The UC Berkeley Scholarships 2027 support international students pursuing undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programmes at the University of California, Berkeley in the United States. International undergraduate students are automatically considered for Berkeley’s prestigious Regents’ & Chancellor’s Scholarship and several dedicated international awards, with selected scholarships providing need-based support for up to four years and, in some cases, funding up to the full cost of attendance. African students applying for eligible master’s programmes can compete for the fully funded Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, which covers tuition, living expenses, housing, travel, visa costs, and other study expenses. At the doctoral level, Berkeley departments offer funding packages combining fellowships, research or teaching appointments, tuition and fee remission, and health benefits. In this article, we have explained everything you need to know about UC Berkeley Scholarships, including their benefits, eligibility criteria, required documents, and a step-by-step application process to help you apply successfully.
The three main funding routes covered in this guide are:
- UC Berkeley International Undergraduate Scholarships
- Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
- UC Berkeley PhD Funding Packages
International undergraduate students should understand that they are generally ineligible for federal, state, and Berkeley’s regular need-based university financial aid. However, Berkeley now offers specific institutional scholarship programmes for international undergraduates, including the Regents’ & Chancellor’s Scholarship, International Leaders Scholarship, Robinson International Scholars Program, and Swaniker Scholars Program.
UC Berkeley Scholarships Summary
- Level of Study: Undergraduate / Master’s / PhD
- Institution: University of California, Berkeley
- Study Destination: Berkeley, California, United States
UC Berkeley offers undergraduate and graduate study across engineering, computing, biological sciences, physical sciences, business, economics, social sciences, architecture, environmental studies, public health, public policy, journalism, law, education, and many other disciplines. Berkeley Graduate Division currently lists more than 200 graduate programmes.
Application Deadline
For students applying for undergraduate admission in Fall 2027, UC Berkeley follows this application schedule:
- UC Application available: August 1, 2026
- Application filing period: October 1 to November 30, 2026
- Application deadline: November 30, 2026
UC Berkeley does not offer Early Action or Early Decision. All undergraduate applicants use the regular University of California application process.
There is no separate application deadline for the Regents’ & Chancellor’s Scholarship or Berkeley’s main international undergraduate scholarships because eligible international applicants are considered automatically through their admission application.
For the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, eligible master’s applications generally run from September through early January, with most programme deadlines falling in December. Applicants to programmes with multiple admission rounds must normally apply in the first round to remain eligible for the scholarship.
For Fall 2027 graduate admission, Berkeley’s graduate application opens on September 24, 2026. Graduate deadlines are set separately by each programme and generally fall between September and early January, with many programmes closing in December.
UC Berkeley Scholarship Coverage
UC Berkeley International Undergraduate Scholarships
Berkeley now lists several institutional scholarships specifically available to international undergraduate students. No separate scholarship application is required; admitted international students are automatically considered for awards for which they qualify.
Regents’ & Chancellor’s Scholarship
The Regents’ & Chancellor’s Scholarship is Berkeley’s most prestigious undergraduate scholarship.
Its benefits include:
- Minimum scholarship of US$2,500 per year
- Need-based grant and scholarship support up to the recipient’s assessed financial need
- Renewable funding for up to eight semesters for students entering from high school
- Renewable funding for up to four semesters for transfer students
- Guaranteed on-campus housing during scholarship tenure
- Priority course enrolment
- Faculty mentorship
- Dedicated financial aid advising
- Access to the Regents’ & Chancellor’s Scholars network
- Up to US$1,000 for approved research or professional development activities
All applicants to Berkeley, including international first-year and transfer students, are automatically considered. The university selects candidates through holistic review based on qualities such as academic excellence, creativity, leadership, service, and commitment.
International recipients may also qualify for one of Berkeley’s dedicated international scholarship funds.
International Leaders Scholarship
The International Leaders Scholarship supports international students who demonstrate:
- Strong academic performance
- Leadership
- Potential to create meaningful impact
The scholarship provides need-based financial support for up to four years. Recipients also receive all benefits associated with the Regents’ & Chancellor’s Scholarship.
Berkeley gives priority consideration to students residing in Peru, although the scholarship is presented as an international student award rather than being restricted only to Peruvians.
Robinson International Scholars Program
The Robinson International Scholars Program supports high-achieving international students who are:
- Refugees or stateless individuals from Sub-Saharan African or developing countries; or
- Students who graduated from secondary school in a Sub-Saharan African or developing country.
Recipients should also demonstrate resilience and a commitment to serving their community, country, or continent.
The programme provides a need-based scholarship for up to four years, together with the full benefits of the Regents’ & Chancellor’s Scholarship.
There is no separate application. Candidates are selected from students eligible for the Regents’ & Chancellor’s Scholarship.
Swaniker Scholars Program
The Swaniker Scholars Program supports outstanding students from Africa who demonstrate:
- Academic excellence
- Leadership
- Strong character
- High potential
A limited number of participants from the ALX Pathway and graduates of the African Leadership Academy are nominated for consideration.
Selected Swaniker Scholars can receive:
- Need-based funding up to the full cost of attendance
- Funding for four years
- Full Regents’ & Chancellor’s Scholarship benefits
- Academic and professional support at Berkeley
This is one of Berkeley’s most comprehensive undergraduate scholarship opportunities for eligible African students.
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UC Berkeley is a fully funded scholarship for academically talented students from African countries who want to pursue an eligible master’s degree.
Berkeley and the Mastercard Foundation are working through a long-term partnership that will support more than 200 master’s students through 2030. Berkeley expects to recruit new Mastercard Foundation Scholars through Fall 2028, meaning the programme remains available for the 2027 intake.
The scholarship provides comprehensive financial support covering:
- Full tuition
- Berkeley student fees
- Housing
- Food
- Living expenses
- Travel to Berkeley
- Visa fees
- SEVIS fees
- Leadership and entrepreneurship programmes
- Academic and social support
- Career development support
Students enrolled in programmes longer than two semesters are also expected to undertake an approved internship in Africa. The programme pays the round-trip airfare for this internship and provides a stipend toward living expenses.
Eligible Master’s Programmes
The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship is available for selected master’s programmes lasting no more than two years.
Eligible areas currently include programmes in:
- Business Administration
- Education
- Engineering
- Development Engineering
- Design
- Architecture
- City and Regional Planning
- Information Management and Systems
- Journalism
- Law
- Global Studies
- Art
- Energy and Resources
- Climate Solutions
- Forestry
- Public Health
- Public Policy
- Development Practice
- Social Welfare
Berkeley publishes the complete eligible programme list on the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program website. Bachelor’s and PhD programmes are not eligible.
MBA candidates follow an additional funding process because they must secure supplementary scholarship support from Berkeley Haas.
UC Berkeley PhD Funding
UC Berkeley does not offer one identical university-wide “PhD Scholarship.” Instead, doctoral departments create financial support packages for admitted students using several funding sources.
These packages may include:
- Berkeley Fellowships
- Chancellor’s Fellowships
- Departmental fellowships
- Graduate Student Researcher appointments
- Graduate Student Instructor appointments
- Reader or tutor appointments
- Tuition and fee remission
- Health-care benefits
- Research funding
Applicants do not normally submit a separate central fellowship application. The academic department considers doctoral applicants for financial support as part of the admission process.
Most doctoral packages include some semesters of academic employment as a Graduate Student Instructor or Graduate Student Researcher. These appointments can include compensation as well as tuition and fee remission and health-care benefits.
For international PhD students, Berkeley states that Nonresident Supplemental Tuition is typically covered for additional years when required. The exact stipend, duration, fellowship components, and employment requirements depend on the department and are stated in the Financial Support and Employment Funding Letter sent after admission.
Because funding differs substantially between departments, applicants should not assume that a stipend amount published by one Berkeley PhD programme applies to every doctoral student.
Eligibility Criteria for UC Berkeley Scholarships
Undergraduate Scholarship Eligibility
International undergraduate students seeking Berkeley scholarships must first satisfy the university’s admission requirements.
International first-year applicants must:
- Complete secondary school
- Earn a qualification that allows university admission in their country
- Meet the University of California subject requirements
- Meet Berkeley’s academic requirements
- Demonstrate English proficiency where required
- Submit a complete UC application
- Demonstrate strong academic and personal achievement
The minimum UC GPA for non-resident first-year applicants is 3.4 in the required A–G subjects, although successful Berkeley applicants are normally considerably more competitive than the minimum requirement.
Regents’ & Chancellor’s Scholarship Eligibility
There is no separate GPA or scholarship form.
All Berkeley applicants, including:
- International students
- US students
- First-year students
- Transfer students
are automatically considered.
Selection focuses on applicants who stand out for:
- Academic excellence
- Creativity
- Leadership
- Service
- Strong convictions
- Potential to contribute to Berkeley and their communities
Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be citizens of an African country
- Apply to an eligible Berkeley master’s programme
- Demonstrate strong academic ability
- Demonstrate leadership potential
- Have faced significant barriers to accessing higher education
- Show commitment to giving back to their community, country, or Africa
- Intend to return to Africa after completing their education and permitted post-study training
Applicants with dual citizenship, asylum, refugee, or permanent-resident status in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, or European Union are not eligible under the current rules.
Berkeley gives additional priority, where candidates are otherwise similarly qualified, to students who:
- Completed their undergraduate degree at an African university
- Do not already hold a postgraduate degree
- Have not previously received a Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program award
Students must first gain admission to an eligible Berkeley master’s programme before they can ultimately receive the scholarship.
Graduate Admission Requirements
Applicants to Berkeley graduate programmes generally need:
- A bachelor’s degree or recognised international equivalent
- A satisfactory academic record
- Normally a minimum GPA equivalent to 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- Sufficient academic or professional preparation for the selected programme
- Required English-language proficiency
- Programme-specific supporting documents
Some departments impose more demanding academic requirements, prerequisite courses, portfolios, professional experience, or standardised tests.
English-Language Requirements
Undergraduate Applicants
International undergraduate students can satisfy Berkeley’s English requirement through several methods.
Current minimum examination scores include:
- IELTS: 6.5
- Duolingo English Test: 115
- TOEFL: 90 under the previous scale or 4.5 under the revised scale
Eligible AP, IB, SAT or ACT English results can also satisfy the university’s English requirement in certain cases.
UC Berkeley is test-free for SAT and ACT admission purposes. SAT and ACT scores are not used in admission selection or scholarship review, although some scores may still be used for placement or subject credit after admission.
You can review our guide to scholarships without IELTS, but Berkeley makes the final decision on whether an applicant meets its English proficiency requirement.
Graduate Applicants
For Fall 2027 graduate admission, Berkeley’s minimum English requirements include:
- TOEFL: 90 for qualifying tests taken under the previous scoring system
- Revised TOEFL: 5 overall, with at least 4.5 in Speaking and Writing
- IELTS: 7.0 overall, with at least 6.5 in Speaking and Writing for tests under the current requirements
Departments may set higher minimum scores.
Graduate applicants may qualify for a TOEFL or IELTS exemption through certain previous education completed in an eligible English-speaking academic environment.
How to Apply for UC Berkeley Scholarships?
How to Apply for Undergraduate Scholarships?
(1) Review the UC Berkeley international student requirements and confirm that your secondary-school qualification meets Berkeley’s admission requirements.
Do not convert your international grades into US grades yourself. Berkeley instructs international applicants to report their academic records using the original grading system shown by their school.
(2) Complete the University of California application.
The international application fee is currently US$95 per UC campus. International and non-immigrant applicants are generally not eligible for the standard UC application fee waiver available to qualifying US citizens, permanent residents, and AB540 students.
(3) Complete the Personal Insight Questions carefully.
Berkeley uses holistic review, considering academic and non-academic achievements in the context of the opportunities and challenges available to the applicant.
Your responses should provide specific evidence of:
- Intellectual curiosity
- Leadership
- Initiative
- Community involvement
- Creativity
- Challenges overcome
- Academic interests
- Personal contribution
Avoid repeating information already obvious from your academic record.
(4) Submit the UC application with all required academic information.
Applicants normally self-report their academic results rather than sending transcripts with the initial application. Berkeley requests official documents later from students who are admitted.
(5) No separate application is required for Berkeley’s main international undergraduate scholarships.
All admitted international undergraduate applicants are automatically considered for scholarships for which they qualify, including the Regents’ & Chancellor’s Scholarship and relevant international scholarship programmes.
Applicants selected for the Regents’ & Chancellor’s Scholarship may be invited to a faculty interview.
How to Apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program?
(1) Review the eligible Berkeley master’s programmes and choose a degree that matches your education, professional goals, and intended contribution to Africa.
Only eligible master’s programmes of two years or less can receive Mastercard Foundation funding.
(2) Apply for the selected master’s programme through the UC Berkeley Graduate Application.
The Mastercard Foundation does not replace Berkeley’s normal admission process. Applicants must first submit a competitive graduate application and be considered academically admissible by the relevant department.
(3) Prepare a strong graduate application.
Berkeley generally requires:
- Academic transcripts
- Statement of Purpose
- Personal History Statement
- Recommendation letters
- English-language evidence where required
- Additional programme-specific materials
Use our guides to prepare your academic CV, statement of purpose, and scholarship recommendation letters.
(4) Clearly demonstrate your connection to the objectives of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
Your application should provide evidence of:
- Academic excellence
- Leadership
- Barriers you have overcome
- Community engagement
- Commitment to Africa
- How your Berkeley degree will help you create positive change after graduation
These criteria are central to scholarship selection.
(5) Wait for nomination by your Berkeley graduate programme.
There is no direct initial Mastercard Foundation scholarship application before the Berkeley degree application. Eligible applicants are reviewed by their graduate programmes, and selected candidates are nominated to the Scholars Program.
(6) Complete the supplementary scholarship application if invited.
Nominated candidates receive instructions from the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and may subsequently be invited to an online interview.
The final scholarship decision is separate from the underlying Berkeley admission decision.
How to Apply for UC Berkeley PhD Funding?
(1) Search the UC Berkeley graduate programme directory and select a PhD programme closely aligned with your academic and research background.
Review:
- Faculty research areas
- Laboratories and research groups
- Programme requirements
- Funding information
- English requirements
- GRE or other test requirements
Berkeley allows applicants to apply to only one graduate or concurrent degree programme in a single admission cycle.
(2) Identify potential supervisors where appropriate.
Read recent publications from relevant Berkeley faculty and determine whether their research aligns with your proposed work.
When appropriate for your department, send a concise email explaining:
- Your academic background
- Previous thesis or research
- Proposed research area
- Relevant publications or technical experience
- Why the faculty member’s work matches your interests
Attach a focused academic CV.
(3) Prepare your graduate application.
The standard Graduate Division application includes:
- Academic records
- Statement of Purpose
- Personal History Statement
- Recommendation letters
- English-language results where required
- Programme-specific documents
The current application fee for applicants who are not US citizens or permanent residents is US$155. Standard Berkeley graduate fee waivers based on financial need are primarily available to eligible US citizens and permanent residents, although some programmes may offer their own assistance.
(4) Submit the application to your selected PhD programme.
A separate central funding application is normally unnecessary. The departmental admissions committee considers incoming doctoral applicants for fellowships and financial support.
(5) Review the funding offer carefully if admitted.
Berkeley sends a Financial Support and Employment Funding Letter explaining:
- Fellowship funding
- Teaching appointments
- Research appointments
- Tuition and fee coverage
- Nonresident tuition support
- Funding duration
- Academic progress requirements
Funding arrangements differ between programmes, so this letter is the authoritative source for your individual PhD package.
Documents Required for UC Berkeley Scholarships
Undergraduate Documents
International undergraduate applicants should prepare:
- UC Application
- Complete secondary-school academic history
- Secondary-school completion qualification
- Personal Insight Question responses
- English-language evidence where required
- Passport and citizenship information
- National or international examination results
- Additional forms requested through the Berkeley applicant portal
- Official academic records if requested after admission
Applicants should not initially mail transcripts, certificates, recommendation letters, photographs, awards, or other unsolicited materials unless Berkeley specifically requests them.
Selected first-year applicants may later be invited to submit two recommendation letters. Berkeley does not accept unsolicited recommendations from applicants who have not received an invitation.
Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Documents
Applicants should prepare:
- UC Berkeley graduate application
- Bachelor’s degree certificate
- Complete academic transcripts
- Statement of Purpose
- Personal History Statement
- Academic CV
- Recommendation letters
- TOEFL or IELTS result where required
- Programme-specific documents
- Additional Mastercard Foundation application responses if nominated
- Evidence relevant to leadership and community contribution
- Additional documentation requested by the Scholars Program
The graduate department first determines whether the applicant is competitive for admission before nomination to the Mastercard Foundation selection process.
PhD Application Documents
International PhD applicants generally need:
- Graduate online application
- Bachelor’s degree certificate
- Master’s degree certificate where applicable
- Academic transcripts
- Certified translations where required
- Statement of Purpose
- Personal History Statement
- Academic CV
- Recommendation letters
- TOEFL or IELTS result where required
- GRE, GMAT, MCAT or other test where required by the department
- Research proposal or writing sample where required
- Publications or other research evidence where relevant
- Additional programme-specific materials
Applicants with academic records issued in a language other than English or Spanish must provide acceptable translations according to Berkeley Graduate Division requirements.
Applicants can use the following ScholarshipRoar guides:
Website
For more information about UC Berkeley Scholarships, visit:
- Scholarships for International Undergraduate Students
- Regents’ & Chancellor’s Scholarship
- Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
- UC Berkeley Doctoral Funding Packages
Frequently Asked Questions
Are UC Berkeley Scholarships fully funded?
Some are.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is fully funded and covers tuition, Berkeley fees, housing, food, living expenses, travel, visa and SEVIS costs, and additional programme support.
The Swaniker Scholars Program can provide undergraduate funding up to the full cost of attendance for selected eligible African students. Other international undergraduate awards vary according to financial need.
PhD packages can provide comprehensive funding through fellowships and academic employment, but the exact amount and duration depend on the department.
Can international students receive the Regents’ & Chancellor’s Scholarship?
Yes. International first-year and transfer applicants are automatically considered for the Regents’ & Chancellor’s Scholarship.
No separate scholarship application is required.
How much is the Regents’ & Chancellor’s Scholarship?
The minimum monetary award is US$2,500 per year.
Scholars with assessed financial need can receive additional grant and scholarship support up to their full need. International recipients may also receive funding through Berkeley’s dedicated international scholarship programmes.
Does UC Berkeley provide need-based financial aid to all international students?
No.
International students are generally ineligible for Berkeley’s ordinary federal, state, and institutional need-based financial aid. Instead, Berkeley provides specific institutional scholarship opportunities for selected international students.
Is the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship fully funded?
Yes.
It provides comprehensive support for tuition, fees, housing, food, living costs, travel, visa and SEVIS expenses, as well as leadership and professional development activities.
Is the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship available for every international student?
No.
Applicants must be citizens of African countries and meet the programme’s academic, leadership, financial-access, community contribution, and return-to-Africa criteria.
Can I apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship for a bachelor’s degree?
No.
Berkeley’s current Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program supports eligible master’s programmes only. Undergraduate and PhD programmes are not eligible.
Are UC Berkeley PhD programmes fully funded?
Berkeley departments provide doctoral funding packages that can combine fellowships, teaching or research employment, tuition and fee remission, and benefits.
The precise funding package differs by programme and student, so applicants should rely on the Financial Support and Employment Funding Letter provided with their admission offer rather than assuming one university-wide stipend.
Do I need a separate application for PhD funding?
Normally no.
The departmental admissions committee considers doctoral applicants for funding when reviewing their graduate application.
Is SAT or ACT required at UC Berkeley?
No.
UC Berkeley is test-free and does not use SAT or ACT scores in admission or scholarship selection. Scores submitted voluntarily may only be used for purposes such as placement or subject credit after admission.
Is IELTS compulsory for UC Berkeley?
Not always.
Undergraduate students can satisfy English proficiency through several accepted tests or academic qualifications. Graduate applicants may qualify for an exemption through certain previous education completed in an eligible English-language academic environment.
What is the UC Berkeley application fee for international students?
The current undergraduate application fee is US$95 per UC campus, while the graduate application fee for applicants who are not US citizens or permanent residents is US$155.
