UCLA Scholarships 2027/2028 for International Students: Funding Guide USA

The UCLA Scholarships 2027/2028 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 March 2, 2027; 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, 2026 and March 2, 2027. 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

Tuition Fees for International Students at UCLA

International students should budget for tuition fees of approximately $80,739 per year for undergraduate programmes. The UCLA Anderson School of Management MBA program costs about $65,000 for the full two-year duration.

Living Expenses for International Students at UCLA

Estimated annual living costs for international students at UCLA are approximately $20,000. This estimate includes accommodation, food, transportation, health insurance, and personal expenses. Students should plan their budgets accordingly to cover these essential costs alongside tuition.

Funding Options and Scholarships for International Students

• UCLA Scholarship Application: Open to all students; priority consideration is given to admitted students who complete their application within two weeks of admission decisions being released.
• UCLA Graduate Division Fellowships: Merit-based fellowships awarded through the Division of Graduate Education, with awards ranging from $10,000 to $20,000.
• Teaching and Research Assistantships: Provide salary, tuition remission, and benefits including medical insurance.
• Departmental Scholarships: Various scholarships offered by academic departments and donor funds, often with specific eligibility criteria.

International students are encouraged to explore all funding opportunities early and consult official UCLA financial aid resources for application procedures and deadlines.

How to Fund the Gap: Education Loans and Other Support

While UCLA offers numerous scholarships and assistantships, many international students may still face funding gaps. Education loans for international students, employer sponsorships, and private scholarships can help bridge this gap. Students should research loan options that do not require a U.S. co-signer and consider financial planning services offered by UCLA or external organizations.

Eligibility and Application Process

Applicants must meet UCLA admission standards and specific scholarship eligibility requirements. Undergraduate scholarships generally require admission first, while graduate students indicate funding interest during their application. Documentation typically includes academic transcripts, proof of admission, scholarship application forms, and sometimes letters of recommendation or statements of purpose.

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 by March 2, 2027. Scholarship applications generally open after admission, often in spring. Graduate students should indicate funding interest during their graduate application, typically due by December 2026.

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.