UCLA Scholarships 2027 for International Students: Funding Guide USA

Organiser	University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Host Country	United States
Location	Los Angeles, California
Level of Study	Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD
Deadline	Nov 30, 2026 (Undergraduate); varies by department (Graduate)
Funding	Departmental scholarships, merit-based fellowships, assistantships
Eligibility	International students admitted to UCLA

The UCLA Scholarships 2027 provide valuable financial opportunities for international students aiming to pursue undergraduate, master’s, and PhD degrees at the University of California, Los Angeles. While UCLA does not extend its standard university financial aid to international undergraduates, these students can access a range of scholarships through academic departments, donor-funded awards, and specialised programmes such as the Samueli School of Engineering scholarships. Graduate international students benefit from broader funding pathways including merit-based fellowships, teaching assistantships, and research positions, with some PhD programmes offering comprehensive funding packages that cover tuition and living expenses.

A key consideration for international applicants is that most undergraduate scholarships are available only after admission, whereas graduate students must indicate their funding interest during the application process and are assessed by their specific academic departments.

• UC Berkeley Scholarships
• Fully Funded Scholarships in the USA
• Fully Funded Undergraduate Scholarships in USA
• Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Scholarships Summary

• Level of Study: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD
• Institution: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
• Location: Los Angeles, California, United States
• Funding Types: Departmental scholarships, merit-based fellowships, assistantships, comprehensive PhD funding
• Application Deadlines: Undergraduate Fall 2027 admission by November 30, 2026; Graduate deadlines vary by department, mostly December 2026
• Eligibility: International students admitted to UCLA programmes

The three scholarships covered in this guide are:

1. UCLA Undergraduate and Departmental Scholarships
2. UCLA Graduate Merit-Based Fellowships and Assistantships
3. UCLA PhD Funding

UCLA Scholarships Deadline

Deadlines for UCLA scholarships vary by level of study and scholarship type. Undergraduate applicants should follow the University of California application window, while graduate students must check deadlines specific to their departments. Most undergraduate scholarships open after admission, whereas graduate funding opportunities are often linked to the graduate application process.

UCLA Undergraduate and Departmental Scholarships Deadline

For Fall 2027 undergraduate admission, applicants must submit their University of California application between October 1 and November 30, 2026. The UCLA Scholarship Application for admitted undergraduate students typically opens in spring, with some departmental scholarships, such as those from the Samueli School of Engineering, opening around June.

UCLA Graduate Merit-Based Fellowships and Assistantships Deadline

Graduate applications for the 2027–2028 academic year become available after October 1, 2026. Most graduate programme deadlines fall in December 2026, but exact dates vary by department. Funding consideration is generally integrated into the graduate admission process.

UCLA PhD Funding Deadline

PhD applicants are encouraged to observe their individual department’s funding deadlines, which coincide with graduate admission timelines. Automatic consideration for funding is common upon admission, but applicants should verify specific departmental deadlines and requirements.

UCLA Scholarship Coverage

UCLA Undergraduate and Departmental Scholarships

International undergraduates are not eligible for UCLA’s regular federal or university-wide financial aid but can apply for scholarships administered by departments, schools, and donor funds after enrolment. Scholarship amounts vary widely, from small contributions to substantial awards.

• Access to over 2,000 scholarship and grant opportunities through the UCLA Scholarship Application
• More than 100 scholarships annually at UCLA Samueli School of Engineering, with awards based on merit, need, leadership, and specific majors
• Additional scholarships such as the Allen and Emily Man Undergraduate Scholarship and the Kurnitz Foreign Student Creative Writing Award
• Varied award amounts depending on donor and scholarship type

UCLA Graduate Merit-Based Fellowships and Assistantships

Graduate international students can access an array of merit-based awards, teaching and research assistantships, and departmental scholarships that cover tuition, fees, and living expenses.

• Fellowships and traineeships awarded competitively through the Division of Graduate Education
• Examples of endowed fellowships range from US$10,000 to US$20,000 per award
• Teaching assistantships and Graduate Student Researcher positions provide salary, tuition remission, student fees, and medical insurance
• Nonresident tuition remission available for qualified Graduate Student Researchers with sufficient appointment percentage

UCLA PhD Funding

PhD funding is primarily managed by academic departments and may include a combination of fellowships, assistantships, research grants, tuition remission, and health coverage. Funding packages vary significantly between programmes.

• Comprehensive funding for some departments, such as Computer Science, covering tuition and living costs
• Automatic funding consideration based on academic merit and research potential upon admission
• Financial support may include departmental resources, faculty grants, teaching and research roles
• Up to US$1,000 reimbursement available for eligible doctoral student conference travel and professional development

Eligibility Criteria for UCLA Scholarships

Applicants must meet both UCLA admission standards and specific scholarship eligibility requirements. Academic excellence, enrolment status, and field of study are key factors for scholarship consideration.

UCLA Undergraduate and Departmental Scholarships Eligibility

• Completion of an acceptable secondary school qualification
• Fulfillment of University of California academic and college-preparatory subject requirements
• Strong academic record and English language proficiency
• Admission to UCLA undergraduate programmes
• Participation in the UCLA Scholarship Application after enrolment

UCLA Samueli Engineering Scholarship Eligibility

• Admission to or enrolment in a UCLA Samueli engineering major
• Minimum cumulative GPA of approximately 3.0 and good academic standing
• Completion of both the UCLA General Scholarship Application and Engineering Scholarship Application
• Consideration of leadership, community service, and financial circumstances depending on the award
• Open to international students

UCLA Graduate Merit-Based Fellowships and Assistantships Eligibility

• Bachelor’s degree from a recognised institution
• Academic achievements meeting departmental standards
• Application and nomination through the graduate admission process
• International students eligible for merit-based scholarships and assistantships

UCLA PhD Funding Eligibility

Eligibility depends on the specific PhD programme and department policies. Generally, admitted PhD candidates are considered for funding based on academic merit and research potential.

How to Apply for UCLA Scholarships?

The application process differs by scholarship category. Undergraduate scholarships are usually accessible post-admission, while graduate funding is integrated into the admission application and departmental review.

How to Apply for the UCLA Undergraduate and Departmental Scholarships?

1. Submit the University of California application between October 1 and November 30, 2026.
2. Gain admission to UCLA for Fall 2027.
3. Complete the UCLA Scholarship Application, usually available in spring after admission.
4. Apply for departmental or donor-funded scholarships through the Scholarship Portal or directly via academic departments.

How to Apply for the UCLA Samueli Engineering Scholarships?

1. Be admitted or enrolled in a UCLA Samueli engineering major.
2. Complete the UCLA General Scholarship Application.
3. Submit the Engineering Scholarship Application to be automatically considered for multiple awards.
4. Ensure compliance with any additional award-specific criteria.

How to Apply for the UCLA Graduate Merit-Based Fellowships and Assistantships?

1. Submit your graduate admission application by the department’s deadline (generally December 2026).
2. Indicate your interest in funding within the application.
3. Be nominated and reviewed by your academic programme for funding opportunities.
4. Accept any offered fellowships, assistantships, or scholarships upon notification.

How to Apply for UCLA PhD Funding?

1. Apply for PhD admission through the relevant department before the deadline.
2. Be automatically considered for departmental funding upon admission.
3. Review the offered funding package, which may include fellowships, assistantships, and tuition remission.
4. Confirm acceptance of funding with the department and university.

Documents Required for UCLA Scholarships

Required documentation varies by scholarship but generally includes academic transcripts, proof of admission or enrolment, scholarship application forms, and possibly letters of recommendation or statements of purpose.

UCLA Undergraduate and Departmental Scholarship Documents

1. Official academic transcripts or certificates from secondary school
2. Proof of UCLA admission
3. Completed UCLA Scholarship Application
4. Additional documents as requested by specific scholarships (e.g., essays, financial information)

UCLA Samueli Engineering Scholarship Documents

1. UCLA General Scholarship Application
2. Engineering Scholarship Application
3. Academic transcripts demonstrating GPA
4. Documentation supporting leadership or community service (if applicable)

UCLA Graduate Merit-Based Fellowships and Assistantships Documents

1. Graduate admission application materials
2. Academic transcripts from previous degrees
3. Letters of recommendation
4. Research proposal or statement of purpose (where required)
5. Application for funding through the graduate admission portal

UCLA PhD Funding Documents

1. PhD admission application and supporting academic records
2. Research proposal or statement of research interests
3. Letters of recommendation
4. Additional departmental forms as required

Website

For comprehensive and up-to-date details on UCLA scholarships, international applicants should visit the official scholarship and admissions pages. These resources provide application portals, eligibility criteria, and contact information for further assistance.

• UCLA International Admission Requirements
• University of California Application
• UCLA Scholarship Application Portal
• UCLA Samueli Engineering Scholarships

Frequently Asked Questions

Does UCLA offer financial aid to international undergraduate students?

UCLA does not provide its standard university financial aid or federal aid to international undergraduates. However, admitted international students may apply for selected departmental and donor-funded scholarships after enrolment.

When should international students apply for UCLA scholarships?

Undergraduate students should first secure admission through the University of California application process. Scholarship applications generally open after admission, often in spring. Graduate students should indicate funding interest during their graduate application, typically due by December.

What types of scholarships are available for international graduate students?

Graduate international students can access merit-based fellowships, teaching assistantships, graduate researcher positions, departmental awards, and privately endowed scholarships.

Are there scholarships specifically for international engineering students?

Yes. The UCLA Samueli School of Engineering offers over 100 scholarships annually, accessible to international engineering undergraduates meeting academic and other criteria.

Do PhD programmes at UCLA guarantee funding for international students?

Some PhD programmes, such as Computer Science, guarantee admitted international students receive funding packages covering tuition and living expenses. However, funding varies by department, so applicants should verify with their specific programme.

What documents are commonly required for UCLA scholarship applications?

Typical documents include academic transcripts, proof of admission or enrolment, scholarship application forms, letters of recommendation, and personal statements, depending on the scholarship.

Can international students apply for scholarships before admission?

Most undergraduate scholarships at UCLA require students to be admitted before applying. Graduate students, however, can indicate interest in funding during the admission application process.

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Reviewed by Muhammad Faizan, PhD Researcher · Last verified June 2024 for accuracy and comprehensiveness.