Eligibility

The program is open to UCLA graduate students who:

• Are enrolled in eligible programs — academic and state‑supported master’s and doctoral programs, including professional or terminal master’s programs. Students in self‑supported programs, the DDS program, MD program, or the JD program are not eligible.
• Demonstrate significant unmet financial need as indicated by the Student Aid Index (SAI) on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA). Students must have FAFSA or CADAA on file to help determine financial need.
• Have limited or no other funding sources. Students with some funding may apply, but award amounts may be adjusted based on unmet need and other available tuition, fee, fellowship, grant, departmental, or employment-based support.
• Hold a UCLA-confirmed AB 540 Nonresident Supplemental Tuition exemption. (See the Registrar’s website for details.)
• Maintain a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA at the time of each award disbursement and throughout the award period.
• Remain enrolled in at least 12 units for the duration of the award, unless an approved accommodation or enrollment exception applies.
• Incoming and continuing students are welcome to apply. Incoming students must complete all steps to qualify for the AB-540 Nonresident Supplemental Tuition exemption by the start of the fall quarter.

Award Amount

• • In-state mandatory tuition and fees
  • Financial support award of up to $10,000

Requirements

1. Fill out the application form.
2. Include the documents as PDF file uploads on the application form:
   1. A Personal Statement that illustrates how the applicant contributes to their communities through education, research, leadership, creative work, and public service. Students should also address their future goals and how this award would support their graduate education (two pages maximum, double spaced, an accessible font, such as Calibri, Arial or Aptos is required, no less than 11 pt. font and 1” margins). Applicants should not include immigration-status information or other sensitive personal information unless they choose to do so.
   2. An updated Resume or Curriculum Vitae.
   3. An unofficial copy of the UCLA Graduate Transcript. The transcript printed from MyUCLA is acceptable. If the student is new to UCLA, submit an unofficial transcript from the last college/university attended.
   4. Financial Documents:
      • A copy of the Bruin Financial Aid (BFA) letter from the BFA portal. Students can also submit a copy of their FAFSA or CADAA confirmation that includes the Student Aid Index, if available.
      • A copy of their Department Funding Offer Letter (if applicable) provided at admission.
3. ONE letter of recommendation from a faculty or staff mentor, signed and on department letterhead. The letter must be emailed by the recommender to askgrad@grad.ucla.edu. Include the student’s name and “CGSA” in the subject line to ensure proper routing. Mentors are strongly encouraged to address the student’s academic record and public service activities in the letter.

Deadline

Applications for 2026-2027 funding are due on Monday, August 10, 2026, 4pm PDT.

Letters of recommendation are also due by August 10, 2026, 4pm PDT.

Incomplete applications will not be forwarded for review.