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Do you want to study or get a scholarship in California? As Katy Perry sings "You can travel the world, but nothing comes close to the Golden Coast," California is one of the best places in the USA for college students to study.

With its diverse climates of mountains, beaches, and deserts all within hours of each other, California offers something for everyone. However, college in California can get expensive.

Here are our top 13 picks for the best scholarships for college students in California.

Top 13 California scholarships

#13 - Cal Grant Programs

• Amount: Varies
• Open to: Low-income college students who have resided in California for at least a year and are attending a University of California, a California State University, a California Community College, or a qualifying independent and career college or technical school in California

The Cal Grant scholarships are sponsored by the California Student Aid Commission which is a state agency committed to making education after high school accessible to all. They offer scholarships for college students in California who are attending public or private colleges and universities in California.

#12 - American Indian Scholarship of Southern California

• Amount: $250 - $1,000
• Open to: American Indian students who attended college or university in Southern California and exhibit academic excellence and community involvement

This scholarship helps American Indian students in California have access to college. To qualify, you must prove your tribal enrollment or descent and your enrollment at a college or university in Southern California.

#11 - Study California Scholarship

• Amount: $1000
• Open to: International students with F-1 visa status who are enrolled full-time in an undergraduate or graduate degree program at a Study California member institution

The Study California Scholarship is committed to making California a top study location. They want to support international talent from those who have demonstrated academic achievement and leadership skills. The applicant must have a GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).

#10 - Real Estate Scholarship and Internship Grant *

• Amount: $500-$2,000
• Open to: Students interested in pursuing a career in real estate who faced economic and educational disadvantages while pursuing their education

For this scholarship, the student should demonstrate an interest in real estate by completing or being currently enrolled in a course related to real estate (including but not limited to urban planning, urban economics, geographic information systems, ethics, and property tax, business classes). They must be enrolled in at least six credits at a CSU campus. Scholarship winners may also be awarded an unpaid internship for them to gain more experience in the field.

#9 - Ebell/Flint Scholarship

• Amount: $3,000-$5,000
• Open to: Any student attending a public or private university in Los Angeles County

For this Southern California Scholarship, winners are chosen by their financial need, academic achievement, and community service/leadership. Today 4,750 students have been aided by this scholarship, adding up to 6 million dollars. Additionally, there’s no fee to apply!

#8 - Women Scholarship for International Students

• Amount: $5,000
• Open to: Women international students from any country who will be studying for an undergraduate degree abroad

This scholarship aims to support globally-minded women interested in other cultures. The applicants must have high academic achievements and be involved in extracurricular groups and activities.

#7 - Howard C. Christiansen Endowed Scholarship *

Amount: $5,000

Open to: Students majoring in engineering

This California scholarship is for students interested in engineering. The scholarship was established by Howard C. Christiansen in 2016. It is awarded to six students each year.

The applicants must be currently enrolled at a CSU campus, have a GPA over 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale), and demonstrate financial need.

#6 - Bernard Harris Scholarship

Amount: $5,000

Open to: Hispanic and Black students currently in their final year at a high school that is a member district of the Council of the Great City Schools interested in pursuing a degree in STEM

The Bernard Harris Scholarship aims to encourage minority students to pursue a degree in the STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math). The applicant must be enrolled in a four-year college or university to begin the next academic year and have at least a GPA of 3.0.

#5 - Undergraduate in STEM Scholarship

• Amount: $5,000
• Open to: International students from any country who will be studying for an undergraduate STEM degree abroad

This $5,000 scholarship is awarded to outstanding students who want to pursue a Bachelor's degree in the STEM fields abroad. All finalists who are not chosen as the winner will still receive a gift!

#4 - Global Bachelor's Scholarship

• Amount: $5,000
• Open to: International students from any country who will be studying for an undergraduate degree abroad

We are pleased to offer a scholarship of up to $5,000 towards your Bachelor's degree tuition fees, helping you to pursue your academic goals and embark on new adventures.

#3 - Robert D. & Dorothy W. Talty Endowed Scholarship *

Amount: $7,000

Open to: CSU undergraduates in STEM majors

This California scholarship is for undergraduates and graduate students currently enrolled at a CSU campus majoring specifically in engineering, physics, chemistry, biology, and computer sciences. Applicants should have a strong academic standing.

#2 - CSU Trustees’ Award for Outstanding Achievement *

Amount: $18,000

Open to: Any student enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at a CSU campus

This scholarship recognizes students who have overcome adversity and shown academic merit and achievement. The applicants must have good academic standing (minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale) and demonstrate financial need.

#1 - #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship

Amount: Minimum of 50% of tuition

Open to: International students who do not have US citizenship/residency and demonstrate interest in promoting intercultural learning and exchange

YAWH Scholarship partners with many colleges and universities all over the US, including California State University San Marcos. Each applicant will write a 500-1000 word essay or create a two-to-five-minute video answering a prompt about their leadership skills. Depending on the specific university you apply to, there could be other requirements.

* Note: These scholarships for college students in California are specifically offered to those who already attend or are enrolled at one of the California State University (CSU) college campuses. If you would like to qualify for these scholarships, consider applying to one of the CSU campuses.

Read more:

• Scholarships for Bachelor’s Studies in the USA
• Bachelor’s Studies Scholarship Directory
• How to Write a Cover Letter for Scholarship