Financial Aid for International Students
Financial Aid
Since international students are not eligible for federal and state funded financial aid options, all international students are required to show proof of funding for a minimum of one year with the expectation that students will continue to have access to that funding throughout their education. In some cases, there are unexpected changes in a student's financial situation that require a student to seek external support to continue their studies. Below are a list of resources available through the Berkeley International Office and other sources that can help international students with unexpected financial challenges supplement their resources and complete their degree programs.
Tuition Awards
Tuition awards are paid directly toward required registration fees and do not need to be re-paid. Berkeley International Office uses the Bspace Quiz and Survey tool to collect financial aid information and instructions for gaining access to the Bspace financial aid site will be announced in Friday News during the application period. Types of financial aid:
- International Undergraduate Grant Awards (applied to tuition and fees)
- International Graduate Grant Awards (applied to tuition and fees)
- International Graduate Supplemental Parent Grant Awards (applied to tuition and fees, or as a stipend)
Eligibility
To be eligible for financial support, international students must:
- demonstrate financial need
- have completed two consecutive semesters at UC Berkeley prior to the semester that they are requesting aid. (In addition, undergraduates must have completed at least 60 units prior to the semester that they are requesting aid)
- plan on continuing in the same degree program and registering full-time for the semester that they are applying for aid.
- Undergraduates are limited to a total of 2 semesters of BIO financial support
- The following students are not eligible for awards: Students on filing fee, in self supporting programs (such as MFE or LLM), students who have completed less than 2 semesters of a new degree level. Students on In Absentia are not eligible for the Parent Grant.
- Undergraduate students are limited to 2 semesters of financial aid in total.
Students who have experienced unforeseen economic changes are encouraged to speak to a BIO advisor about their financial situation.
Work Study
Work-study is a special on-campus employment program awarded to a small number of undergraduate students based on need. Awards are not applied directly to tuition, but earned through specific on-campus jobs categorized as "work-study" positions. Work-study awards are distributed along with the fall and spring Tuition Award (see above) applications available in late spring and fall.
Undergraduate Scholarships
This is a merit-based award for students who are excelling academically. Award amounts depend upon level of need and academic achievement. The undergraduate scholarship application is part of the fall financial aid application only. These scholarships are only available during the Fall application period.
International Graduate Student Parent Grant
All registered international graduate students who have a child living with them in the Bay Area are eligible to apply. Grants will be awarded based on financial need and changes in the applicant's financial situation. Applications are accepted during the Graduate Student Financial Aid application period.
Medical Fund
The Berkeley International Office administers a medical fund to help international students who experience unanticipated medical costs. The maximum award is $500 and the medical fund award is paid to the medical provider directly. The fund cannot be used to reimburse students for expenses or applied to accounts that have already been paid. Applications are available at the Berkeley International Office.
The International House Short-Term Loan Fund
The International House Short-Term Loan Fund provides interest-free loans to international students and scholars who experience an immediate short-term financial need. Loans are available up to $2,000 and must be repaid on a monthly basis within four to six months from the date of receipt of the loan. The source of repayment must be verifiable. To complete the application procedure, make an appointment with the Loan Coordinator, 510-642-2196.
