Doctoral funding packages

UC Berkeley is committed to recruiting  doctoral students of outstanding achievement and potential, including those who will enhance the diversity of the graduate student population at Berkeley.

Applicants are considered for funding packages and financial support by the departmental admissions committee; a separate fellowship application is not required. Packages ​may ​be made up of funding from various sources, such as departmental fellowships and Graduate Student Instructor and Graduate Student Researcher appointments​, as determined by your department​. 

Newly admitted doctoral students will receive funding details from their department immediately after admission. Our goal is to ensure that all newly admitted doctoral students receive funding that will provide the financial stability necessary to do their best work.

Berkeley offers prestigious awards for highly qualified entering doctoral students, including: 

  • Berkeley Fellowships
  • Chancellor’s Fellowships and Cota-Robles Fellowships, for applicants who will enhance the diversity of the graduate student population at Berkeley

In most cases funding packages include stipends and/or salary of at least $34,000 per year for five years in the form of fellowships and/or research or teaching assistantships.

  • Coverage of  in-state tuition includes health, vision, and dental care benefits.
  • When needed, nonresident supplemental tuition is typically paid for U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and non AB-540 undocumented students with DACA only in the first year of study.
  • For international students, nonresident supplemental tuition is typically covered for additional years.
  • Departmental funding packages include expiration rules and standards for when particular forms of funding are expected to be used.
  • All funding support is based on continued satisfactory academic progress and good standing.

To be considered, you must submit your Graduate Application for admission by the departmental deadline.

Continuing students may also apply for financial support from the Graduate Division, including:

  • Mentored Research Awards
  • UC Dissertation-Year Fellowships 
  • Conference Travel Grants
  • Parent and Caregiver Grants