Seeking financial aid
Student loans and work-study opportunities can provide one piece of the puzzle to financing your graduate education, depending on whether you’ve received a graduate fellowship, grants, or academic student employment upon your offer of admission. To understand the total costs of attendance associated with your program, visit our financial aid office’s Student Budgets ( Cost of Attendance) webpage.
Financial aid programs are based on demonstrated financial need and require completion of a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or CA Dream Act Application (CADAA). Be sure to regularly review FASO’s website, as well as studentaid.gov, for updates to federal student aid programs. Graduate students can consult with our Cal Student Central team to further discuss need-based loans and work-study.
Student Loans & Other Federal Student Aid
U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens who wish to be considered for federal loans and work-study should complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). UC Berkeley’s federal school code is 001312.
Graduate students who qualify for an AB 540 nonresident tuition exemption and are not eligible to complete a FAFSA should complete the California Dream Act Application (CADAA). CADAA filers may be eligible for the California Dream Loan and work-study (with valid work authorization).
Things to Keep In Mind
- Submit your FAFSA/ CADAA by the priority deadline to ensure timely processing and the best financial aid package.
- File the FAFSA/CADAA even if you are not sure you will need or want any aid processed by the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office. You can decide later whether to accept aid for which you are eligible.
- If you miss the priority deadline, submit your aid application as soon as possible to avoid any delays in funding. You will still be entitled to loan eligibility, but funding could be delayed.
- Consult the Graduate Award Guide on the Financial Aid website for more information, or submit your inquiry online.
Related Resources
Here is a list of resources that provide important steps in the student loan process, depending on your individual financial needs.
Questions?
Do you need assistance? The Graduate Division and your graduate program are available to answer your financial aid questions.