Federal and Institutional Work-Study
Work-Study is awarded to undergraduates based on need. Federal Work-Study is available for students eligible to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid at Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Institutional Work-Study is awarded based on need to international and AB540 students who are eligible to work. For AB540 students who are also undocumented, need is determined by the California Dream Act Application (CADAA). CADAA applicants must also hold a valid work authorization status in the United States to be eligible (e.g., certain individuals with pending asylum cases, Temporary Protected Status recipients, U Visa recipients, etc.). International students must complete a separate application to be considered for Institutional Work-Study. Please email our office for details.
Because funding is limited, not all students with need receive a Work-Study award. Work-Study allows a student to earn financial aid through employment. Instead of a financial aid payment, the student's Work-Study award is paid in the form of a payroll check for time/hours worked. All job listings are available online at Handshake.
Students with Expected Family Contributions (EFC) of less than or equal to $20,000 and eligibility greater than or equal to $1,000 will be identified on their award notices as Work-Study eligible. Work-Study funds will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Eligible students can obtain a Work-Study Eligibility Certificate (with a 30-day expiration date) through MyAwards. Work-Study Eligibility Certificates will become available in mid-June.
Your Work-Study award 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 employment as well as academic experience. Your award 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
Community Service Work-Study
Students employed through the Work-Study Program have the opportunity to work in positions that are designated by UC Davis as community service positions. Community service employers provide services designed to improve the quality of life for community residents, particularly low-income individuals. Most of these positions will be for employers who are located off-campus. UC Davis encourages its students to seek employment with organizations that provide community services. Students employed in community service may have their employer petition for an increase in their Work-Study award.
Work-Study community service includes work in:
- health care, child care, literacy training, education, mentoring, welfare, social services, transportation, housing and neighborhood improvement, public safety, recreation, and community improvement
- support services for students with disabilities
Eligibility
In addition to financial need, a student must:
- be a U.S. citizen, a national, permanent resident of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands or the Northern Mariana Islands; or living in the U.S. with the intention of becoming a citizen or permanent resident
- be enrolled, or accepted for enrollment at UC Davis, and be in regular attendance in an undergraduate program
- maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) in coursework while under the program
- not owe a refund on a federal or state educational grant
- not be in default on a state or federal educational loan
- have an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of $20,000 or less
Work-Study is a financial aid award. To see if you are eligible, review your personalized financial aid notice at MyAwards.