Scholarships are gift aid — money you do not have to repay. They are awarded for academic merit or a combination of merit and other factors such as major, leadership, or financial need.
Scholarships are awarded by the university and are also available from many other outside organizations where you can apply, if eligible. Review the categories and individual scholarships linked below to learn more.
University Scholarships
The scholarships available on the pages linked below are administered by UC San Diego. Review all available university scholarships for award amounts, eligibility requirements, information on how to apply, and more.
Entering First-Year Students
Discover university scholarships available to high school seniors and new entering first-year students. New admits are considered for university scholarships based on their UC application. No additional application is required.
Entering Transfer Students
New entering transfer students may be eligible for a variety of university scholarships.
Continuing Undergraduates
Continuing undergraduate students can apply for scholarships annually. Scholarship awards up to $15,000 may be available for eligible applicants.
Undergraduate Research Scholarships (URS) - Summer
Through UC San Diego's Undergraduate Research Scholarships (URS) program, several different scholarships are available across multiple research areas.
Study Abroad
Scholarships are available for students who want to participate in study abroad and exchange programs.
Hope Scholars Program
The Hope Scholars Program supports former foster youth by awarding scholarships up to $5,000 per academic year to eligible UC San Diego undergraduate students.
Other Scholarships
These scholarships are not administered by UC San Diego, but UC San Diego students can apply for these or any outside scholarships for which they may be eligible.
Middle Class Scholarship
The Middle Class Scholarship (MCS) provides eligible undergraduates and students pursuing a teaching credential with scholarships to support their studies.
National Competitive Scholarships
Review the list of national competitive scholarships and see which scholarships you may qualify for.
Outside Agency Scholarships
Numerous scholarship opportunities exist outside of UC San Diego. Check whether you qualify for scholarships offered by private agencies.
The San Diego Foundation
Opportunities are available for San Diego County residents pursuing a higher education locally and nationally.
About Scholarships
Continuing Undergraduate Scholarships are included in the total calculation of institutional gift aid eligibility. The total amount of gift aid a student is eligible for will include these scholarships and they are awarded before loans and work-study, if applicable.
By exception, specific university scholarships including the Chancellor’s Associates Scholarship (CASP), Chancellor's Scholars, Regents, and Jacobs will follow the standard order of reduction listed below.
Order of Reduction
- Unmet need in your award package
- Need-based Parent PLUS Loan or additional Direct Loan
- University Loan
- Work-study
- Direct Subsidized / Unsubsidized Loan
- Grants
Scholarships that replace work-study reduce the number of hours you need to work, and those that replace loans reduce your future loan debt.
Scholarship money does not reduce your expected Student Aid Index (SAI).
Scholarship Resources
- Read tips on receiving scholarship funds from non-UC San Diego organizations
- Access scholarship websites, search tools, and other resources
- Find financial aid and scholarship tax information
- Information on AB 131 (California Dream Act II, PDF)
- Scholarship Resources Regardless of Immigration Status
- Private and Foundation Scholarships for Non-Citizens
In addition to the resources listed below, see information on how to find scholarships.
Remember, you do not have to pay to find scholarships or any other financial aid. Learn more about how to avoid scholarship scams.
For more scholarship options, review national competitive scholarships (offered by private agencies) as well as other lists of scholarships administered by UC San Diego.
File your FAFSA or Dream Act Application by the March 2, 2026, priority deadline to be considered for scholarships that require financial need. A FAFSA or Dream Act Application is not needed for merit-only scholarships.
Continue Your Search Using Free Scholarship-Oriented Search Engines
Receiving Scholarship Funds from Non-UC San Diego Organizations
Learn how to receive scholarship funds from an agency other than UC San Diego.
FAQ: Undergraduate Scholarship Applications for Current UC San Diego Students
Frequently asked questions about the process of applying online for Academic Year Continuing Scholarships and Undergraduate Research Scholarships (summer research).