Daylight saving time gifted everyone an extra hour and it arrived just after applications open for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, the California Dream Act Application, or CADAA, andUC Davis campus scholarships  for the 2026-27 academic year. 

These openings kick off the funding cycle for students who seek need-based financial aid or merit- and criteria-based scholarships.

Need-based financial aid

FAFSA and CADAA help determine a student’s eligibility for federal, state and institutional aid. Only one application is needed — FAFSA for U.S. citizens and residents, or CADAA for undocumented students and eligible non-citizens who reside in California — to receive consideration for aid.

Each application provides valuable information that aids the UC Davis Financial Aid and Scholarships office in distributing financial aid.

“All students should apply regardless of whether or not they expect to receive any aid,” said Executive Director of UC Davis Financial Aid and Scholarships, Deborah Agee. “Our financial aid programs support students in all kinds of ways. Last year, 62% of UC Davis undergraduates received aid." 

Students should file for FAFSA and CADAA by the March 2 priority deadline.

Campus scholarships

UC Davis offers more than $7 million in campus scholarships for continuing students each year, with available awards based on merit, leadership, service and other criteria beyond financial need. Students need to complete one application by Jan. 7 to receive consideration for all eligible campus awards.

Applicants must obtain a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher by the end of fall quarter, submit one letter of recommendation and plan to enroll for at least two quarters during the next school year.

Ron Bynes, assistant director for UC Davis Undergraduate and Prestigious Scholarships, noted that campus scholarships support students with a wide range of financial and academic circumstances.

“Campus scholarships expand the amount of funding students can access, whether or not they qualify for need-based aid,” Bynes said. “They also teach students how to present their goals and accomplishments. These skills prepare them for other opportunities that may follow like applying for jobs, grad school, outside scholarships or internships.”