Does UC Berkeley give scholarships to international students?
I'm currently an 11th grader from India and I've been looking into applying to UC Berkeley for computer science next year. I know US colleges are super expensive for people who aren't residents, so I was hoping someone could clarify whether UC Berkeley actually offers any scholarships or financial aid for international students.
I've tried checking their website but the info seems kind of confusing. Is it true that only US citizens and permanent residents can get need-based aid? Is there anything merit-based for internationals at all, even if it's super competitive? Also, if anybody here is an international at Berkeley or knows someone who is, I'd love to hear how you managed costs. Any tips or experiences would be really appreciated!
I've tried checking their website but the info seems kind of confusing. Is it true that only US citizens and permanent residents can get need-based aid? Is there anything merit-based for internationals at all, even if it's super competitive? Also, if anybody here is an international at Berkeley or knows someone who is, I'd love to hear how you managed costs. Any tips or experiences would be really appreciated!
2 weeks ago
•
14 views
Kathy Jayanth
• 2 weeks ago
Advisor
UC Berkeley, like most U.S. state universities, does not offer need-based financial aid to international students. That type of funding is reserved for U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and a few other categories. Merit scholarships for international undergraduates are also very limited, and in most cases they do not cover anywhere close to the full cost of attendance. Some departmental or external awards exist, but they are small and highly competitive.
Most international students finance their education through family contributions, savings, or scholarships from their home country. Organizations such as national science foundations, corporations, or non-profits sometimes provide funding for study abroad. UC Berkeley also has a few small grants, such as those through the International Office, but these are modest.
Even though I was not an international student, I learned that the key is persistence. I spent entire winter breaks applying for scholarships, writing essay after essay before AI tools existed to help. On average, maybe one out of every four—or sometimes even one out of every eight—applications worked out. It seemed daunting at times, but the results made a big difference in covering my costs.
My advice is to constantly be seeking opportunities. Talk to people from your country who studied at U.S. universities, check Berkeley’s website regularly, and ask around in student networks. Opportunities often come through word-of-mouth as much as formal listings.
It’s also important to remember that finances do not come only from scholarships. If you are in a competitive major, you may be able to secure high-paying internships later on. I knew someone in chemical engineering who made about $11,000 from a summer internship years ago—today that number would be even higher. Another friend worked in insurance sales to cover school costs, which paid much more than a campus café job.
On campus, there are also student-aid jobs. I worked in the library checking people in, which was not glamorous, but it paid and let me do my homework during quiet shifts. Those jobs will not cover tuition, but they help with personal expenses and can make your budget more manageable.
Finally, applying for scholarships and juggling work builds skills you will use later when applying for jobs and writing cover letters. Persistence, resourcefulness, and strong writing are key. This is something I can definitely help with—especially when it comes to crafting essays that stand out.
Most international students finance their education through family contributions, savings, or scholarships from their home country. Organizations such as national science foundations, corporations, or non-profits sometimes provide funding for study abroad. UC Berkeley also has a few small grants, such as those through the International Office, but these are modest.
Even though I was not an international student, I learned that the key is persistence. I spent entire winter breaks applying for scholarships, writing essay after essay before AI tools existed to help. On average, maybe one out of every four—or sometimes even one out of every eight—applications worked out. It seemed daunting at times, but the results made a big difference in covering my costs.
My advice is to constantly be seeking opportunities. Talk to people from your country who studied at U.S. universities, check Berkeley’s website regularly, and ask around in student networks. Opportunities often come through word-of-mouth as much as formal listings.
It’s also important to remember that finances do not come only from scholarships. If you are in a competitive major, you may be able to secure high-paying internships later on. I knew someone in chemical engineering who made about $11,000 from a summer internship years ago—today that number would be even higher. Another friend worked in insurance sales to cover school costs, which paid much more than a campus café job.
On campus, there are also student-aid jobs. I worked in the library checking people in, which was not glamorous, but it paid and let me do my homework during quiet shifts. Those jobs will not cover tuition, but they help with personal expenses and can make your budget more manageable.
Finally, applying for scholarships and juggling work builds skills you will use later when applying for jobs and writing cover letters. Persistence, resourcefulness, and strong writing are key. This is something I can definitely help with—especially when it comes to crafting essays that stand out.
Kathy Jayanth
Berkeley, CA
UC Berkeley | Economics & Slavic Studies
Experience
5 years