
International students at the University of California (UC) who receive a work-study award can work part-time jobs to earn money and gain work experience. While the work-study program is primarily funded by the federal government, international students are not eligible for federal financial aid. However, some UC campuses offer campus-funded work-study programs that are available to all students with work authorization in the US, including international students. These programs are typically awarded on a first-come, first-served basis and may require students to demonstrate financial need. The funds from the work-study award are not applied directly to the student's UC account but are received as earnings from their part-time job, allowing students to pay for expenses such as fees, books, rent, and transportation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is a work-study award? | Money that students may earn by working a part-time job. |
| Who can apply for a work-study award? | All students with work authorization in the U.S. can work utilizing campus-funded work-study. |
| Who is eligible for a work-study award? | Students must be eligible to work in the U.S. to participate. To be eligible for Federal Work-Study, a student must be a U.S. citizen, a national, a permanent resident of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands or the Northern Mariana Islands, or living in the U.S. with the intention of becoming a citizen or permanent resident. |
| What are the types of work-study awards? | Federal Work-Study for Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) filers, and Institutional Work-Study for California Dream Act Application (CADAA) filers. |
| What are the requirements for Institutional Work-Study? | International or AB540 students who are eligible to work. CADAA applicants must also hold a valid work authorization status in the United States. |
| How are work-study funds awarded? | Funds are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. |
| How are work-study funds received? | Students receive their work-study award as earnings from their job in the form of a payroll check. |
| Can international students receive a work-study award? | International students who receive an international work-study award will be able to compete for on-campus work-study jobs. |
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What You'll Learn

International students' work-study award eligibility
International students at UC Davis can receive a work-study award. The university offers two types of work-study awards for undergraduate students: Federal Work-Study and Institutional Work-Study.
Federal Work-Study is for Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) filers, while Institutional Work-Study is for California Dream Act Application (CADAA) filers. Both programs offer on-campus and approved off-campus jobs. However, it is important to note that international students are not eligible for federal financial aid. Therefore, the work-study awards for international students are not from federal funding sources.
To be eligible for Institutional Work-Study, a student must be an international or AB540 student eligible to work in the United States. CADAA applicants must also hold a valid work authorization status in the US. Additionally, eligible students must be enrolled or accepted for enrollment at UC Davis and maintain satisfactory academic progress in their undergraduate program.
The work-study funds are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, and students can obtain a Work-Study Eligibility Certificate through MyAwards. The funds are available for use from July 1 through June 30 of the current award year, and students receive their work-study award as earnings from their job in the form of a payroll check.
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Work-study award vs. other financial aid
International students at the University of California (UC) can receive a work-study award, which is not a cash award. This award allows them to compete for on-campus jobs that would usually require evidence of federal financial aid. However, international students are not eligible for federal financial aid. Therefore, the work-study award they receive is not funded by the federal government.
The work-study program at UC is a form of financial aid that allows students to earn money by working part-time while studying. The program is designed to help students gain work experience and pay for their educational expenses. The amount a student can earn through the work-study program depends on their financial need and other financial aid received. Students must be employed in a work-study position to receive their earnings as a paycheck from their hiring department.
Unlike other forms of financial aid, such as scholarships or grants, the work-study award provides students with the opportunity to earn money while gaining valuable work experience. The program is typically part-time, and the number of hours a student can work is based on their financial need and academic progress. The earnings from a work-study job are not included in the total income when calculating a student's financial aid offer for the following year.
Other forms of financial aid, such as scholarships, grants, and loans, may provide students with a set amount of money to help with their educational expenses. Scholarships and grants are often merit-based or need-based, while loans usually require repayment with interest. Work-study programs, on the other hand, provide students with a more flexible source of income, as they can work around their class schedule and earn money to pay for their day-to-day expenses, such as food, transportation, and school supplies.
In conclusion, the work-study award offers a unique opportunity for students to gain work experience and earn money to cover their educational expenses. While other forms of financial aid may provide direct funding, the work-study program allows students to develop their professional skills and manage their finances while pursuing their studies.
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Work-study job opportunities on and off-campus
International students in the US have many opportunities to work while studying. On-campus jobs are relatively easy for international students to acquire, and they can be a great way to gain work experience, build a professional network, and finance your education.
On-Campus Work-Study Job Opportunities:
On-campus jobs are appealing to international students because they do not require additional work authorization or paperwork for students on F-1 visas. A valid I-20 document is sufficient to confirm eligibility to work on campus. International students can apply for on-campus jobs at any time during their academic program, and there is no limit on the number of months they can work on campus as long as they are enrolled.
To find on-campus jobs, you can visit different departments and ask if they are hiring. It is beneficial to start with your department, as they may prefer to hire internally. You can also look for job postings that specify eligibility for international students. Some universities offer institutionally-funded work-study programs for qualifying international students, such as the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Mary Washington.
Off-Campus Work-Study Job Opportunities:
Off-campus work for international students may be more limited and typically requires additional work authorization. As an F-1 student visa holder, you can work for a university employer at an off-campus location affiliated with your school, such as a research facility or sports stadium. You must be enrolled full-time and can work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session.
It is important to note that work-study, in the US, often refers to the federal work-study program, which is not available to international students as it is federally funded. However, some schools have special policies that allow international students to access jobs reserved for federal work-study participants, and international students can still gain valuable work experience through other opportunities like Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT).
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Work-study award application process
International students at UC Berkeley who receive financial aid and have a work-study award as part of their financial aid package can apply for work-study jobs. The work-study program encourages students to seek part-time employment while enrolled in school to earn money to pay for educational expenses.
To apply for a work-study job, students can log in to the Student Portal using their CalNet ID to access the Work-Study Management System (WSMS) and view job listings. Students can then apply for specific jobs by submitting a resume and cover letter. If hired, students must complete the referral process to ensure their earnings are classified as work-study.
International students who are not eligible for federal financial aid may still be able to receive an international work-study award. This award allows them to compete for on-campus "work-study" jobs, although it does not guarantee employment. To be eligible, international students must demonstrate financial need, be full-time students with a 2.0 or higher GPA, and be making satisfactory academic progress toward degree completion.
It is important to note that work-study awards are based on financial need and other aid received. Students must file an aid application each year to continue to be considered for work-study. If a student declines their work-study award, the award may be terminated, and the funds may be offered to another eligible student.
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Work-study award payment methods
International students at UC who receive an international work-study award will be able to compete for on-campus "work-study" jobs. However, they are not guaranteed an on-campus job, and international students are not eligible for federal financial aid. The work-study program is a financial aid program that promotes part-time employment for undergraduate and graduate students to help finance their education. Work-study awards vary from $500 to $5000.
Work-study is money that students may earn by working a part-time job. The program allows students to gain work experience and pay for a part of their educational expenses as they earn their award. Students receive their work-study award as earnings from their job in the form of a payroll check. A portion of the student's wages will be subsidized by their work-study award, making them desirable to employers. For example, if a department pays a student $20/hour, it costs their budget a net $10/hour. Students are paid bi-weekly and earnings are paid directly to the student via direct deposit or paper check.
Students who are eligible for the work-study program will have a work-study award on their award letter. The award is only valid for the specified FAN (Financial Aid Notification) period and cannot be rolled over. All awarding is dependent on funding availability from the financial aid office. To be eligible, students must submit a FAFSA or Dream Application, demonstrate financial need, and be enrolled at least half-time.
To find a work-study job, students can log into the student portal of the Work-Study Management System (WSMS) and select "Job Listings". Once a job of interest is found, students can click on the job number to review the job description, qualifications, pay rate, and more. To apply, students can email the interviewer and attach their resume, cover letter, and work-study award.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can receive a work-study award at UC. However, international students are not eligible for federal financial aid, so the award is not from federal funding sources.
To be eligible for a work-study award, international students must demonstrate financial need, be full-time students with a 2.0 or higher GPA, and maintain satisfactory academic progress toward degree completion. They must also have valid work authorization in the United States.
International students receive their work-study award as earnings from their part-time job in the form of a payroll check. The money can be used to pay for fees, books, rent, transportation, and other expenses.











































