UC San Diego Chancellor’s Scholarship

About this scholarship

The UC San Diego Chancellor’s Scholarship provides up to $5,000 per year for four undergraduate years to outstanding entering first-year students. It combines a need-sensitive honorarium with guaranteed housing when campus deadlines are met, priority enrollment beginning after the first fall quarter, study-abroad advising, faculty and emeriti mentoring, and a leadership-development community. California residents who are U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or eligible California Dream Act students are considered. UC San Diego evaluates the strength and breadth of the high-school program, grades, the UC personal insight responses, extracurricular and community activities, first-generation status, educational environment, and economic background. Applicants submit the University of California Application for Admission and Scholarships by November 30; no additional scholarship form is required. Because the award incorporates financial need, students must also file either the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application during the fall 2027 aid window. UC San Diego’s current calendar lists March 2, 2027 as the priority aid date. Recipients are notified with admission decisions in March and are expected to participate in the Chancellor’s Scholars leadership and mentoring program while maintaining university academic and housing requirements.

Eligibility

• Apply as an entering first-year student to UC San Diego for fall 2027
• Be a California resident
• Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or eligible California Dream Act student
• Demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and rigorous high-school preparation
• Submit the UC admission and scholarship application by November 30, 2026
• Submit either the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application by March 2, 2027
• Demonstrate financial need under UC San Diego’s aid review
• If selected, participate in the Chancellor’s Scholars leadership and mentoring activities