Financial Aid and Scholarships
Source: https://financialaid.ucdavis.edu/work-study/undergraduate Parent: https://financialaid.ucdavis.edu/types/federal
Undergraduate students
Work-study for undergraduate students
Work-study is offered based on need. Students with a Student Aid Index, or SAI, of less than or equal to $25,000 and eligibility greater than or equal to $1,000 will be identified on their financial aid notices as work-study eligible. Because funding is limited, not all students with need are offered work-study. Funds are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
UC Davis offers two types of work-study programs for undergraduate students: Federal Work-Study for students who complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, the FAFSA, and institutional work-study for students who complete the California Dream Act Application, the CADAA. Both programs will offer on-campus jobs and approved off-campus jobs. Students must be eligible to work in the U.S. to participate. Work-study funds are available for use from July 1 through June 30 of the current award year.
On-campus undergraduate work-study funding for the2025-26 award year, effective July 1, 2025- June 30, 2026, has been exhausted; therefore, the work-study eligibility certificate may no longer be available.However, there are still off-campus positions available.
Current Open Positions:
- Expanded Learning After School Tutor at Woodland Joint Unified School District (Job ID: 10124135)
- Read On! Tutor (FWS) at 916 Ink (Job ID: 10089314)
These roles are open to students who meet Federal Work-Study eligibility requirements and offer excellent skill-building benefits, including communication, leadership, and tutoring experience that can strengthen your resume and future career prospects.
Eligibility for undergraduate students
| Student | Federal Work-Study | Institutional Work-Study | On-Campus Employer | Off-Campus Employer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | yes | no | yes | yes |
| AB540 Undergraduate | no | yes | yes | yes |
Federal Work-Study
Federal Work-Study is based on need and available for students eligible to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid at Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. Work-study allows a student to earn financial aid through employment. Instead of a financial aid payment, the student's work-study aid is paid in the form of a payroll check for time/hours worked. All job listings are available online at Handshake.
Work-study funds will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Because funding is limited, not all students with need receive a work-study offer. Eligible students can obtain a Work-Study Eligibility Certificate (with a 30-day expiration date) through MyAwards. Work-Study Eligibility Certificates will become available July 1.
Eligibility
To be eligible for Federal Work-Study, a student must:
- Be a U.S. citizen, a national, 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
- Be enrolled, or accepted for enrollment at UC Davis, and be in regular attendance in an undergraduate program
- Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress, or SAP, in coursework while under the program
- Not owe a refund on a federal or state educational grant
- Not be in default on a state or federal educational loan
- Have a Student Aid Index, or SAI, of $25,000 or less
- Have an eligibility greater than or equal to $1,000
Institutional work-study
Institutional work-study is offered based on need and is available to undergraduate students, including AB540 students who are eligible to work. For AB540 students who are also undocumented, need is determined by the California Dream Act Application, the CADAA. Work-study allows a student to earn financial aid through employment. Instead of a financial aid payment, the student's work-study aid is paid in the form of a payroll check for time/hours worked. All job listings are available online at Handshake.
Work-study funds will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Because funding is limited, not all students with need receive a work-study offer. Eligible students can obtain a Work-Study Eligibility Certificate (with a 30-day expiration date) through MyAwards. Work-Study Eligibility Certificates will become available July 1.
Eligibility
To be eligible for institutional work-study, a student must:
- Be an international or AB540 student who is eligible to work
- CADAA applicants must also hold a valid work authorization status in the United States (e.g., certain individuals with pending asylum cases, Temporary Protected Status recipients)
- Be enrolled, or accepted for enrollment at UC Davis, and be in regular attendance in an undergraduate program
- Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress, or SAP, in coursework while under the program
- Not owe a refund on a state educational grant
- Not be in default on a state educational loan
- Have a Student Aid Index, or SAI, of $25,000 or less
- Have an eligibility greater than or equal to $1,000
Community service work-study
Students employed through the work-study program have the opportunity to work in positions that are designated by UC Davis as community service positions. Community service employers provide services designed to improve the quality of life for community residents, particularly low-income individuals. Most of these positions will be for employers who are located off-campus. UC Davis encourages its students to seek employment with organizations that provide community services. Students employed in community service may have their employer petition for an increase in their work-study offer.
Work-study community service includes work in:
- Healthcare, childcare, literacy training, education, mentoring, welfare, and social services
- Transportation, housing, neighborhood improvement, public safety, recreation, and community improvement
- Support services for students with disabilities
Spotlight on work-study
From work-study to career success
- by Brieann Howard
-
February 20, 2026
As a UC Davis undergraduate student, Kimberly Arellano '23 began her studies in STEM programs, but a work-study job as a tutor within Davis Joint Unified School District sparked her passion for education.
Subscribe to Spotlight on work-study
More than just a job.
Work-study contributes more than just financial support for your education. It offers you a double bonus — education plus job experience. In increasingly competitive job markets, your experience may also provide:
- Practical training and experience in your chosen field
- Positive job experience to help you identify career objectives
- An impressive resume and recommendations from former employers
[### Handshake
Handshake connects UC Davis students with prospective on-campus and off-campus employers, allowing students to search for internships and jobs (including student employment and Work-Study).](https://careercenter.ucdavis.edu/career-center-services/handshake)
On-campus work-study checklist