Student working on a bike in the bike barn

Important Updates

On behalf of the UC Davis community, we hope this message finds you and your loved ones safe amid the ongoing Los Angeles wildfires. Emotional support or resource assistance is available at UC Davis Mental Health, and for short-term financial hardships, reach out to the Financial Crisis Response Team. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time, and UC Davis remains committed to supporting you in every way possible.

  • OFFICE CLOSURE: Financial Aid and Scholarships will be closed for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on Monday, January 20, 2025

Work-Study

What is Work-Study?

Work-Study was created to stimulate and promote part-time employment for students who have financial need. Work-Study allows a student to earn financial aid through employment. Instead of a financial aid payment, the student's Work-Study funds are paid in the form of a payroll check for time/hours worked. Work-Study contributes more than just financial assistance to your college education. It offers you a double bonus—education plus job experience. In increasingly competitive job markets, employers seek applicants who have academic as well as job experience. Work-Study may also provide:

  • Practical training and experience in your chosen field
  • Positive job experience to help you identify career objectives
  • An impressive resume and recommendations from former employers

UC Davis offers two types of Work-Study: Federal Work-Study and Institutional Work-Study. Undergraduate and graduate students may be eligible. Because funding is limited, not all students with need are offered Work-Study. Funds are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Which program is right for me?

ProgramUndergraduateAB540 UndergraduateGraduate StudentOn-Campus EmployerOff-Campus Employer*
Federal Work-Studyyesnoyesyesyes
Institutional Work-Studynoyesnoyesyes
Graduate Student Researchernonoyesyesno

*undergraduate students only