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Scholarships for Entering Transfer Students

How to Apply for the Transfer Student Scholarships Below

  1. File your UC Admissions Application by the November 30 deadline.

  2. If you wish to demonstrate financial need to determine if you are eligible, file your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) by May 2, OR the California Dream Act application (if you are AB540 eligible and not eligible to file a FAFSA). File only one of these applications.

  3. UC San Diego will notify scholarship recipients by May 1. Check your awards status online using the Applicant Portal.

Regents Transfer Student Scholarships

The Regents Transfer Student Scholarship is the most prestigious scholarship awarded to undergraduate students at the University of California. Regents Scholarships are merit scholarships, selected on the basis of academic excellence. Entering transfers receive a $10,000 honorarium paid at $5,000 per year in each of their 2 undergraduate years (plus other special privileges).

Entering transfer students who are California Residents and have demonstrated financial need receive an additional scholarship and/or grant funds to meet the financial need for 2 undergraduate academic years. Your FAFSA or California Dream Act Application establishes your financial need.

Chancellor's Associates Scholarship: Enrolled Members of Federally Recognized Tribes

Eligibility:

Entering transfer students who are enrolled members of federally recognized tribes, admitted to UC San Diego.

  • Submit a Federal Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or CA Dream Act Application
  • Documentation that will be requested to verify status
    • Certification of tribal enrollment on tribal letterhead OR
    • Enrollment/membership card that contains the tribal seal and/or signature of a tribal leader OR
    • Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood (CDIB) if the CDIB includes tribal enrollment information OR
    • Tribal identification card with enrollment number
Award amount and term:

A 2-year award up to $20,000, paid at up to $10,000 per year.

Chancellor's Associates Scholarship: San Diego City College, Imperial Valley College or Southwestern College

Eligibility:

Selected students from among the Fall 2019 admitted students from San Diego City College, Imperial Valley College or Southwestern College that meet the UC's Blue and Gold Opportunity Program (CA Residents with a total family income of less than $80,000 with financial need). Additional criteria may include, but is not limited to, demonstrated academic promise and a commitment to obtaining a baccalaureate degree, is a 1st generation student, persevered through difficult life circumstances, was an orphan or foster child, is a parent with dependent children, is a re-entry student, or is a veteran of the Armed Forces of the U.S.

Award amount and term:

A 2-year award up to $20,000, paid at up to $10,000 per year.

Crankstart Scholarships for California Community College Transfer Students

Eligibility:
  • Enter from a California Community College
  • Have high financial need
  • Have high GPA
  • Have overcome challenges/hardships
  • Are committed to obtaining their degree
Award amount and term:

Up to $5,000 annually for 2 undergraduate years at UC San Diego, provided students maintain satisfactory progress toward a degree.

Engelhorn Family Scholarships

Eligibility:
  • Participate in the UniversityLink
  • Have high financial need
  • Have a 3.0+ GPA
Award amount and term:

Up to $2,000 annually for 2 undergraduate years at UC San Diego.

Other:

Preference given to first-generation college students.

Osher Foundation Scholarships

Eligibility:
  • Enter from a California Community College
  • Have high financial need
  • Have high GPA
  • Are student parents
Award amount and term:

Up to $2,500 annually for 2 undergraduate years at UC San Diego, additionally a few one year awards may be available.

In addition to the UC San Diego scholarship above, entering transfer students may also qualify for these non-UC San Diego scholarship programs:

Remember that all scholarships are awarded on a very competitive basis.