International Students: Accessing California Grants

The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) is a government agency that provides financial aid to students pursuing an undergraduate degree or vocational or career training in California. The Cal Grant is a California-specific financial aid allocation that does not need to be repaid. To be eligible for a Cal Grant, applicants must meet the financial criteria and submit the FAFSA or Dream Act application by the deadline. International students are generally ineligible for student loans and have access to very few scholarships. However, nonresident students may be exempt from paying nonresident supplemental tuition under AB 540 and may be eligible for some financial aid under the California Dream Act.

International students' eligibility for Cal Grants

The Cal Grant is a California-specific financial aid allocation that does not need to be paid back. The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) is a government agency responsible for administering financial aid programs for students in the State of California.

To be eligible for a Cal Grant, applicants must meet the general Cal Grant eligibility requirements, including financial criteria and minimum GPA requirements. They must submit a FAFSA or CA Dream Act application, and their verified Cal Grant GPA by the deadline.

However, it appears that international students are generally ineligible for Cal Grants. International students are typically not eligible for student loans and have access to very few scholarships. Additionally, international students must prove they have sufficient funds to cover all expenses while studying in the United States before a visa is granted.

Nevertheless, there may be some exceptions for international students who graduated from a California high school or are attending a host university affiliated with the UC's Education Abroad Program (EAP). These students may be considered for waivers of non-resident tuition fees and other awards.

Cal Grant application process

The Cal Grant is a California-specific financial aid allocation that does not need to be paid back. The application process for a Cal Grant involves several steps and requirements that applicants must meet to be considered for the award. Here is a detailed breakdown of the Cal Grant application process:

Eligibility Requirements:

To be eligible for a Cal Grant, applicants must meet specific criteria. Firstly, they must be pursuing an undergraduate degree or vocational/career training at eligible institutions, including Universities of California, California State Universities, California Community Colleges, or qualifying independent and career colleges/technical schools in California. Additionally, applicants must meet financial criteria, including income, asset, and other financial aid standards.

Application Submission:

Applicants must submit either the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or the CA Dream Act Application, depending on their eligibility. The CA Dream Act Application is for students who meet the AB540 eligibility criteria and are not eligible to complete the FAFSA due to their immigration status. The deadline for submitting these applications is April 2nd.

GPA Requirement:

Along with the application, applicants must provide their verified Cal Grant GPA. The minimum GPA requirement is 2.4 for students transferring from a California Community College to a four-year university.

Selective Service System Registration:

While it is no longer a mandatory requirement, males between the ages of 18 and 25 are encouraged to register with the Selective Service System (SSS) for potential future opportunities and benefits.

Cal Grant Award Types:

There are three types of Cal Grants: A, B, and C. Your eligibility for a specific Cal Grant is determined based on your application responses, GPA, the type of California colleges listed on your application, and your high school graduation status. The Cal Grant B Foster Youth award, for instance, is for current and former foster youth, while the Cal Grant C program is for students pursuing occupational or technical programs.

Satisfactory Academic Progress:

Recipients of the Cal Grant must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress standards as established by their school. Failure to meet these standards may result in ineligibility for Cal Grant payment during the terms of non-compliance.

It is important to note that the Cal Grant is a competitive award, with a limit of 13,000 awards given each academic year. Therefore, applicants must ensure they meet all the requirements and submit their applications by the specified deadline. Additionally, applicants may need to verify their California state residency status (AB 840 Verification) and complete a self-certification process in WebGrants for final eligibility determination.

Cal Grant renewal

International students cannot get a Cal Grant. The California Student Aid Commission provides state financial aid for students who meet certain income, asset, and other financial aid standards to attend college. Cal Grants are for students pursuing an undergraduate degree or vocational or career training. They are California-specific and do not need to be paid back.

To renew your Cal Grant, you must continue to meet the eligibility requirements, including maintaining Satisfactory Academic Progress standards as established by your school. If you do not meet these standards, you will be ineligible for Cal Grant payment, and your eligibility will be affected during the terms you do not receive payment.

To renew your Cal Grant, you must also continue to meet the financial criteria and submit the FAFSA or Dream Act application and your verified Cal Grant GPA by the April 2nd deadline.

It is important to note that the Cal Grant B Foster Youth award allows current and former foster youth to be eligible for increased Cal Grant eligibility. Foster youth have until their 26th birthday to apply and can renew their Cal Grant B awards for the equivalent of eight years of full-time attendance.

Cal Grant A, B, and C

The Cal Grant is a California-specific financial aid allocation that does not need to be paid back. Applicants must apply using the FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application and meet all eligibility, financial, and minimum GPA requirements. Cal Grants are for students pursuing an undergraduate degree or vocational or career training. There are three types of Cal Grants: A, B, and C.

Cal Grant A

The Cal Grant A award does not cover your tuition and fees while attending a community college. However, your award eligibility will be held in reserve for up to two years until you transfer to a four-year college. The yearly maximum amount for Cal Grant A is $13,752, which will be applied toward the systemwide tuition and fees of the school.

Cal Grant B

The Cal Grant B award is given to students as a living allowance to help pay for books and other community college costs. The yearly maximum amount for Cal Grant B is $7,390, which includes the access award amount and an additional amount to cover the systemwide tuition and fees.

Cal Grant C

The Cal Grant C award is only for students enrolled in occupational or technical programs. The yearly maximum amount for Cal Grant C is $3,009, which includes $2,462 applied directly to tuition and fees and $547 designated for books and supplies.

Cal Grant alternatives

International students are not eligible for Cal Grants. However, if you are an international student in California seeking financial aid for your education, there are other options to consider. Here are some alternatives to explore:

Federal Student Aid

The US Department of Education offers federal student aid to eligible students, including those who are not US citizens. You can start by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Dream Act Application to determine your eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work-study programs.

Scholarships

Scholarships are a great way to fund your education, and there are many opportunities specifically for international students. You can explore scholarships offered by the college or university you plan to attend, as well as private scholarships from organizations and foundations. These often have specific criteria, so be sure to carefully review the eligibility requirements.

Private Loans

If you need additional funds to cover your educational expenses, private loans can be an option. International students may be able to apply for private loans from banks or other financial institutions. However, it's important to carefully consider the interest rates and repayment terms before taking on any loan.

Institutional Aid

Many colleges and universities in California offer their own financial aid programs for international students. These can include scholarships, grants, or work-study opportunities specific to the institution. Be sure to inquire about these options directly with the schools you are considering.

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Grants

If you are pursuing a career in emergency medical services, there may be grant opportunities available. The California Office of Emergency Services (OES) offers grant programs specifically for EMS providers, including funding for training and equipment.

Fire Department Grants

For those interested in a career in firefighting or a related field, there are grant opportunities available through organizations like FireGrantsHelp. These grants support fire departments and individuals seeking training and resources to prepare for emergencies and natural disasters.

Remember to carefully review the eligibility requirements for each alternative and don't be afraid to reach out to the relevant organizations for more information. Financial aid options can help make your educational goals more accessible, so it's worth exploring these alternatives to Cal Grants for international students.

Frequently asked questions