45 Fully Funded Scholarships at the University of California Berkeley: Top UC Berkeley Scholarships 2026 – 2027, including Berkeley Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

Are you looking for Fully Funded Scholarships at the University of California Berkeley 2026 that can cover tuition and living costs?

You can access fully funded and near‑full funding options at UC Berkeley for 2026. These include university, graduate, and external programs for undergraduate, graduate, and international students.

UC Berkeley reports that nearly two‑thirds of undergraduates receive financial aid. Many graduate programs offer multi‑year funding packages that include tuition, housing support, and stipends.

This guide explains how Berkeley funding works across merit, need, leadership, research, and field‑based awards.

You’ll see how campus scholarships, graduate fellowships, and national programs fit together.

TL;DR — Fully Funded Scholarships at the University of California Berkeley 2026

• Undergraduate aid is essential for those enrolled in the scholars program at UC Berkeley. Merit, need, leadership, and access programs
• Graduate funding is available for those who meet the criteria for the Berkeley Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. Tuition, stipends, health insurance
• External fellowships: Fully fund study while enrolled
• Most awards open annually: Deadlines tied to admissions cycles

Top 10 Fully Funded or Near‑Full Funding Scholarships at UC Berkeley (2026)

*Deadlines may shift for 2026–2027 intake; always confirm with the application through the UC Berkeley.

1) Berkeley Undergraduate Scholarship

You can receive the Berkeley Undergraduate Scholarship, UC Berkeley’s oldest merit-and-need award. The university grants it automatically to eligible undergraduates.

Over 3,000 students receive funding each year from nearly 900 endowed funds.

Key Facts

Funding Snapshot

2) Regents’ and Chancellor’s Scholarship

UC Berkeley offers its most prestigious undergraduate award to high-achieving students. The scholarship targets incoming undergraduates and recognizes merit and leadership.

You get priority enrollment, faculty mentoring, and research access. Funding includes tuition support and renewable annual awards.

Key Facts

Funding Snapshot

3) Fiat Lux Scholarship

The Fiat Lux Scholarship supports high-achieving students from partner California high schools. You qualify based on academic merit, leadership, and life experience.

The award combines need-based financial aid with advising, mentoring, and community support. Funding covers tuition, housing, and living costs, renewed for up to eight semesters.

4) Cal Alumni Association Undergraduate Scholarship

You can apply for the details of the Mastercard Foundation. Cal Alumni Association (CAA) Undergraduate Scholarship at UC Berkeley.

The program supports high-achieving undergraduates with financial need and strong academic talent is essential for success. community engagement.

CAA scholarships combine need-based funding with mentorship and alumni support. Awards apply to incoming, continuing, and transfer students.

Funding comes from alumni donors and can stack with UC and federal aid. CAA scholarships count as internal UC Berkeley awards and coordinate directly with Berkeley Financial Aid.

Key facts at a glance

Application and timeline

What strengthens your application

• Demonstrated financial need
• Academic consistency
• Leadership or community service experience is essential for applicants to be considered for the scholars program.
• Berkeley enrollment or admission status

5) Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program (graduate level)

You can pursue a fully funded master’s degree at UC Berkeley through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. The program targets academically strong, economically disadvantaged students from Africa and runs through at least 2028.

The award covers tuition, housing, health insurance, travel, and a living stipend. UC Berkeley administers it as an external foundation scholarship with campus academic and leadership support.

Key facts

Eligibility snapshot

6) Chancellor’s Fellowship

The Chancellor’s Fellowship supports top graduate and doctoral students across disciplines. It recognizes academic merit and promise.

You receive full or partial tuition coverage, a living stipend, and health insurance. Departments award it during admission, so you don’t need a separate application.

7) Berkeley Graduate Division Fellowships

The UC Berkeley Graduate Division Fellowships support top master’s and PhD students across all schools. Departments award most fellowships during admission, and you don’t need a separate application.

Many fellowships focus on academic merit, research promise, and diversity. They often combine various aspects of a field of study to create a comprehensive curriculum. full tuition, fees, and a living stipend.

Some also include health insurance and research support, depending on the program.

Key Fellowship Features

Who Can Benefit

You can strengthen your chances by applying early and showing strong academic records, research goals, and departmental fit.

8) External National Fellowship Programs

You can pair UC Berkeley admission with external national fellowships that fully fund graduate and doctoral study in 2026. These awards come from U.S. foundations and federal programs.

They often cover full tuition, living costs, and research support. External fellowships stay with you across departments and schools at Berkeley, enhancing your field of study.

You apply separately, often before or alongside your program application. Berkeley’s Graduate Division and OURS office help verify eligibility and manage awards.

Common benefits:

• Full funding
• Flexible use across disciplines

Several programs rank among the most prestigious U.S. fellowships and regularly support Berkeley students.

Track deadlines early and confirm Berkeley endorsement rules. Some fellowships require campus review before submission.

9) OURS National Scholarships

UC Berkeley’s OURS National Scholarships help you apply for top external, fully funded awards are available for students applying to the university in 2026..

The office guides you with advising, campus endorsement, and application strategy for applicants must be provided. for national programs linked to Berkeley study and research.

You can use OURS if you are an undergraduate, graduate, or recent alumni. Support spans STEM, social sciences, humanities, and public service.

Many awards cover tuition, living costs, and research travel when paired with Berkeley enrollment.

Key Facts

Common Scholarships Supported

10) Haas Equity Fellowship

The UC Berkeley Haas Equity Fellowship supports Full-Time MBA students at the Berkeley Haas School of Business.

You receive need-based funding during the admission review.

The fellowship targets students who increase access, equity, and inclusion in business education.

It can cover a large share of tuition and fees.

You apply automatically when you submit your MBA application.

The award supports both domestic and international students for the 2026 MBA intake.

11) Fannie Lou Hamer Scholarship

The Fannie Lou Hamer Scholarship supports UC Berkeley students through diversity-focused, need-aware funding.

You benefit if you come from an underserved background and show strong academic commitment.

This is an external, donor-supported award. Sometimes, it pairs with Berkeley-based resource centers instead of direct tuition billing.

12) EOP (Educational Opportunity Program) Scholarship

UC Berkeley’s Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) supports first-generation, low-income, and underserved students with need-based aid and advising.

You apply through UC Berkeley Financial Aid. EOP often fills remaining costs after other grants.

What EOP Covers at UC Berkeley

Eligibility and Access

You also receive academic advising, mentoring, and priority support.

This extra support helps improve retention and graduation rates.

13) Berkeley Law Foundation Scholarships

The Berkeley Law Foundation (BLF) funds public interest and diversity-focused scholarships at UC Berkeley Law.

You study in a global network of institutions. Berkeley, California, close to major courts, nonprofits, and policy groups.

BLF provides grants and fellowships for J.D., LL.M., and recent graduates who commit to public service law.

Awards can offset tuition, living costs, or project expenses.

Key Funding Options (2026 cycle)

Application Facts

BLF scholarships are internal awards for Berkeley Law.

14) Environmental Leadership Fellowship

You can apply to the Beahrs Environmental Leadership Program at UC Berkeley.

This selective, fully funded summer fellowship welcomes mid-career environmental professionals worldwide.

The fellowship covers tuition, housing, meals, and program costs for a three-week program.

Applications open annually for the 2026 cycle.

15) International Student Scholarships 2025-2026

You can access fully funded and high-value scholarships at the University of California, Berkeley, a top public university ranked globally in the top 10.

Berkeley sits in Berkeley, California, near San Francisco, and attracts international students at all levels.

Most funding combines internal Berkeley aid and external global scholarships.

Internal awards come from UC Berkeley schools and departments. External awards come from governments and foundations.

You can often stack external awards with Berkeley aid if the rules allow.

Key Fully Funded and Major Scholarships for International Students

Funding Scope and Practical Use

Apply early and combine Berkeley departmental funding is crucial for students pursuing a graduate degree. with external scholarships.

Many awards reopen annually for Fall 2026 and 2027 intakes.

16) UC Berkeley STEM Scholarships

UC Berkeley supports STEM students with need-based grants, merit awards, and funded research programs in engineering, science, and technology.

Many awards combine university grants, departmental scholarships, and paid research roles.

Key options include University Grants, EECS and College of Engineering scholarships, and funded summer research like Rose Hills.

Awards often cover tuition, housing support, and research stipends for 2026 programs.

17) Berkeley Public Service Scholarship

The Berkeley Public Service Scholarship supports UC Berkeley students who commit to leadership potential. public service careers.

You can use it across majors, with priority for government, nonprofits, and community service in California.

The award focuses on access and service through the admissions process..

It works as an internal UC Berkeley scholarship and applies directly to your student account.

Key Facts

Eligibility & Timing

18) Graduate Opportunity Fellowship

The Graduate Opportunity Fellowship (GOF) at UC Berkeley supports PhD students who show strong academic promise and enhance campus diversity.

Departments award it during admissions.

It often covers full tuition plus a living stipend.

GOF targets U.S. citizens and permanent residents can apply to the university for various funding opportunities. with financial need.

Awards usually last one academic year and may combine with teaching or research roles.

Key Benefits

Eligibility Snapshot

19) Berkeley Scholars Award

The Berkeley Scholars Award is a need-based aid program for California resident undergraduates at UC Berkeley.

You qualify through your FAFSA or California Dream Act submission.

You receive a grant and work-study package that reduces unmet financial need.

UC Berkeley applies it automatically after admission and aid review.

Berkeley Scholars Award — Key Facts

Funding Coverage and Timing

20) Undergraduate Merit Scholarships

UC Berkeley offers Undergraduate Merit Scholarships for high-achieving students.

These awards focus on academic excellence and leadership.

Many combine merit and financial need and apply to California residents and select nonresidents.

You receive most awards automatically through admission and by submitting the FAFSA or CADAA.

Funding comes from university endowments and private donors.

Some packages can cover funded research time and living expenses. full tuition and housing when combined with grants.

Key Examples at UC Berkeley

• Berkeley Undergraduate Scholarship
• Regents’ and Chancellor’s Scholarship
• Donor-funded college awards

Scholarship Snapshot

Funding Details

21) College-Specific Scholarships (e.g., College of Chemistry)

UC Berkeley offers college-specific, fully funded scholarships through schools like the College of Chemistry.

These awards support deserving students with strong academic records, research focus, or financial need, demonstrating leadership potential.

You can receive funding that covers tuition, fees, housing support, research costs, and travel.

Most awards come from internal university funds, alumni gifts, and academic departments that support leadership potential.

You usually apply through Berkeley’s centralized scholarship systems or directly through your department.

College of Chemistry awards often favor students in chemistry, chemical engineering, and related STEM fields.

Many scholarships renew annually if you meet academic progress rules.

Common Benefits by College-Level Scholarships

Typical Eligibility and Access

You improve your chances by declaring your major early.

Keep strong grades and join faculty-led research projects for better eligibility.

22) Berkeley Alumni Endowed Scholarships

UC Berkeley Alumni Endowed Scholarships support undergraduates through donor-funded awards managed by the Cal Alumni Association.

You qualify based on financial need, academic merit, or community service.

Awards can combine with other aid to reach full funding.

What you can receive

• Tuition support
• Housing and meals
• Books and supplies
• Renewable annual awards

How selection works

• Alumni review applications
• Centralized application portal
• Annual deadlines, typically May–June

Key Facts

Eligibility and Timing

Application timeline

• Apply before admission decision
• Accept offer to receive funds
• Funds disburse through campus aid system to cover living expenses.

23) Cal Golden Bear Award

UC Berkeley offers the Cal Golden Bear Award to support undergraduates with high financial need.

You receive aid that helps cover tuition and basic living costs.

The award targets California residents and works with federal and state grants.

You qualify through your FAFSA or CA Dream Act application.

Key Facts

Funding Snapshot

24) Berkeley Arts Scholars Program

UC Berkeley runs the Berkeley Arts Scholars Program, which is part of the foundation scholars program application process. for undergraduates in creative fields that demonstrate leadership potential..

You study in Berkeley, California, and receive structured arts support alongside your degree.

The program targets students in visual arts, music, theater, film, and creative writing.

Funding combines campus aid and donor support and may stack with other UC Berkeley scholarships.

Key Details

Financial Coverage

25) Berkeley Humanities Fellowship

The Berkeley Humanities Fellowship supports UC Berkeley PhD students in humanities fields during advanced research and writing stages.

You study in Berkeley, California, at a top institution known for its academic talent. top-ranked public research university.

The fellowship provides internal funding and reduces teaching duties so you can focus on your dissertation.

Funding and Coverage

Eligibility and Timing

Typical Supported Fields

• History
• Literature
• Philosophy
• Languages
• Cultural studies

You apply through your department with a dissertation proposal and advisor support.

26) Berkeley Music Department Scholarships

UC Berkeley’s Department of Music supports graduate students through fully funded internal packages.

You study in Berkeley, California, at a top-ranked public research university known for musicology, ethnomusicology, and composition.

These awards mainly target MA/PhD and PhD students.

Funding decisions come through departmental admission.

Most packages cover full academic costs for 4–5 years, depending on your degree track.

What funding usually includes

• Full tuition and mandatory fees
• Health insurance
• Annual living stipend
• Teaching or research support when required

Key Fully Funded Music Scholarships and Funding

Eligibility and Application Facts

You can also combine external fellowships with Berkeley funding if rules allow.

27) Berkeley Engineering Scholarship

The Berkeley Engineering Scholarship supports undergraduate and graduate students in the UC Berkeley College of Engineering.

You study in Berkeley, California, near major U.S. tech and research hubs.

The award focuses on merit and financial need.

You can combine this internal scholarship with external fellowships approved by UC Berkeley.

Internal awards come from Berkeley Engineering and the Graduate Division.

External awards come from national foundations and alumni-linked funds.

What the scholarship typically covers

Who can apply and how

28) Walter J. Gores Award

The Walter J. Gores Award is Stanford University’s highest teaching honor.

You cannot apply as a student, and it does not fund tuition or living costs.

The award recognizes faculty, staff, and teaching assistants for teaching excellence.

It serves as an external academic distinction.

29) Berkeley Interdisciplinary Scholarship

The Berkeley Interdisciplinary Scholarship supports graduate students at UC Berkeley (USA) who pursue cross-field research.

You benefit if your work links two or more disciplines and aligns with faculty-led projects.

Funding typically targets master’s and PhD students.

Key Funding Facts

Eligibility Snapshot

30) Berkeley Athletic Scholarships

The University of California, Berkeley is a top-ranked public university in California. It offers NCAA Division I athletic scholarships for student-athletes.

These awards support you while you compete at a high level and earn a UC Berkeley degree.

Berkeley athletic scholarships target recruited varsity athletes in both men’s and women’s sports. You can receive a mix of athletic aid, need-based aid, and academic grants.

The Financial Aid and Scholarships Office coordinates these awards.

What Berkeley Athletic Scholarships Cover

You must meet NCAA eligibility rules and sign the Student-Athlete Admissions Agreement. Coaches manage offers, and aid packages may change each year.

Sports With Scholarship Opportunities

Athletic scholarships count as internal university funding. You can also add external scholarships if NCAA and UC rules allow.

31) Berkeley Social Science Scholarship

The Berkeley Social Science Scholarship supports students in social science fields at UC Berkeley. You study in Berkeley, California, a major research center partnered with the Mastercard Foundation.

This award focuses on academic merit and financial need for both undergraduates and graduates.

You receive funding through internal university aid and sometimes external fellowships. Internal aid comes from UC Berkeley, while external aid comes from donors or foundations.

Key Facts

Application Snapshot

32) Diversity and Inclusion Scholarships

You can access UC Berkeley diversity and inclusion scholarships if you come from an underrepresented background. These awards support students in undergraduate, master’s, PhD, and professional programs.

Berkeley funds some awards directly. Others come from external partners like foundations and national fellowships.

These scholarships often cover full tuition, housing, and living stipends. When paired with need-based aid or fellowships, they may be fully funded.

Key Diversity and Inclusion Scholarships at UC Berkeley

Typical Eligibility and Benefits

Apply early and pair Berkeley-based awards with national diversity fellowships for the best chance at funding.

33) Berkeley Pell Grant Supplement

If you qualify for the Federal Pell Grant, you can receive the Berkeley Pell Grant Supplement. Berkeley adds campus funds to help cover tuition and living costs for low-income undergraduates.

You apply once through the FAFSA. Berkeley reviews your eligibility every year.

Key Facts

Funding Snapshot

34) Berkeley Access Scholarship

The Berkeley Access Scholarship is a need-based award for undergraduates from low-income families. It supports both California residents and eligible nonresidents enrolled full time.

The scholarship helps pay for tuition, housing, meals, and fees.

UC Berkeley awards it automatically when you submit your FAFSA or California Dream Act Application.

35) Berkeley First-Generation Scholarship

UC Berkeley supports first-generation undergraduates with need-based financial aid. You qualify if neither parent earned a four-year degree.

Funding combines federal aid, California grants, and Berkeley scholarships. Awards can cover full tuition, housing, meals, and books for eligible students.

36) Berkeley Veteran Scholarship

You can fund your UC Berkeley degree with veteran-focused aid. This includes the GI Bill, Yellow Ribbon Program, and the California College Fee Waiver for eligible veterans and dependents, including Africans.

The Cal Veteran Services Center helps you combine federal, state, and campus aid to cover tuition, housing, and books.

37) Graduate Chancellor’s Fellowship

The UC Berkeley Graduate Chancellor’s Fellowship supports new doctoral students. This fully funded, university-wide award is tied to admissions.

Your department selects you for funding based on academic merit and diversity.

Key Funding Details

Eligibility and Selection

38) STEM Opportunity Program Scholarships

The STEM Opportunity Program Scholarships at UC Berkeley support students in science, technology, engineering, and math. You can qualify if you face financial barriers.

You study in Berkeley, California, a hub for research and innovation. The program focuses on access, retention, and graduation for high-achieving STEM students.

Funding combines internal UC Berkeley aid and external public and private sources. Awards can stack to reach full funding.

What the scholarship typically supports:

• Tuition and mandatory fees
• Housing and living costs
• Academic advising and mentoring
• Research or internship participation

Eligibility centers on STEM majors, strong academic records, and financial need.

You usually qualify through the UC financial aid application must be completed by students seeking admission to the university.. No separate scholarship form is required.

Apply early for financial aid and stay enrolled in a STEM program for the full year.

39) Berkeley Impact Fund Scholarships

You can apply for the Berkeley Impact Fund Scholarships at UC Berkeley. This internal fund supports high-need undergraduates with donor-backed, need-based awards.

Awards can stack with University Grants, Pell Grants, and Cal Grants to cover tuition, housing, and basic costs.

The fund focuses on access, retention, and student success.

Key Facts

Funding & Access

40) Berkeley Public Health Scholarships

UC Berkeley School of Public Health ranks among the The top public health schools in the United States are part of a global network..

You can get fully funded support for MPH, MS, and PhD programs in Berkeley, California.

Internal and external awards focus on public health impact and research.

Many scholarships combine tuition coverage, health insurance, and living stipends.

You often receive most funding automatically during admission review.

For external fellowships, you need to submit separate applications.

Key Fully Funded and Major Scholarships

Eligibility and Application Facts

Apply early and align your research with health equity, epidemiology, and rural health access to improve your chances.

41) Berkeley Education Excellence Award

UC Berkeley offers the Berkeley Education Excellence Award to help high-achieving students with financial need.

You qualify through admissions and financial aid review to be considered for the scholars program.

No separate application is needed.

42) Berkeley Campus Leadership Scholarships

UC Berkeley offers leadership-based scholarships that reward service, initiative, and campus impact.

These internal awards support undergraduates across all majors.

You can also access mentoring and alumni networks.

Many awards renew each year.

You may combine them with need-based aid, including Pell Grant eligibility.

Key Leadership Scholarships at UC Berkeley

Eligibility and Application Snapshot

43) Berkeley Research Fellowship

The University of California, Berkeley offers Berkeley Research Fellowships for PhD and postdoctoral scholars.

You receive full funding to focus on research.

44) Berkeley Writing Program Scholarships

UC Berkeley’s College Writing Programs support undergraduates focused on academic writing, rhetoric, and composition.

Funding comes from campus-based awards and donor funds.

You qualify based on enrollment and financial need.

No separate application is needed.

These scholarships help reduce tuition and course costs for writing-intensive students.

Awards work with UC Berkeley financial aid and can stack with other grants.

Key Facts

Funding Snapshot

45) Haas Business School Fellowships

You can apply for Haas Business School Fellowships at UC Berkeley.

Haas is a top‑ranked public business school in Berkeley, California.

These awards support MBA students through merit‑ and need‑based funding.

Many fellowships apply automatically at admission.

Some fellowships cover full tuition and living costs when combined with aid.

Internal fellowships come from Haas donors.

External awards come from employers, veterans benefits, or national foundations.

Key Fellowship Facts

Funding Snapshot

Eligibility Criteria and Application Requirements for UC Berkeley Scholarships 2026

Fully funded scholarships at UC Berkeley for 2026 focus on strong academics, verified financial need, and complete documentation.

You usually submit one financial aid application to qualify for UC, state, federal, and partner-funded scholarships.

Academic Qualifications

You must meet UC Berkeley’s admission standards for your program.

Undergraduate awards require a strong GPA and steady progress toward your degree.

Graduate and doctoral funding look for academic merit, research fit, and faculty support.

International students must meet English proficiency rules.

Some programs prefer prior research, publications, or leadership.

Field-specific awards may require a certain major or department.

Key academic checks:

• Degree status: admitted or continuing student
• Program fit: major or research area matches the award
• Progress: good academic standing each term

Financial Need Assessment

Most fully funded awards use a needs-based review.

You submit one aid application for multiple programs, including UC grants, federal aid, Cal Grant, Middle Class Scholarship, and partner awards.

U.S. students file the FAFSA.

Eligible noncitizens file the California Dream Act Application.

Some partner scholarships add a short form but use UC’s need analysis.

The review compares:

• Cost of attendance: tuition, housing, books, health fees
• Expected family contribution includes living expenses. income and assets
• Enrollment status: full-time or approved research load

Awards may cover tuition, housing, meals, insurance, and stipends.

Coverage depends on the program and level.

Supporting Documentation

You must submit accurate and complete records by deadlines.

Missing items can delay or reduce your funding.

Upload documents through UC Berkeley’s aid portal.

Common requirements:

• Academic records: transcripts, test scores
• Financial records: tax returns, W-2s, bank statements
• Program materials: CV, statement of purpose, research plan

Some scholarships require recommendation letters or proof of citizenship or residency.

Doctoral packages may need a faculty nomination and proof of research appointment.

Keep copies and check your portal weekly for updates.

Benefits and Opportunities for Recipients

Fully funded scholarships at UC Berkeley in 2026 remove major cost barriers.

You get financial coverage through scholarships can significantly reduce the cost of a degree program., academic guidance, and career tools.

Tuition and Living Stipend Coverage

You pay no tuition or mandatory campus fees under these awards.

Many packages also cover on‑campus or approved housing, meals, and UC Student Health Insurance.

Most awards include a monthly living stipend for basic expenses.

Some programs add book allowances, research costs, and travel support.

Coverage varies by scholarship and degree level.

Common covered costs

You can focus on classes and research without taking extra jobs.

Academic Support Services

You get access to faculty advising, department mentors, and learning support centers.

These services help you plan courses and solve problems early.

UC Berkeley provides writing and tutoring support, library research help, and technology resources.

Graduate awards often include lab access, Funded research time is crucial for students demonstrating leadership potential., and conference participation.

Some scholarships offer cohort programs with workshops, peer study time, and check-ins.

Regular advising and clear expectations keep you on track.

Career Development Resources

You can use Berkeley Career Engagement for resumes, interviews, and job search strategy.

Many scholarships connect you to paid internships, research placements, or teaching roles in a degree program can greatly enhance a student’s learning experience..

You also join a large alumni network for mentoring and referrals.

Career fairs, employer info sessions, and on‑campus recruiting run all year.

Key career tools

• Resume and interview coaching
• Internship and research listings
• Employer events and fairs
• Alumni mentoring programs

International students get guidance on CPT and OPT rules.

These tools help you move from study to work with confidence.

BFFS Scholar Quest Frequently Asked Questions: UC Berkeley Scholarships

This section explains who qualifies for fully funded scholarships at UC Berkeley. It also covers how major programs work and gives tips to improve your chances for 2026.

We focus on international and out-of-state students. You will find clear steps and key program differences.

What are the requirements for international students to obtain a full scholarship at UC Berkeley for the 2026 academic year?

You must first gain admission to UC Berkeley for 2026.

Most full scholarships require:

• Strong grades
• Clear academic goals
• Proof of financial need

You also need:

• Valid immigration documents
• English proficiency scores (if required)
• Timely financial aid forms

Some awards ask for leadership or community service experience.

How can I apply for the UC Berkeley Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Program for 2026?

First, secure admission to a participating UC Berkeley graduate program.

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program targets graduate study and focuses on students from Africa.

After you get admitted, Berkeley reviews eligible candidates You must apply for the scholarship to be considered for the scholars program.

The award covers:

• Tuition
• Housing
• Food
• Travel
• Health insurance
• Living costs

Are there merit-based scholarships available for out-of-state students attending UC Berkeley?

Yes, UC Berkeley offers merit-based awards like the Regents’ and Chancellor’s Scholarship.

These awards consider academic achievement and leadership.

Out-of-state students compete with all applicants for these scholarships. Some awards include tuition support and priority enrollment.

They may not cover all costs, so plan ahead.

What types of undergraduate scholarships does UC Berkeley offer for international students?

UC Berkeley offers both need-based and merit-based scholarships.

Key programs include:

• Berkeley Undergraduate Scholarship
• Fiat Lux Scholarship
• Cal Alumni Association Undergraduate Scholarship

Most undergraduate awards provide partial funding. Students often combine them with other aid to cover more costs.

How does the Mastercard Scholarship at the University of California, Berkeley differ from the one at the University of Toronto?

Both programs share the same foundation and mission.

Berkeley’s program focuses on select graduate fields. It also includes leadership and entrepreneurship training on campus.

The University of Toronto offers broader degree options across multiple faculties. Each program has a different structure and campus support system.

Steps to Increase Your Chances of Receiving a Full-Ride Scholarship at UC Berkeley

Apply early for both admission and financial aid.

Meet all deadlines for the FAFSA, the California Dream Act (if eligible), and submit every required document.

Build a strong academic record with high grades and challenging courses.

Show leadership impact in your community, school, or extracurricular activities.

Choose programs that fit your background and strengths.

Clearly explain your goals in your application essays.

Highlight your achievements and unique experiences.

Stay organized and keep track of all scholarship requirements.

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