More than $7 million in scholarships is available to benefit students from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. The scholarships can range from $100 to $15,000 per academic year. Scholarships are offered based on merit, although some scholarships also have a financial need component. Scholarship criteria may also include participation in extracurricular activities; specific college or major; career interests; geographic origin; high school or community college attended; parentage; perseverance; and many other personal characteristics. 

Incoming Freshmen and transfer students are automatically considered for university scholarships with their UC application. Continuing students apply for scholarships in the fall for the next academic year. The majority of UC Davis scholarships are limited to one academic year; therefore, students must reapply each year to be considered for scholarships on an annual basis. Take advantage of an opportunity to be rewarded for your hard work!

Since merit is our primary basis for awarding scholarships, students do not have to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) to be considered. However, a small number of merit scholarships have a financial need for consideration. Financial need is only determined through the FAFSA or CADAA. As a result, we recommend that students apply for financial aid to maximize educational funding options. For more information visit the Apply for Financial Aid section.

Application and Awarding Timeline

Continuing students apply for scholarships in the fall of the academic year prior to awarding. For example, 2025-26 scholarship recipients would need to have applied in the fall of 2024 to be considered. Applications would be reviewed and scored in the winter of 2025 and notices would be sent out in the spring and throughout the summer of 2025. The application process differs for prospective/entering students and continuing undergraduates.

Awarding Procedures

All UC Davis and outside agency/private scholarships are posted to the recipient’s UC Davis student account. When credited, the scholarship will first cover any unmet need; then, it will replace a student’s Self-Help expectation, followed by loans and Work-Study. Grants and other gift aid will be reduced last, if necessary. Scholarships will be divided and disbursed evenly over fall, winter, and spring quarters unless otherwise specified by the scholarship terms.