UC Irvine Chancellor’s Excellence Scholarship

About this scholarship

UC Irvine’s Chancellor’s Excellence Scholarship is a distinguished merit award for California residents entering as first-year students from high school or as transfers from a California Community College. Fall 2027 applicants are automatically considered from the UC Application for Admission and Scholarships; no separate scholarship form, recommendation, or supplemental material is accepted. The current UC application is open, with a submission period from October 1 through November 30, 2026. UCI conducts a comprehensive review of the admission application, emphasizing the strength and breadth of the applicant’s academic preparation. Recipients receive a monetary honorarium whose final value is determined under federal and state financial-aid regulations, plus a two-year on-campus housing guarantee when the student meets the Statement of Intent to Register and housing deadlines. The scholarship can continue for a maximum of two consecutive years. To retain it, scholars must complete at least 12 units each quarter, maintain a cumulative 2.5 GPA, and remain confirmed California residents. Eligible recipients must be U.S. citizens, eligible noncitizens, or students qualifying under AB 130 or AB 131. The award is not transferable to another UC campus, and students who drop below full-time status or withdraw forfeit funding unless an approved leave is properly coordinated.

Eligibility

• Apply for fall 2027 undergraduate admission to UC Irvine by November 30, 2026
• Enter as a first-year student from high school or a transfer student from a California Community College
• Be a confirmed California resident
• Be a U.S. citizen, eligible noncitizen, or student qualifying under AB 130 or AB 131
• Present a highly competitive academic record in the UC admission application
• Submit the Statement of Intent to Register by UCI’s deadline if selected
• Complete at least 12 units each quarter and maintain a cumulative 2.5 GPA to renew