Masters, PhDPartial / Fully Funded

UCLA Graduate Division Fellowships for International Students

Last verified 18 May 2026 by the Scholarships for Africans editorial team

Heads up — this listing may be outdated. The dates and details below reference a year that has already passed and our editorial team has not re-verified this scholarship is still open. Always confirm the current intake on the sponsor's official website via the button below before you invest time in an application.

UCLA’s Graduate Division curates fellowships, assistantships, and resources open to international master’s and PhD students. Funding is assembled from campus awards, departmental support, and external scholarships. Deadlines and eligibility vary—verify on UCLA’s site.

Provider: UCLA
Host country: United States
Deadline: Varies by award; consult UCLA’s Graduate Division funding calendar and your department’s priority deadlines. The source page does not list a single fellowship deadline.
Region: California

Official source Track this application

Applying from your country? See your edition: Kenya · Nigeria · Ghana · Ethiopia · Uganda · Tanzania · Rwanda · Angola · Mozambique · São Tomé & Príncipe · Senegal · Cameroon · Ivory Coast · Benin · Togo · DR Congo

Eligibility & requirements at a glance

Review the recorded eligibility, funding and deadline information below. Confirm the current award conditions on the provider's official source.

Who can apply: Open to international applicants and students in UCLA master’s and PhD programs; specific awards vary by department and degree stage. Full-time enrollment, good academic standing, and visa/employment compliance are typically required. Always confirm each award’s rules.
Funding: Partial / Fully Funded
Study level: Masters, PhD
Deadline: Varies by award; consult UCLA’s Graduate Division funding calendar and your department’s priority deadlines. The source page does not list a single fellowship deadline.

Key eligibility criteria

Open to international applicants and students in UCLA master’s and PhD programs; specific awards vary by department and degree stage. Full-time enrollment, good academic standing, and visa/employment compliance are typically required. Always confirm each award’s rules.

Recorded funding information

Partial / Fully Funded

About the UCLA Graduate Division Fellowships for International Students (2026)

## Overview - UCLA is one of the world’s leading public research universities, and its Graduate Division coordinates a wide range of funding opportunities for master’s and doctoral students, including many open to international applicants. The official page linked below aggregates guidance and tools designed to help non‑U.S. citizens identify fellowships, employment opportunities, and campus resources. - There is not a single, catch‑all “UCLA International Fellowship.” Instead, international graduate students typically assemble a package that may include Graduate Division fellowships, departmental awards, teaching or research assistantships, and external scholarships. Coverage can be partial to fully funded depending on program and award. - The site highlights tools like the UCLA funding search and SmartRecs (a personalized recommendations system accessible to admitted/enrolled students), along with calendars, FAQs, and links to tuition and working-at-UCLA information. Some features require a UCLA login because they are tailored to current students. - Funding policies and eligibility differ by academic unit. Many departments nominate top applicants for campus‑level fellowships during the admissions review. Strong, early applications are the best path to being considered for institutional support. - International students should plan for both merit-based and employment-based support, be mindful of visa rules for on-campus work, and verify details with their department’s Student Affairs Officer (SAO) and the Graduate Division funding pages referenced below. ## Benefits - Tuition and fee support may be provided through Graduate Division fellowships, departmental awards, or graduate student academic appointments (Teaching Assistant, Associate, Reader, Tutor, or Graduate Student Researcher). Depending on the package, this can include standard tuition, campus fees, and in some cases nonresident supplemental tuition; always confirm specifics with your program. - Living stipends are available with many fellowships and assistantships. Stipend duration varies (e.g., nine‑month academic year or 12‑month support with summer coverage on some awards or research appointments). Amounts differ by discipline and appointment level; verify current figures with UCLA. - Health insurance is typically included for eligible graduate academic appointees and is bundled for students via the UC Student Health Insurance Plan (UC SHIP). Some fellowships also incorporate insurance and student services fee coverage. - Professional development is a hallmark of UCLA support: assistantships provide mentored teaching and research experience, while Graduate Division programming and campus resources (mentoring, writing support, and inclusive excellence initiatives) help you build a strong scholarly profile. - Funding can strengthen your visa documentation: official fellowship letters or employment offers help demonstrate financial capacity for the I‑20/DS‑2019 process. Keep all original award letters to support visa appointments and entry to the U.S. ## Eligibility - International status: Opportunities on the Graduate Division’s site include options open to non‑U.S. citizens on F‑1/J‑1 visas who are admitted or enrolled in UCLA master’s or doctoral programs. Some awards are restricted to doctoral students or to particular stages (e.g., pre‑candidacy or dissertation phase). - Program‑ and award‑specific criteria: Each fellowship or appointment defines its own requirements, such as field of study, research focus, residency in a specific department or school, or progress benchmarks. Departmental nominations are common for campus‑level awards. - Academic standing and enrollment: Recipients are generally expected to maintain full‑time registration, satisfactory academic progress, and good standing with their program. Minimum GPAs or milestones (e.g., qualifying exams) may apply to certain awards. - Employment and visa compliance: For assistantships, international students must meet campus hiring requirements (e.g., I‑9, SSN acquisition after arrival) and adhere to visa work limits. New international TAs may need to satisfy English language proficiency requirements set by campus policy. - Financial need and merit considerations: Many Graduate Division fellowships are merit‑based; some opportunities may consider financial hardship or contributions to a diverse and inclusive academic community. Always read the individual award page for definitive criteria. ## Required Documents - Program application materials: A complete UCLA graduate application (statement of purpose, transcripts, recommendations) is foundational because departments often use your admissions file to nominate you for Graduate Division funding during review. - Academic records and test scores: Upload unofficial transcripts initially; official transcripts and degree certificates may be required upon admission. Provide proof of English proficiency (e.g., TOEFL or IELTS) per UCLA policy, if applicable to your country/institution. - Curriculum vitae and research statements: Maintain an updated CV highlighting research outputs, conference presentations, lab or field experience, and leadership. Some fellowships request a project description, timeline, or brief research plan. - Identity and immigration documentation: A passport identification page is typically required for visa processing; current U.S. residents on another status may submit relevant documents. For I‑20/DS‑2019 issuance, you will later be asked to provide financial documentation matching expected costs. - Letters and supplemental materials: Most internal competitions rely on your admissions letters of recommendation; some awards or assistantships may request updated references, evidence of teaching preparation, or writing samples aligned with the fellowship’s aims. ## How to Apply - Apply early to your academic program: Department deadlines in late fall to early winter often double as the funding consideration window. Indicate interest in funding where prompted, and follow any department‑specific instructions about supplemental fellowship forms. - Use UCLA’s funding tools: Explore the public funding pages to understand categories (fellowships, assistantships, external funding). Once admitted or enrolled, log into SmartRecs for personalized recommendations, set funding alerts, and monitor the Graduate Division funding calendar. - Coordinate with your department: Ask your Student Affairs Officer and faculty adviser how your program nominates students for Graduate Division awards and how TA/GSR hiring is handled. Some units run internal competitions; learn their timelines and required materials. - Pursue graduate student employment: Teaching and research appointments are common pathways to tuition remission and stipends. Identify labs, centers, or courses where your skills fit, and prepare any required pedagogy or safety trainings after arrival. - Apply broadly to external funders: Augment UCLA support with external scholarships (e.g., Fulbright Foreign Student Program, AAUW International Fellowships for women, P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship, or home‑government/industry sponsorships). Verify each funder’s rules for concurrent support with institutional aid. - Prepare for visa and financial documentation: After admission, compile official award letters and bank or sponsor statements to meet university and consular requirements. Keep copies of all communications and confirm disbursement schedules to plan housing and arrival. ## Key Dates - Admissions and nominations: Many departments review funding at the same time as applications (often November–January for the following academic year). Applying by the program’s priority deadline maximizes chances for nomination to Graduate Division awards. - Graduate Division funding calendar: The campus maintains a funding calendar with varied deadlines throughout the year. Check it regularly for competitions relevant to international students, including summer research or dissertation‑stage opportunities where eligible. - Assistantship cycles: TA and GSR postings typically follow the academic quarter system. Hiring decisions are often made a quarter in advance; speak with your department about expected posting windows and onboarding timelines. - External scholarship lead times: Prominent awards (e.g., Fulbright) may require applications 10–15 months before enrollment. Others run on annual cycles with fall or spring deadlines. Always verify on the funder’s official site. - Visa and enrollment milestones: Allow time after award decisions to gather financial proof for your I‑20/DS‑2019, complete any required English certification for TA roles, and meet tuition payment or deferment deadlines published by UCLA. ## Selection Criteria - Academic excellence and research promise: Reviewers look for strong prior training, grades, and evidence of scholarly potential (publications, presentations, portfolios). A coherent research direction aligned with UCLA strengths is advantageous. - Fit and nomination strength: Departmental endorsements matter. Clear alignment with faculty interests, labs, centers, and strategic priorities increases the likelihood of nomination to campus‑level awards and of GSR placements. - Letters of recommendation: Detailed, comparative letters that demonstrate your initiative, independence, and impact carry significant weight. Encourage referees to address your readiness for graduate‑level research and collaboration. - Teaching and professional readiness: For assistantships, evidence of communication skills, pedagogical promise, and relevant technical expertise (e.g., programming, lab methods, statistics) strengthens your case. - Contribution to community and inclusion: Leadership, mentoring, outreach, or service that broadens participation in your field may be considered favorably where relevant to an award’s mission and UCLA’s values. ## Tips for Strong Applications - Start early and be strategic: Map program deadlines, Graduate Division competitions, and external scholarships on a single timeline. Draft statements that can be adapted for both admissions and internal awards without losing specificity. - Demonstrate fit with UCLA: Identify 2–3 faculty members you hope to work with, reference their recent work in your statements, and describe how UCLA’s facilities and centers (e.g., institutes and core labs relevant to your field) enable your goals. - Leverage a portfolio approach: Combine fellowships with TA/GSR roles where possible. Ask your department about multi‑year funding models and how students transition from coursework funding to research appointments. - Strengthen your evidence: Quantify outcomes (publications, conference talks, datasets, code repositories, design awards). Include research methods, languages, or software proficiencies that directly support your proposed work. - Prepare for TA eligibility: If you intend to teach, review UCLA’s English proficiency and pedagogy expectations for international TAs and plan to complete any assessments or training promptly after arrival. - Guidance for African and other international applicants: Contextualize achievements within local resource environments, explain constraints you overcame, and showcase regional impact. Explore adjacent funding such as Fulbright, AAUW (women), P.E.O. IPS, home‑government scholarships, or industry sponsorships; confirm compatibility with UCLA aid. For credential evaluation, provide clear degree documentation and syllabi or abstracts when helpful. ## Official Source - Official page: https://grad.ucla.edu/funding/financial-aid/funding-for-international-students/ - Explore UCLA’s funding ecosystem (public pages): https://grad.ucla.edu/funding/ - Funding calendar (varies by year): https://grad.ucla.edu/funding/calendar/ - Admissions steps and international applicant guidance: https://grad.ucla.edu/admissions/steps-to-apply/ and https://grad.ucla.edu/admissions/international-applicants/ Note: Award amounts, deadlines, and eligibility differ by fellowship and department. Always verify current details on UCLA’s official pages and with your program’s Student Affairs Officer before relying on any specific benefit or timeline.

Funding information

The funding information below is recorded in this listing; it does not establish additional covered components. Check amounts, caps, exclusions and conditions on the official source.

Partial / Fully Funded

UCLA Graduate Division Fellowships for International Students eligibility

Always cross-check eligibility against the sponsor's official site before applying — sponsor rules can change between intakes.

Open to international applicants and students in UCLA master’s and PhD programs; specific awards vary by department and degree stage. Full-time enrollment, good academic standing, and visa/employment compliance are typically required. Always confirm each award’s rules.

UCLA Graduate Division Fellowships for International Students document information

No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the materials the provider requests.

How to apply for the UCLA Graduate Division Fellowships for International Students 2026

Follow the provider's stated process. The checks below are guidance, not additional application requirements. Any original editorial instructions remain in the description above.

1
Check the provider's process
Consult https://grad.ucla.edu/funding/financial-aid/funding-for-international-students/ to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there.
2
Check eligibility and any requested materials
Listed eligibility: Open to international applicants and students in UCLA master’s and PhD programs; specific awards vary by department and degree stage. Full-time enrollment, good academic standing, and visa/employment compliance are typically required. Always confirm each award’s rules.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist.
3
Check dates and next steps
Listed deadline information: Varies by award; consult UCLA’s Graduate Division funding calendar and your department’s priority deadlines. The source page does not list a single fellowship deadline.. Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

UCLA Graduate Division Fellowships for International Students deadline & application timeline

Provider deadline information: Varies by award; consult UCLA’s Graduate Division funding calendar and your department’s priority deadlines. The source page does not list a single fellowship deadline.. This text cannot be safely converted to a countdown; check the official source for its meaning. The earlier milestones are optional planning suggestions only.

Planning suggestion: 12 months out
Check the current call and decide whether this opportunity fits your plans.
Planning suggestion: 6 months out
If the provider requires tests or documents that take time, plan for them using its published instructions.
Planning suggestion: 3 months out
If an application is required, review the provider's process and prepare only the materials it requests.
Planning suggestion: 1 month out
If submission is required, allow time to check your materials and any stated cutoff.
Provider deadline
Varies by award; consult UCLA’s Graduate Division funding calendar and your department’s priority deadlines. The source page does not list a single fellowship deadline.
Provider deadline information: Varies by award; consult UCLA’s Graduate Division funding calendar and your department’s priority deadlines. The source page does not list a single fellowship deadline.. Confirm the current instructions and any cutoff or time zone on the official source; no additional time is assumed here.

Ready to apply?

Cross-check the latest eligibility rules and deadline on the sponsor's official portal before you start your application.

Visit official site

Share this scholarship

Send the application link to a friend or post it to your network.

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the UCLA Graduate Division Fellowships for International Students?+

Open to international applicants and students in UCLA master’s and PhD programs; specific awards vary by department and degree stage. Full-time enrollment, good academic standing, and visa/employment compliance are typically required. Always confirm each award’s rules.

What funding does the UCLA Graduate Division Fellowships for International Students offer?+

Listed funding: Partial / Fully Funded. Confirm amounts, exclusions and conditions on the official source. This label does not establish any additional benefit components.

When is the application deadline?+

Provider deadline information: Varies by award; consult UCLA’s Graduate Division funding calendar and your department’s priority deadlines. The source page does not list a single fellowship deadline.. Confirm the current cutoff and any time zone on the official source; no additional cutoff or late-submission policy is assumed here.

What documents do I need to apply?+

No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the documents requested by the provider; requirements may differ from admission requirements.

How do I check the application process?+

Consult https://grad.ucla.edu/funding/financial-aid/funding-for-international-students/ to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there. Listed eligibility: Open to international applicants and students in UCLA master’s and PhD programs; specific awards vary by department and degree stage. Full-time enrollment, good academic standing, and visa/employment compliance are typically required. Always confirm each award’s rules.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist. Listed deadline information: Varies by award; consult UCLA’s Graduate Division funding calendar and your department’s priority deadlines. The source page does not list a single fellowship deadline.. Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

Guides for this scholarship

Next steps & guides

Pick the guide that matches where you are right now.

Explore related programmes

Long-form sponsor guides, country pages and category pages connected to this scholarship.

Browse by category & country

Related hubs

Open the broader hub pages for every country, destination and field this scholarship touches.