UC San Diego scholarships for internationals?

I'm an international high school junior curious about scholarships at UC San Diego. Are there any specific programs or scholarships for international students, and what should I focus on to improve my chances?

UC San Diego does offer scholarships to international students, but it's important to clarify that the amount of funding for international students can be limited.

The Chancellor’s Scholarship and the Regents Scholarship are UC San Diego's most prestigious scholarships, available to entering first-year students. International students are eligible for these scholarships, and awardees are determined by the strength of their admissions application.

To increase your chances of receiving these scholarships, it's important to focus on both your academic achievements and your extracurricular involvement. Having a high GPA and strong test scores, combined with involvement in activities related to your intended major or future career goals, can make your application more competitive.

In addition to merit scholarships, UC San Diego you can apply for the International Students & Programs Office (ISPO) scholarships, which are specifically targeted at international students. These scholarships often look for students who've shown outstanding achievement or potential contribution to the international community.

To improve your chances, you might want to focus on leadership roles or initiatives. Demonstrating your impact in your local or global community can help strengthen your application.

Keep in mind that regardless of these scholarships, UC San Diego, like other UC schools, still considers international students as non-residents for tuition purposes, so the cost can be substantial. Be sure to explore all potential sources of funding, including outside scholarships and financial aid opportunities from your home country.

Best of luck with your scholarship search! You're smart to start early and be thorough in your research.