Regents Scholarship at University of California 2026

The Regents' Scholarship is the most distinguished scholarship awarded by the University of California (UC). This prestigious honor is granted to students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and outstanding qualifications through their UC application.

Regents' Scholars receive an officially signed award letter, a monetary honorarium, on‑campus housing guarantee, and a transcript annotation designating this special honor. If you are applying to UC Irvine (UCI) or another UC campus, this scholarship could be your gateway to becoming a global leader.

For students exploring other fully funded opportunities in the United States, you can browse scholarships in US  to discover additional programs.

Overview of the Regents' Scholarship

The Regents' Scholarship is designed to attract and support the most outstanding undergraduate students across the University of California system. At UC Irvine, Regents' Scholars have the opportunity to participate in exceptional programs that enhance their educational experience, including the Education Abroad Program and the UCDC Academic Internship Program in Washington, D.C.

To accept the scholarship, recipients must submit their Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) to the UCI Office of Undergraduate Admissions by the SIR deadline.

Award Amount

Regents' Scholars entering in Fall receive a monetary honorarium (final amount subject to federal and state financial aid regulations). The scholarship may be renewed if students comply with the terms and conditions.

Renewal period:

• Incoming Freshmen: Renewable for three additional consecutive years (total 4 years)

• Incoming Transfer Students: Renewable for one additional consecutive year (total 2 years)

For students also considering study options in Canada, you can explore  scholarships in Canada  to compare opportunities.

University Housing Guarantee

On‑campus housing at UC Irvine is in high demand. Regents' Scholars receive a housing guarantee:

• Freshmen: Guaranteed four years of on‑campus housing

• Transfer Students: Guaranteed two years of on‑campus housing

The guarantee applies if the Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) and a housing application are completed by the stated deadlines. The guarantee ensures an offer of on‑campus housing during the term of the scholarship, though specific housing preferences are not guaranteed.

Annotation on Transcript

Recipients receive an annotation on their transcript for each year they maintain their status as a Regents' Scholar – a permanent mark of distinction.

Education Abroad Program

Regents' Scholars choosing to participate in the University of California Education Abroad Program (UCEAP) may use their scholarship to help fund the cost of overseas study.

UCDC Academic Internship Program

Regents' Scholars who participate in the UC Irvine Washington DC Academic Internship Program may use their scholarship to help fund the cost of the program – gaining real‑world experience in the nation's capital.

For students seeking financial aid options across North America, you can review Explore Aids in North America to find other programs.

Terms and Conditions

Tenure of Scholarship

• Appointments for freshmen are automatically renewable for three additional consecutive years

• Appointments for transfer students are renewable for one additional consecutive year

• All appointments are subject to review prior to automatic renewal

• Regents' Scholarships are not transferable – students transferring to another UC campus will be subject to that campus's awarding policies

Academic Requirements

Regents' Scholars must maintain the following each quarter to receive scholarship funds:

• Enroll in and complete a minimum of 12 units per quarter

• Maintain a minimum cumulative 3.25 GPA

Residency Requirements

To be eligible for the Regents' Scholarship, students must be:

• A U.S. citizen

• An eligible non‑citizen

• A student qualifying under AB130 or AB131 (California Dream Act)

Students must be confirmed California residents to retain this scholarship.

Changes in Academic Status

Any change in academic status – such as taking fewer than 12 units per quarter or withdrawing from the university – will cause scholars to forfeit their scholarship.

Leave of Absence

A Regents' Scholar who has been granted an official leave of absence must notify the Scholarships department in the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships to retain their appointment during the remainder of their designated tenure period.

Why Choose the Regents' Scholarship

• Most distinguished award at the University of California

• Monetary honorarium plus housing guarantee

• Transcript annotation – permanent recognition of excellence

• Study abroad funding – use scholarship for Education Abroad Program

• Internship in Washington D.C. – use scholarship for UCDC program

• Renewable for multiple years – up to 4 years for freshmen, 2 for transfers

Final Thoughts

The Regents' Scholarship is the highest honor a UC undergraduate can receive. It recognizes not just academic excellence but also leadership potential and outstanding personal qualities. With a housing guarantee, transcript annotation, and the ability to fund study abroad or a D.C. internship, this scholarship opens doors far beyond tuition support.

If you are applying to UC Irvine or another UC campus, aim high – your UC application is your ticket to being considered for this prestigious award. Submit your Statement of Intent to Register on time, maintain your GPA and unit requirements, and join the ranks of UC's most distinguished scholars.

Apply Now for Regents' Scholarship