45 Best Fully Funded Scholarships at the University of California Santa Barbara 2026 – 2027: Top UCSB Scholarship Programs & Financial Aid

Seeking Fully Funded Scholarships at UC Santa Barbara for 2026 – 2027?

UC Santa Barbara (UCSB) offers a wide range of fully funded scholarships for both undergraduate and graduate students. These opportunities can cover tuition, housing, fees, and living expenses.

You’ll find scholarships based on academic merit, financial need, research excellence, leadership, and diversity. Here’s your essential guide to the top opportunities for 2027.

Top 10 Fully Funded Scholarships at UCSB (2026-2027)

Quick Highlights:

• Multiple fully funded paths for undergraduate and graduate study at UCSB in 2027.
• Funding covers tuition, housing, fees, and living costs.
• Awards recognize academic merit, financial need, research, leadership, and diversity.

This guide helps you unlock fully funded scholarships at UCSB for 2027. Explore campus awards, state aid, and national fellowships.

Plan your application with clear timelines and eligibility rules. Find the right scholarship for your background and goals.

1) Regents Scholarship

The UCSB Regents Scholarship is the most prestigious merit award at UCSB. All admitted freshmen automatically enter consideration through their UC application.

UCSB targets students with outstanding academics and leadership. Scholars receive cash support and priority academic benefits.

Key Benefits

• Up to $5,000 per year
• 4 years of support (for freshmen)
• Priority enrollment and faculty mentoring

Eligibility

• Academic excellence
• Automatic consideration for all admitted freshmen

2) Chancellor’s Scholarship

The Chancellor’s Scholarship supports high-achieving undergraduates at UCSB. This merit-based aid can combine with other awards for near full funding.

The scholarship applies to all UCSB colleges, including Letters & Science, Engineering, and Creative Studies.

Key Benefits

• Partial tuition and fee coverage
• Open to all undergraduate majors
• Starts Fall 2027

Eligibility

• Strong academic record
• Open residency
• Apply with your UC application

3) National Merit Scholarship

The National Merit Scholarship recognizes top PSAT scorers. You qualify as a National Merit Finalist and enroll full-time at a U.S. college.

At UCSB, the National Merit Scholarship comes from outside sponsors. Award amounts vary and usually do not cover all costs.

4) UCSB Scholars Award

The UCSB Scholars Award helps high-achieving undergraduates with financial need. UCSB awards it through the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.

You receive funding with other aid to lower your total costs for the 2026–2027 year.

What the award covers

• Tuition
• Campus fees
• May combine with grants and federal aid

Eligibility

• Need-based
• Renewable with continued eligibility
• FAFSA or CADAA required every year
• Apply through the UCSB scholarship application

5) EOP Achievement Scholarship

The EOP Achievement Scholarship supports continuing undergraduates in the Educational Opportunity Program. You qualify with strong academics and campus or community service.

Maintain EOP status and satisfactory progress to keep the award. Grant amounts vary each year.

Key Facts

• Merit-based, need-aware
• For EOP juniors or seniors
• Grant support

6) Graduate Student Teaching Assistantship

Graduate teaching assistants at UCSB help with undergraduate courses while completing their degrees. You work about 20 hours per week under faculty guidance.

This assistantship offers a quarterly stipend, tuition and fee coverage, and health insurance. Departments select students based on academic standing and program needs.

You must stay enrolled full-time and meet Graduate Division requirements. Most positions renew yearly through 2027.

7) Graduate Student Researcher Position

A Graduate Student Researcher (GSR) role can fully fund your studies at UCSB. The university places GSRs in funded labs across STEM, social sciences, and humanities.

GSRs receive full tuition, a monthly stipend, and health insurance. Funding ties to active grants and often renews yearly.

GSR Funding Overview includes details on how the program provides research training opportunities.

• Full tuition coverage
• Monthly stipend
• Health insurance included

Eligibility

• Master’s or PhD students
• Start: Fall 2026–2027

8) Fulbright Program Scholars

The Fulbright Program funds UCSB students and scholars for graduate study, doctoral research, and academic exchange abroad. You can use it for master’s, PhD, postdoctoral, and faculty research.

The award covers full tuition, living stipend, housing, airfare, and health insurance. Apply through the national Fulbright competition.

Fulbright matches well with UCSB strengths in ocean science, climate research, engineering, public policy, and global studies. Awards usually last 9–12 months.

Key Fulbright Benefits

• Full tuition and fees
• Monthly living stipend
• Round-trip international airfare
• Health insurance

Eligibility

• U.S. citizenship
• Bachelor’s degree by start date
• All fields welcome
• Annual application cycle for 2026–2027

Application Tips

• Secure a UCSB faculty affiliation
• Prepare a research or study proposal
• Meet campus and national deadlines

Explore these fully funded opportunities at UCSB and take a confident step toward your academic dreams in 2027.

9) National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship

The National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) stands out as a top U.S. fellowship for STEM and social science graduate study.

You can use this award at UC Santa Barbara for research-based master’s or PhD programs.

GRFP gives early-career researchers flexible funding. You apply directly to NSF, not UCSB.

Awards move with you if you transfer to another eligible U.S. school.

Key Benefits

Eligibility Snapshot

10) Mellon Fellowship in the Humanities

The Mellon Fellowship in the Humanities funds advanced humanities research at UC Santa Barbara.

You receive full funding, plus time to publish and teach.

The fellowship supports PhD candidates and recent PhD graduates in humanities. Awards help with dissertation completion, postdoctoral research, and interdisciplinary work.

Key Funding Details

Eligibility and Timing

11) Hertz Foundation Fellowship

The Hertz Foundation Fellowship is a top U.S. PhD award for applied science, engineering, and math.

You can use it at UC Santa Barbara if you enroll full time in an approved program.

It funds up to five years and supports about 25 fellows each year.

You gain flexible research freedom and access to a lifelong professional network.

Key Facts

Funding Snapshot

12) Microsoft Research Graduate Fellowship

The Microsoft Research Graduate Fellowship supports top PhD students in computing and related fields.

You can use it at UC Santa Barbara with approved faculty supervision and aligned research.

It offers full funding, industry mentorship, and collaboration with Microsoft Research labs.

Key Benefits

Eligibility Snapshot

13) DOE Computational Science Graduate Fellowship

The DOE Computational Science Graduate Fellowship (CSGF) is a fully funded U.S. federal fellowship for PhD students who use advanced computing in science and engineering.

You can use it at UC Santa Barbara in STEM fields tied to high‑performance computing.

You receive $45,000 per year, full tuition and fees, and a paid research practicum at a U.S. Department of Energy national lab.

The award covers up to four years and renews annually based on progress.

Key Eligibility

• U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Full‑time PhD enrollment
• Computational science focus aligned with DOE priorities

Funding Snapshot

Timeline & Scope

14) Ford Foundation Fellowship

The Ford Foundation Fellowship is a fully funded, highly selective program for PhD students at UCSB who show a strong commitment to diversity in higher education.

You receive full tuition support, a living stipend, and health insurance.

The fellowship applies to predoctoral, dissertation, and postdoctoral stages.

15) Hispanic Scholarship Fund Awards

The Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF) supports students of Hispanic heritage enrolled full time at U.S. accredited universities, including UC Santa Barbara.

It serves undergraduate and graduate students across all majors.

Awards typically range from $500 to $5,000, based on financial need, academics, and enrollment status.

Some recipients qualify for larger, sponsored awards.

You must file the FAFSA and plan enrollment for the 2026–2027 academic year.

HSF also offers mentoring and career support alongside funding.

16) Gates Millennium Scholars Program

The Gates Millennium Scholars Program, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, supports high-achieving, low-income U.S. students at UC Santa Barbara.

You receive full cost of attendance after other aid.

The award covers undergraduate study in any major at accredited U.S. universities.

Some scholars can receive graduate funding in approved fields, which includes scholarships for students enrolled in research training programs.

Key Facts

Eligibility & Scope

17) Truman Scholarship

The Harry S. Truman Scholarship funds graduate study for public service careers.

It targets college juniors with strong leadership and service records.

The award supports students from UCSB and all UC campuses.

You gain funding, mentorship, and federal hiring benefits.

18) Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarship

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarship supports high-achieving U.S. students with strong financial need at top four-year universities, including UC Santa Barbara.

You can receive up to $55,000 per year for undergraduate study.

The award values academic excellence, persistence, and leadership.

Key Benefits

Eligibility Snapshot

19) Scholars Leadership Award

The Scholars Leadership Award at UC Santa Barbara recognizes high-achieving undergraduates who show strong leadership and service.

You compete based on academic merit, campus involvement, and community impact.

The award typically stacks with other aid and may renew annually, depending on your progress and funding availability.

20) UCSB Alumni Association Scholarship

The UCSB Alumni Association Scholarship supports current UC Santa Barbara students with strong academics and clear financial need.

Alumni donors fund this award to reduce tuition stress and help you stay focused on your degree.

Awards usually range around $2,000 and apply to undergraduates across majors.

You apply through the UCSB Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships using the annual campus scholarship application.

Key Facts

Application Snapshot

21) California State Grant (Cal Grant)

The California State Grant (Cal Grant) helps California residents attend UC Santa Barbara, a leading public research university. This need-based state grant can fully cover UC systemwide tuition and fees for eligible undergraduates.

You qualify by filing the FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application. You must also meet income, asset, GPA, and residency rules set by the California Student Aid Commission.

Key Cal Grant Details at UCSB

Eligibility and Application

22) Middle Class Scholarship

The Middle Class Scholarship (MCS) supports eligible UCSB undergraduates from California families with moderate income and assets. The state funds this award, and you qualify by filing the FAFSA or California Dream Act on time.

MCS can significantly reduce tuition and systemwide fees when combined with other financial aid.

Key Eligibility Snapshot

Award and Timing

23) Pell Grant

The Federal Pell Grant helps low-income undergraduates at UC Santa Barbara and never requires repayment. You qualify through the FAFSA, and UCSB applies the award directly to your cost of attendance.

The grant helps pay for tuition, housing, food, and books. You must reapply each year to remain eligible.

Award Snapshot

Eligibility Basics

24) UC Santa Barbara Dean’s Scholarship

The UC Santa Barbara Dean’s Scholarship rewards high-achieving undergraduate students across UCSB’s colleges. You receive merit-based aid based on academic strength and leadership.

The scholarship typically covers partial to near-full tuition. You can renew it each year if you meet academic standards.

You apply through the UCSB campus scholarship application.

Key Facts

Eligibility Snapshot

25) UCSB Honor Scholarship

The UCSB Honor Scholarship supports top students in the College of Letters and Science Honors Program. Donors fund these awards to recognize academic merit and continued enrollment.

Awards vary by fund and often combine with other grants to reach full funding.

Key Facts

Eligibility & Application

26) Nationally Competitive Scholarship Program

You can pursue national awards through UCSB’s Office of Nationally Competitive Scholarships. This office supports applicants for Fulbright, Beinecke, Goldwater, Truman, and Rhodes scholarships.

These awards often provide full tuition, living stipends, and research funding for the 2026–2027 academic year.

27) Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship

The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship helps U.S. citizen undergraduates with financial need—including UCSB students—study or intern abroad for credit. You must receive a Pell Grant to qualify.

Awards reach $5,000, with up to $3,000 extra for critical language study.

Key Facts

Eligibility & Use

28) Scholars From Abroad Program

The UCSB Scholars From Abroad Program welcomes international students for one to three quarters in Santa Barbara. You enroll as a non-degree student and earn transferable UC credits.

Funding depends on home-university agreements or external sponsors, not UCSB merit aid.

Program Facts

Funding & Access

29) University Fellowship for Graduate Students

UC Santa Barbara offers generous University Fellowships for master’s and PhD students in all fields. You receive full tuition, health insurance, and a living stipend.

Departments nominate outstanding applicants during admission. Funding supports full-time study and research, and awards often renew for several years if you make good progress.

Key Benefits

Eligibility Snapshot

30) Jacob K. Javits Fellowship

The Jacob K. Javits Fellowship was a U.S. Department of Education program for PhD and MFA students in arts, humanities, and social sciences. It covered full tuition and fees and provided a living stipend for up to four years.

The federal government ended new applications after 2012, so you cannot apply for this award for 2027 entry at UC Santa Barbara.

31) UC Santa Barbara Chancellor’s Graduate Fellowship

UC Santa Barbara offers the Chancellor’s Graduate Fellowship for outstanding PhD students. You receive multi-year support to focus on research, without early teaching duties.

The fellowship targets doctoral applicants with strong academic records and research promise. Departments nominate you during admission review.

Key Benefits

Eligibility Snapshot

You apply automatically through your PhD application. Departments set specific deadlines, so check your program’s requirements.

32) Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP)

The NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) stands as a top U.S. fellowship for early-stage master’s and PhD students in STEM and STEM education.

You can use this fellowship at UC Santa Barbara, a leading research university in Santa Barbara, California.

The GRFP supports you for three years.

You choose your advisor and research focus.

This fellowship is Only for U.S. citizens and permanent residents, this scholarship program provides funding for students enrolled in approved fields..

Key Benefits

Eligibility & Timing

What It Supports

• Independent research at UCSB labs and centers
• Conference travel and professional development
• Long-term academic and research careers

33) UCSB Diversity Fellowship

The UCSB Diversity Fellowship supports graduate students who enrich academic and social diversity at UC Santa Barbara.

UCSB ranks among top U.S. public research universities.

You receive full tuition and fees, possible non‑resident supplemental tuition, health insurance, and a living stipend.

Departments nominate you during admission, mainly for master’s and PhD programs.

The fellowship targets students from underrepresented backgrounds.

This includes first‑generation, low‑income, and historically excluded groups.

Funding usually applies to your first year.

Later support often comes through teaching or research appointments.

34) National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship

The National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate (NDSEG) Fellowship provides full funding for U.S. citizens pursuing PhDs in STEM fields tied to defense needs.

You can use this fellowship at UC Santa Barbara for eligible doctoral programs.

It offers three years of support with no service obligation.

Key Benefits

Core Facts

35) UCSB Minority Fellowship Program

The UCSB Minority Fellowship Program supports graduate students from underrepresented groups at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

You receive full tuition coverage, health insurance, and a living stipend.

Departments nominate eligible students during graduate admissions, mainly for master’s and PhD programs.

This fellowship covers multiple academic fields.

36) National Institutes of Health Predoctoral Fellowship

The NIH NRSA F31 Predoctoral Fellowship funds PhD students at UC Santa Barbara in biomedical and health-related fields.

You receive full tuition support, a living stipend, and Research training programs often provide scholarships for students pursuing advanced degrees. through mentored dissertation work.

37) Graduate Student Academic Employment

At UC Santa Barbara, graduate student academic employment serves as the largest funding source for many students.

You can work as a Teaching Assistant (TA) or Graduate Student Researcher (GSR) in your department.

These roles provide a monthly stipend, tuition and fee coverage, and health insurance.

Appointments connect directly to faculty-led teaching and research.

38) National Hispanic Recognition Program Scholarship

The National Hispanic Recognition Program (NHRP), run by the College Board, honors high‑achieving Hispanic students nationwide.

UC Santa Barbara accepts this recognition for merit-based awards for admitted students.

You qualify based on PSAT/NMSQT scores and academic rank.

UCSB may combine this recognition with campus grants and need-based aid, which can reach full funding.

Key Facts

UCSB Use

39) National Science Scholars Program

You can pursue advanced STEM research at UCSB with support from the National Science Foundation (NSF).

This external program targets high-achieving graduate and doctoral students in science and engineering fields.

The award emphasizes research training, teaching, and public service.

Funding follows NSF rules and applies to eligible UCSB programs.

Key Facts

40) American Indian Graduate Center Fellowships

The American Indian Graduate Center (AIGC), now Native Forward, offers fully funded fellowships for American Indian and Alaska Native students at accredited U.S. universities, including UC Santa Barbara.

You receive tuition support paid directly to the university.

Funding targets graduate and professional degrees.

AIGC bases awards on verified financial need and enrollment status.

41) American Association of University Women Fellowships

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) offers fully funded fellowships for women in graduate and doctoral study, including students at UC Santa Barbara.

You can apply for these fellowships if you pursue full-time study or research in the U.S.

AAUW strongly supports international scholars.

AAUW focuses on academic merit, leadership, and gender equity.

Awards support master’s, PhD, and postdoctoral research across all fields at accredited U.S. universities.

Key Funding Facts

Eligibility Snapshot

42) Society of Women Engineers Scholarships

The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) offers major scholarships for women in engineering, engineering technology, and computer science.

You can use these awards at UC Santa Barbara if you enroll full time in an ABET-accredited program.

SWE awards funds based on academic merit and financial need.

Awards can renew annually and often support undergraduate through PhD study for 2026–2027.

Key Scholarship Data

Eligibility Snapshot

Typical Benefits

• Tuition support
• Books and fees
• Renewable awards

You apply through SWE’s annual national cycle.

Section-based awards offer extra funding opportunities.

43) UCSB STEM Scholarship

You can access UCSB STEM scholarships to support undergraduate research and conference work in science and engineering at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

These scholarships focus on hands-on research with UCSB faculty mentors and help reduce financial barriers for STEM students.

Many awards, like the Edison STEM Research Scholarship, fund research costs instead of using GPA alone.

Apply through UCSB’s annual campus scholarship application to determine financial aid eligibility.

Key Focus Areas

• Engineering, computer science, chemistry, physics
• Environmental and earth sciences
• Mathematics and related STEM fields

Scholarship Snapshot

Funding Coverage Examples

44) UCSB Arts Scholarship

The UCSB Arts Scholarship supports students in art, music, theater, dance, and film at UC Santa Barbara.

Funding is based on artistic merit and financial need. Most funds are awarded after a portfolio review.

Key Facts

Eligibility & Timing

45) The Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara Award

You can use the need-based award if you are from Santa Barbara County and attend UC Santa Barbara.

The foundation supports undergraduate, graduate, and professional students across many fields.

Award amounts depend on financial need and available funds.

You must reapply each year, and funding covers only the fall–spring academic year.

Key Facts

Eligibility & Timing

Eligibility Criteria for UCSB Fully Funded Scholarships at the University of California

UCSB scholarships that cover full costs look for strong academics, clear residency, and proven financial need.

You must meet campus standards and submit all required aid forms on time.

Academic Requirements for UCSB Scholarships

Show strong academic performance to qualify.

UCSB reviews more than just GPA or test scores, but top awards value high grades.

Common standards:

• Competitive GPA (usually 3.5 or higher for merit awards like Regents)
• Academic rigor with honors, AP, IB, or advanced college work
• Major alignment for departmental awards (e.g., Engineering or Science)
• Ongoing good standing after enrollment

Some programs review only your UC application. Others require a campus scholarship application each year.

Departments may review research, projects, or leadership.

UCSB pays many awards through BARC, often in winter quarter.

Financial Need Assessment

Most fully funded packages require documented financial need.

You must submit the correct aid form by the deadline.

Key points:

• File the FAFSA (U.S. citizens/eligible noncitizens) or CADAA (eligible California students)
• UCSB uses federal and state formulas to calculate need
• Need-based grants can combine with merit awards for full coverage

Programs like Promise Scholars target students with high need and strong records.

State aid, such as Cal Grant, is for eligible California residents.

Some private and donor-funded awards have extra rules.

Citizenship and Residency Status

Your citizenship and residency affect which funds you can receive.

• California residents can get state aid and UCSB awards
• Nonresidents and international students may qualify for UCSB merit scholarships, including Regents
• Some private or departmental awards accept all nationalities

UC policy, not your high school, determines residency.

Check your status early, since it affects your aid.

Always read each scholarship’s terms before you apply.

Application Process and Timeline

You apply for fully funded scholarships at UC Santa Barbara by pairing your UC admission application with financial aid forms.

Some awards may also require a separate scholarship portal.

UCSB reviews your academic record, need-based eligibility, and enrollment status for the 2026–2027 academic year.

Required Documentation

Submit materials through the UC application and financial aid systems.

Prepare early to avoid delays.

• UC application with transcripts and test details (if required)
• FAFSA or California Dream Act Application for grants
• Proof of income for you and your parents (if needed)
• Residency and citizenship documents (if requested)
• Graduate applicants: statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and CV

Some scholarships ask for short essays or an extra form.

You do not need to file separate applications for Pell Grants, Cal Grants, Middle Class Scholarship, or UC need-based aid if you submit FAFSA or the Dream Act form.

Important Deadlines

Deadlines follow an annual cycle but vary by program.

For Fall 2027 entry, apply to UC in late 2026.

File financial aid forms during the 2026–2027 aid cycle.

Some scholarships open early or use rolling review.

Check department pages and UCSB Financial Aid for updates.

Selection Notification

UCSB sends admission decisions before most scholarship awards.

You receive financial aid offers in spring after you get your admission decision and complete aid forms.

Need-based grants and fully funded packages adjust based on enrollment status and income.

External scholarships notify you on their own timelines, often between March and June.

Accept your admission and submit missing documents quickly to keep your eligibility.

If your income changes, report it right away.

BFFS Scholar Quest Frequently Asked Questions: Best Fully Funded Scholarships at the University of California Santa Barbara UCSB

This section answers who can qualify, how to apply, what to submit, and when to apply for fully funded scholarships at the University of California, Santa Barbara for 2027.

It also covers options for international students and limits by field of study.

What are the eligibility criteria for fully funded scholarships at UCSB in 2027, including scholarships for international students?

You must earn admission to UCSB for Fall 2027 and meet academic standards for each award.

Most programs, like the Regents Scholarship and Chancellor’s Scholarship, expect strong grades and leadership.

Some awards consider financial need, California residency, or participation in access programs like EOP.

How can I apply for a fully funded scholarship to attend UCSB in 2027?

Apply through the UC undergraduate application and the financial aid application.

UCSB uses these materials to review you for campus-based scholarships.

You do not submit a separate application for most UCSB awards.

National programs, like the National Merit Scholarship, have their own steps.

What documents are required when applying for a fully funded scholarship at UCSB?

You need your UC application, transcripts, and test records (if required).

File a financial aid form, such as the FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application, which is used to determine financial aid.

Some scholarships may request essays or proof of honors status.

UCSB will notify you if extra documents are needed.

Are there any fully funded scholarships at UCSB for international students in 2027?

UCSB offers limited campus scholarships to international students, but most are not fully funded.

International students often combine UCSB awards with external funding.

Check international scholarships that allow study at U.S. public universities.

Each program sets its own eligibility rules.

What are the deadlines to apply for UCSB’s fully funded scholarships for the 2027 academic year?

The UC application deadline usually falls in late November 2026 for Fall 2027 entry.

Financial aid deadlines usually follow in March 2027.

Some honors-based awards use earlier or rolling reviews.

Confirm dates each year on official UC and UCSB sites.

Does UCSB offer fully funded scholarships in all fields of study for the 2027 enrollment?

UCSB awards most major scholarships across all undergraduate majors. You can apply for awards like the Regents and Chancellor’s Scholarships regardless of your field.

Some smaller awards focus on specific programs or student groups. Their availability may change based on funding for the 2027 cycle.

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