Financial Aid

Image credit:
Elena Zhukova

There’s financial aid available to help you attend UC, and we want to make sure you take advantage of it. Whether you’re applying to UC or already a student, it’s important to know all your options.

What's Available for You

Undocumented students with AB540 and SB 68 status qualify for many forms of financial aid, including exemption from nonresident tuition (which means you’ll be eligible for in-state tuition and fees) along with Cal Grants, UC grants and scholarships, and private scholarships.

Where to Start

The first thing you should do is follow these steps to make sure you’re considered for Financial Aid. You’ll find everything you need to know about:

  • Eligibility for financial aid under the California DREAM Act

  • How to automatically apply for certain UC scholarships

  • When and how to apply for state and UC financial aid

Learn More About Applying for Financial Aid

You’ll need to submit the California Dream Act Application every year you’re enrolled in school to continue receiving aid.

Many UC students have part-time jobs to help cover a portion of their expenses. If you qualify for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status, you should apply for it. Obtaining work authorization and a Social Security Number under DACA will make it much easier for you to find a job. Learn more about DACA.

Resources for Current UCB Students

We encourage current UC Berkeley students to utilize the following resources for support with any financial aid-related questions they may have.

Financial Aid Advising with Catherine Custodio

In light of the shifting political climate and its potential impact on financial resources for undocumented students, we are excited to announce that FASO(link is external) Counselor, Catherine Custodio, will be available to support you throughout this Spring 2025 semester with your financial aid questions!

To book an appointment with Catherine, please visit:
https://faso-usp-catherine.youcanbook.me/(link is external)

Note: Appointment availability is subject to change.

If you have any immediate financial aid questions or are unavailable during Catherine’s appointment times, please feel free to contact Catherine directly at ccustodio@berkeley.edu. Make sure to include your Student ID Number in any email communications. 

FASO & USP Financial Aid Workshops

FASO & USP will host several financial aid workshops throughout each semester to provide information on completing the CA Dream Act Application, submitting Cost of Attendance Adjustment Requests (COAARs), and other financial aid topics!

Visit our events calendar & subscribe to our newsletter for updates on our workshop offerings.

Visit Cal Student Central

Cal Student Central (CSC) is a service-oriented department dedicated to assisting UC Berkeley students and the community successfully navigate several key departments that affect a student’s career at UC Berkeley. CSC is a cross-trained, professional staff who serve as representatives of the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office, the Office of the Registrar, Accounts Payable, and Billing and Payment Services. We offer services online, over the phone, and in person.