Financial Aid for Domestic Prospective Students

To find out more detailed information regarding fellowships and financial aid at UC Berkeley, we suggest looking on the Graduate Division website: http://grad.berkeley.edu/financial/index.shtml



The following list of fellowship opportunities is specifically for prospective students, with or without previous graduate work. Many of our prospective students have applied to and been awarded the following major fellowships:



National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships

Last year, NSF has paid $34,000 plus fees per year for up to 3 years. Many of our students have been awarded NSFs, and we strongly encourage students to apply. The deadline varies slightly from year to year, but the anticipated deadline is usually early November. Please check the website for the exact date.



Our incoming and current students have been remarkably successful in winning the NSF in previous years.  Typically, two to four of our students win the NSF fellowship each year. Current college seniors may apply.

Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellowship (FLAS)

Incoming students apply for FLAS fellowships by completing the required field in the online Graduate Application for Admission and Fellowships for UC Berkeley. You need to provide a short description of the relevance of your language study to your chosen research and career.



Here are potential funding sources depending on your background and interests:

Ford Foundation Pre-Doctoral Fellowships for Minorities

Although the award amount varies from year to year, last year Ford Foundation have paid $24,000  for 3 years plus an award to UCB in lieu of tuition and fees. The application deadline is December 13th, 2018 and supplementary materials deadline is January 8th, 2019. Current college seniors may apply. Please check their website for more details. 

ASA Minority Fellowship Program

Through its Minority Fellowship Program (MFP), the American Sociological Association (ASA) supports the development and training of sociologists of color in any sub-area or specialty in the discipline.

Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) Scholarship

CHCI's scholarship opportunities are afforded to Latino students in the United States who have a history of performing public service-oriented activities in their communities and who demonstrate a desire to continue their civic engagement in the future. $5000 is awarded.

American Indian Graduate Center

Fellowships for American Indian and Alaskan Native students from federally recognized tribes (http://www.aigc.com). Amount of award is need-based.

Japanese American Citizens League

Awards up to $5,000. Check their website for deadlines.

American Association of University Women (AAUW) Career Development Grants

Approximately 60 awards for women who are preparing to reenter the work force, change careers, or advance their current careers. Funds are provided for tuition, fees, books, transportation, and dependent care.

Boren Fellowships

Provides U.S. citizen graduate students up to $30,000 over the course of up to 2 years. Funding is provided to study particular languages and area studies deemed in the national security interest. Be aware that 1 year of government service is required of those who are awarded this fellowship.