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California Dream Application

The California Dream Acts — AB 130 and AB 131 — extend eligibility for certain types of institutional and state aid to undocumented students. In order to be eligible, students must also qualify for benefits under another California law — AB 540 — which exempts students from paying non-resident supplemental tuition. For more information on the eligibility requirements, please contact the Office of the Registrar.

The 2025-26 Dream Application is now available. Students are encouraged to submit their Dream Application on or before the April 2, 2025 deadline using 2023 income information. To apply, visit: dream.csac.ca.gov. 

 

The information provided on your Dream Act Application is used to calculate your Student Aid Index (SAI). UC Santa Cruz uses the SAI to determine your eligibility for financial aid. You can apply for financial aid before you know if you have been admitted. Here are some application tips:

  • Apply early! 
  • Apply every year
  • Submit your application by April 2nd for priority consideration
  • Include the UC Santa Cruz Code: 00132100
  • Select the correct aid year on the Dream Act Application when applying
    (i.e., 2025-2026 for Fall 2025)
  • Keep copies of your tax returns and other documents in case they are needed

For Additional Instructions, Worksheets, and Forms, Click Here: www.caldreamact.org

 Applying for Cal Grants

Students apply for a Cal Grant when they submit their Dream Act Application. Cal Grant applicants are also required to submit a GPA Verification form directly to the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) by March 3 as part of the application process. Students can access the Cal Grant GPA Verification Form from the CSAC website.

CSAC determines eligibility and notifies the student by sending a California Aid Report (CAR). You can monitor and manage your Cal Grant account on the CSAC website.

Continuing Cal Grant Recipients

If you are already a Cal Grant recipient, there is no need to submit a GPA verification form. Your eligibility for Cal Grant is evaluated annually. You can verify your renewal through WebGrants4Students.

Questions About Applying?

 

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