Who Is Eligible for Financial Aid

While each aid program has special requirements, the following are basic. In order to be eligible to receive financial aid, you must:

Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-U.S. citizen (federal regulations and University policy severely limit the types of financial assistance available to non-U.S. citizens--see the International Students page for more information)
Have a valid Social Security Number (unless you are from the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, or the Republic of Palau; or unless you are eligible for Berkeley Undergraduate Dream Act Aid).
Register with Selective Service if you are male and 18 to 25 years of age (go to www.sss.gov for more information).
Have a high school diploma or a General Education Development (GED) Certificate or pass an exam approved by the U.S. Department of Education.
Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a regular student working toward a degree or certificate in an eligible program at a school that participates in the federal student aid programs.
Not have a drug conviction for an offense that occurred while you were receiving federal student aid (such as grants, loans, or Work-Study). If, during a period of enrollment, you are convicted under any federal or state law for the possession or sale of illegal drugs, you will lose your eligibility for federal aid, including federal grants, loans, and Work-Study.

You must not owe a refund on a federal grant or be in default on a federal student loan.
You must demonstrate financial need (except for unsubsidized Federal Direct Loans, PLUS loans, or private loans).
Other requirements may apply. See the section on this website about maintaining your eligibility for undergraduate or graduate students.