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.
Upcoming Webinars and Events
2026 Fall Webinar Series: Making Financial Aid Work for You
Financial aid decisions do not end when the semester begins. Your enrollment, employment opportunities, outside scholarships, and personal circumstances can all affect how you manage your aid and cover your educational expenses.
The 2026 Fall Webinar Series offers practical guidance to help current students make informed decisions throughout the academic year. Learn how a reduced course load may affect your aid, explore work-study and scholarship opportunities, and understand the appeal options available when your financial or personal circumstances are not fully reflected in your financial aid.
All webinars will be held online via Zoom. Registration is required.
Less Than Full-Time Enrollment: How a Reduced Course Load Impacts Your Aid
September 9 | 1 to 2 p.m.
Many financial aid awards have enrollment requirements. Before finalizing your fall schedule, join financial aid staff to learn how enrolling less than full time or changing your course load may affect your financial aid.
Stay tuned for webinar resources.
Earn While You Learn: Navigating Campus Jobs and Work-Study
September 16 | 1 to 2 p.m.
Work-study can help you earn money, build your skills, and gain valuable experience while attending Berkeley. Learn how work-study works, how to find and apply for campus jobs, and how to make the most of your award.
The Scholarship Strategy: Finding and Earning Free Money
October 14 | 1 to 2 p.m.
Scholarships can help you cover educational expenses without taking on additional debt. Learn how to find and apply for opportunities beyond UC Berkeley, what to do when you receive an outside scholarship, and how to explore campus prizes and honors.
When There’s More to the Story: Understanding Financial Aid Appeals
October 21 | 1 to 2 p.m.
Your financial aid application may not fully reflect your current financial situation, educational expenses, or personal circumstances. Learn about Economic Hardship Appeals, Unusual Circumstances Appeals, and Cost of Attendance Adjustment Requests, including what each process addresses and how to determine which option may apply to you.
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.
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.
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.
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.
2026 Summer Webinar Series: Managing Your Financial Aid
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.
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.
Keeping Your Aid: Understanding Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
June 17 | 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.
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.
An informative session on navigating economic appeals and understanding cost adjustments. Join for insights into how to advocate for your financial needs, explore options for adjusting your financial aid package, and learn strategies to maximize financial relief during challenging times.
Managing your financial aid is an ongoing process. In this session, you will hear from financial aid staff about important financial aid requirements, maintaining your aid eligibility, preparing for the upcoming 2025-2026 academic year, and more. Don’t be scared, sign up today!
Looking to reduce your college expenses and make the most of your financial aid options? Join staff from the Center for Financial Wellness and Financial Aid & Scholarships Office for this informative workshop, where you'll learn everything you need to know about scholarships.
Navigating financial aid can be overwhelming, especially when you’re just starting out. Learn how to manage your aid and get your questions answered by financial aid experts! Registration is not required for this Cal Week webinar.
Costs, Financial Aid & Residency for Out-of-State Students
April 24 | 6 to 7 p.m.
Join us for an insightful session with staff from the Financial Aid & Scholarships Office and the Office of the Registrar as they break down finances and residency requirements for out-of-state students at UC Berkeley. Don't miss this chance to get expert guidance and answers to your questions!
As you transition to UC Berkeley, you may find that financial aid processes differ from your previous school. Join experts from the Financial Aid & Scholarships Office as they break down your financial aid at UC Berkeley. Don’t miss this valuable session!
Many financial aid awards have enrollment eligibility requirements. Before finalizing your Spring schedule, join financial aid staff to learn how changes to your enrollment may affect your aid.
Our financial aid counselors are here to help you complete your FAFSA for the 2025–26 academic year. Bring your laptop, and other required information to complete your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
Financial Aid completion workshops will be held, in-person, on Fridays, from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. in 250 Sproul Hall at UC Berkeley. Workshop dates are listed below. See you there!
January 31, 2025
February 7, 2025
February 14, 2025
February 21, 2025
February 28, 2025
For support completing a 2025–26 California Dream Act Application (CADAA), the Undocumented Student Program (USP) will host a CADAA webinar followed by in-person (drop-in) and virtual (by appointment) clinics.
Berkeley students share what they learned about financial aid as new Bears, and what they wish they’d known.
Financial Aid 102: Beyond the Basics
July 23 | 1 to 2 p.m.
Join us for a deeper dive into key financial aid processes, like disbursements, work-study, and more. Whether you’re a new or continuing student, this session will help you feel more confident navigating your aid.
Our office also accommodates requests for financial aid presentations and workshops. If you are a part of a student organization, campus department, or within the surrounding community, you can request a financial aid event by submitting our Outreach Event Request Form. To understand what kind of service you need, please review our parameters below.
Before Submitting Your Request
Event requests should be submitted at least three weeks before the intended event date.
Staff are available to support events during modified business hours (9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday to Saturday), excluding holidays and campus closures (like Winter Break).
In-person events are often hosted on the UC Berkeley campus, with additional availability around the San Francisco Bay Area.
Outreach events are intended for groups of 10+ people. Refer to the Individual Support section below for additional options.
We review requests on a first-come, first-serve basis. Submitting a request does not guarantee staff availability.
The request form may close temporarily depending on limited staff availability.
Connect with Cal Student Central where our advisors and service representatives are trained to deliver comprehensive advising services and answer your questions as quickly as possible.
If your questions go beyond financial aid and you’re looking for support with managing your money, the Center for Financial Wellness (CFW) may be the right place to start.
The Center for Financial Wellness (CFW) hosts a series of webinars, workshops and events, every semester as well as one-on-one appointments. If you are interested in learning more about budgeting, managing your finances, investments, and more, visit their website to sign up for a session, request a workshop, or schedule a one-on-one appointment with a Financial Wellness Coach!
Subscribe to financial aid and wellness newsletters with the links below.
Financial Aid & Scholarships Newsletter
The Financial Aid & Scholarships newsletter is sent monthly during the academic year and includes important deadlines and links to helpful resources. Go Bears!
