University of California, Berkeley, is a public research university in the United States. As per the QS World University Rankings 2023, the University of California, Berkeley ranks among the top 3 institutions in the world. It is also the first land-grant university in California.
Its fourteen colleges and schools provide over 350-degree programmes in various subjects.UC Berkeley recognizes the value and diversity that international students bring to campus, and they are committed to fostering an inclusive environment by providing resources to help make your education more accessible. UC Berkeley Scholarships for international students empower you with the knowledge and tools to make your dreams of studying at one of the world’s premier educational institutions a reality.
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The university offers a range of scholarships and financial aid options specifically tailored to support international students in their academic journeys.
In this blog, we will delve into the various scholarship opportunities available at UC Berkeley, shedding light on all the grants offered by the Berkeley International Office.
Fact: You need a high school or graduate cumulative GPA between 3.00 and 3.49 to be eligible for UC Berkeley scholarships
UC Berkeley Scholarships For International Students
The public policy for financial support at UC Berkeley includes need and merit-based scholarships (full funding or partial funding), grants, loans, awards, and work-study options for international undergraduate and graduate students for higher education. To be considered, they must have great academic qualifications and disclose their financial needs.
Scholarship availability, requirements, and application processes may vary from year to year. It’s always best to visit the official UC Berkeley website or contact the university’s Financial Aid and Scholarships Office for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
Here are a few scholarship opportunities that have been available to international students at UC Berkeley:
1. NAE Grand Challenges Scholars Program
This scholarship is offered to undergraduate engineering students at UC Berkeley. The scholarship is applicable to both US residents and international students. It’s a research-based scholarship that students can access throughout their undergraduate years.
Scholars can participate in research and extracurricular activities, internships, and study abroad opportunities. The Grand Challenges Scholars Program’s financial package varies and depends on the student’s financial needs.
By participating in the Grand Challenges Scholars Program, students have the opportunity to develop a broad skill set and contribute to finding innovative solutions to complex problems. Scholars will leave the programme with portfolios to aid them academically and professionally.
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2. Regents’ and Chancellor’s Scholarship
This is one of the most prestigious scholarships awarded to entering undergraduates at UC Berkeley. International students are eligible to apply.
The Regents’ and Chancellor’s Scholarship provides the complete package of financial support. It covers full tuition and fees for four years of undergraduate study at UC Berkeley.
Additionally, recipients also receive a living stipend, access to priority registration, and academic and personal support through various enrichment programs.
Regents’ and Chancellor’s Scholarship is awarded to a select group of entering undergraduates based on their exceptional academic achievements, leadership potential, and contributions to their communities.
3. Berkeley International Office Scholarships
The Berkeley International Office (BIO) offers UC Berkeley Scholarships for International Students and grants to support international students.
These scholarships include Berkeley International Achievement Awards and the BIO Scholarship for Continuing Students. Eligibility and application processes may vary so you can visit the BIO website for detailed information.
These scholarships aim to provide financial assistance and recognize international students’ academic achievements, leadership qualities, and contributions to the UC Berkeley community.
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3. Graduate Fellowships
As part of their professional growth, UC Berkeley Scholarships For International Students provides fellowships to graduate students from all departments and programmes.
Fellowships allow students to collaborate with other graduate students and professionals in their field, allowing them to form lifelong friendships. Financial aid is provided through tuition reimbursement, travel expenses, conference attendance, and stipends.
4. Research & Teaching Assistantship
Graduate students at UC Berkeley can apply for research and teaching assistantships. Students are expected to assist faculty members with administrative and research-related chores or activities as RAs and TAs.
All departments provide teaching and research assistantships; the financial aid package varies. For the students’ dedication, most financial aid packages include a stipend, health insurance coverage, tuition costs, and other student expenses coverage.
Students are expected to complete their academic training while working as assistants. They will be able to grow both intellectually and professionally.
Teaching assistants are known as Graduate Student Instructors, and research assistants are known as Graduate Student Researchers at UC Berkeley.
Both are compensated with fee waivers and stipends. Students can grow and enhance their performance by accessing these opportunities. Graduate Student Instructors serve as teaching assistants to faculty members. Teaching undergraduate courses, mentoring, grading papers, and other duties will be assigned to them.
Tips & Tricks to Get UC Berkeley Scholarships For International Students
To increase your chance of getting selected for the UC Berkeley Scholarships For International Students, follow these tips:
1. Start Preparing in Advance
UC Berkeley Scholarships for International Students require essays or letters of reference to be submitted before being considered, so getting started early assures you can submit your finest work.
Securing letters and polishing essays can take longer than you imagine, so aspirants must get an early start.
Starting as early as 3-4 months before the submission date is recommended, especially for prestigious scholarships where every applicant is exceptionally qualified
2. Research the Best Opportunities
Start your search early and explore the various scholarships available at UC Berkeley.
You can visit the official UC Berkeley website, the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office, and the Berkeley International Office (BIO) website for information on UC Berkeley Scholarships for International Students.
3. Wisely Select your LORs
Request letters of recommendation from professors, mentors, or individuals who can speak to your academic abilities, character, and potential. Choose recommenders who know you well and can provide specific examples of your accomplishments.
A negative LOR will harm your application; therefore, make sure you include good and impactful LORs. Applying for the scholarship shortly after finishing a semester or internship is a great way to acquire a solid letter of recommendation
4. Keep Revising your Application as Needed
UC Berkeley Scholarships for International Students evaluates applications in different ways. If you will reuse essays (which is fine), make sure to modify them to the scholarship and not just change the names.
Ensure your personal statement addresses all the criteria they seek and demonstrates why you are the best candidate for that particular award.
5. Craft a Compelling Personal Statement
Personal statements or essays are a crucial part of scholarship applications. Take the time to write a compelling and authentic statement highlighting your achievements and aspirations and how receiving the scholarship would contribute to your academic and personal growth.
6. Maintain Strong Academics
Scholarship committees often consider academic performance, so strive for excellence in your coursework. Maintain a high GPA and take challenging courses that align with your interest.
7. Seek for Guidance & Support
Contact the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office or the Berkeley International Office for guidance and assistance throughout the scholarship application process. They can provide personalized advice, answer your questions, and help you navigate challenges.
If you want to know about other UC Berkeley Scholarships for International Students. Don’t let financial barriers hold you back!
Discover the numerous scholarships available to help you turn your dreams into reality. Talk to our counsellors at LeapScholar they will provide you with all the assistance required to secure a seat in your dream university with the best scholarship.
Eligibility & Admission Requirements for UC Berkeley
International students interested in pursuing a bachelor’s degree at UC Berkeley must submit the following documents:
- Certificate of graduation from high school
- Proof of English proficiency (preference for TOEFL 100 and IELTS 6.5) — AP English Exam (score 3, 4, or 5), IB Standard Level exam (score 6 or 7), or IB Higher Level exam are all options (scores 5, 6, or 7)
- Additional forms (for applicants of the Management, Entrepreneurship & Management, and Global Management programs)
- Financial information
Graduate students, on the other hand, must meet the following criteria:
- A Bachelor’s Degree
- A GPA of at least 3.0 out of 4.0 is required (To be eligible for the UC Berkeley Scholarships, For International Students must maintain a GPA of a minimum of 3.7 during the full course)
- English proficiency proof (TOEFL iBT of 90, TOEFL PBT of 570, or IELTS band 7)
- Three letters of recommendation
- GRE or GMAT results
Fact: The Regents Scholarship is the most prestigious scholarship awarded to undergraduate students at the University of California.
Final Thoughts
The UC Berkeley Scholarships For International Students is a useful programme that provides financial aid to eligible persons to help them achieve their goals.
The scholarship enables Indian students to study and pursue their goals in other countries. The award encourages brilliant and ambitious Indian students to pursue their aspirations by providing financial assistance.
If you didn’t get any of the best scholarships. Don’t get disheartened, as there are several other options. Leap Finance provides collateral-free loans for US education at interest rates as low as 8.5%. Get funding for your tuition fees, transportation, and personal expenditures up to 100% within 10 minutes. Click here to begin the loan application process now.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What are the main criteria for receiving scholarships at UC Berkeley?
The main criteria for UC Berkeley scholarship for international students may include academic merit, leadership potential and extracurricular involvement.
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Do I need to submit a separate application for scholarships at UC Berkeley?
Some scholarships at UC Berkeley require a separate application, while others may consider you automatically based on your admission application.
It’s essential to carefully review the scholarship requirements and instructions for each scholarship you’re interested in. -
Can I apply for multiple scholarships at UC Berkeley?
Yes, you can apply for multiple scholarships at UC Berkeley. But you need to make sure that you carefully review each scholarship’s requirements and ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria before applying.
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What is the difference between a grant, scholarship, and fellowship?
Actually, there is not much difference, and the terms are often used interchangeably. These types of aid are generally merit-based but can also consider needs. In addition, because the terms are fluid, you should not assume you do not qualify without reading the description.
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What is the BIO Financial Aid Program by UC Berkeley?
Berkeley International Office sponsors short-term need-based programs twice per year. The program sponsors tuition & fee awards for graduate students.
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How competitive are scholarships at UC Berkeley for Indian students?
UC Berkeley Scholarships for international students can be highly competitive due to the university’s reputation and the limited number of scholarships available. You need to present a strong application that highlights your achievements, leadership qualities, and commitment to your field of study.
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What are the other sources of financial aid for international students at UC Berkeley?
UC Berkeley also offers other financial aid forms for international students, such as grants, work-study programs, and loans. It’s best advisable to explore all available options and consult the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office for a comprehensive understanding of the financial aid opportunities.
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What is the minimum GPA for the need-based undergraduate scholarship at UC Berkeley?
Every year, the applicants become more and more competitive. In general, a 3.5 GPA or above is necessary to qualify. However, only the top percentage of applicants will be awarded the scholarship.
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What are some of the MBA scholarships at UC Berkeley?
UC Berkeley offers several MBA scholarships to support students pursuing their Master of Business Administration degree. Some of the MBA scholarships available at UC Berkeley are Consortium for Graduate Study in Management Fellowship, Haas Achievement Award, The Berkeley Haas Global Access Program (BHGAP) Scholarships and more.
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What are the best scholarships for graduates at UC Berkeley?
UC Berkeley offers various scholarships to support students pursuing advanced graduate degrees across various disciplines like
Berkeley Graduate Division Fellowships, Fulbright Grants: UC Berkeley participates in the Fulbright U.S. Student Program, National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program,
Professional School Scholarships, Departmental and Discipline-Specific Scholarships and so on. -
Do I need to submit a separate application for scholarships at UC Berkeley?
Some scholarships at UC Berkeley require a separate application, while others may consider you automatically based on your admission application. It’s essential to carefully review the scholarship requirements and instructions for each scholarship you’re interested in.
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