from the Financial Aid & Scholarships Office and the Office of the Registrar to learn more about the cost of attendance, available financial aid, and California residency requirements. We’ll walk through key considerations and steps to help you plan ahead, with time built in to answer your questions.

Financial Aid 101 for First Year Students

April 15 | 6 to 7 p.m.

Financial aid can feel complex, especially during the college decision process. This session introduces incoming first year students to the fundamentals of financial aid at UC Berkeley, including the awarding process, types of aid, and where to find support. Join us to learn more and feel confident as you plan ahead.

Financial Aid 101 for Transfer Students

April 29 | 6 to 7 p.m.

As you prepare to transition to UC Berkeley, you may notice that financial aid processes differ from those at your previous institution. This session focuses on what may be different from your previous institution, how to review and manage your financial aid at Berkeley, and where to go with questions as you plan ahead. Staff from the Financial Aid & Scholarships Office will be available to provide guidance and answer your questions. This session is intended for prospective and admitted transfer students.