Dream Act
ON THIS PAGE
Financial Aid for Dreamers
UC Santa Cruz is proud to support our Dreamer students with financial aid, campus programs, and a strong community. If you’re an undocumented student who attended a California high school and meet certain requirements (known as AB 540), you may be eligible for state and UC aid by submitting the California Dream Act Application.
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.
Students are encouraged to submit their Dream Application on or before the priority deadline. 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 the 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) 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?
California Student Aid Commission Customer Relations
(for Dream Act Application and Cal Grants)
1-888-224-7268
dream.csac.ca.gov
calgrants.org
Contact Us
Have a question or need support? We’re here to help.
Location: 205 Hahn Student Services (view map)
In-Person Advising: Monday–Friday, 1 – 5 p.m.
Phone and Zoom Advising (Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.):
Phone: Call (669) 900-6833
Zoom: Join Zoom drop-in