Empowering tomorrow's storytellers: breaking down financial barriers so diverse voices can thrive

To change the face of journalism, we must uplift a new generation of diverse, talented storytellers. Thanks to the generosity of major donors through the Campaign for Berkeley Journalism, our Journalism School is breaking down financial barriers by expanding access to student awards, travel reporting grants, emergency funds, and internship stipends. We’re proud to open doors for tomorrow's pioneering and principled journalists.

Funding your Graduate Education

A myriad of options are available to you to help offset the costs of your graduate education. Many students are eligible for aid and 90% of all graduate students at Berkeley receive some form of financial support, including:

  • Graduate Fellowships, Grants, & Awards
    We recommend exploring such opportunities within our department, across the larger UC Berkeley campus, and beyond, such as these external fellowships that we have compiled over the years.
  • Need-based loans
    We also recommend applying as early as possible for FAFSA if you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident or for the CA Dream Act as a prospective undocumented student to explore additional financial support options.
  • Academic Student Employment
    UC Berkeley provides some of the most competitive compensation and benefit packages available when it comes to academic student employment.

You’ll want to explore and apply for as many options as possible that match your needs, eligibility, and area of study.

Berkeley Journalism Departmental Funding Overview

Merit- & Need-Based Funding

Financial constraints should never stand in the way of your education. We strongly encourage all interested candidates to apply to our program, regardless of financial means.

All domestic, undocumented, and international students are eligible for merit- and need-based departmental funding support. To receive priority consideration and automatic consideration for merit-based funding, you must submit your application by the Round 1 (priority) deadline of December 1, 2026. Annual awards vary, ranging from $5,000 to fully funded fellowships covering tuition & fees alongside a modest annual living stipend.

Merit-Based Departmental Funding

Our review process is deeply holistic. We evaluate merit by looking at your achievements in the context of your opportunities. Key factors include but are not limited to:

  • Journalism experience and commitment to the field
  • Relevant direct and transferable skills
  • Alignment with our J-School & UC Berkeley mission
  • Overall journalistic potential

Need-Based Departmental Funding

To be considered for need-based departmental funding, you must complete the "Departmental Grant" section of the online application, which also includes the Need-based Funding Essay.

  • Domestic Applicants: You must also complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) so we can determine financial need relative to the applicant pool.
  • Important Note on the FAFSA: Completing the FAFSA does not obligate you to take out student loans. It is simply a tool used by the UC Berkeley Financial Aid & Scholarships Office to determine your eligibility for grants, fellowships, work study, and other financial awards. Departmental need-based funding is entirely separate from any federal loan offers.

Select Berkeley Journalism Departmental Fellowships

By submitting your Master of Journalism application by the Round 1 (priority) deadline, you will also be invited to apply for additional fellowship opportunities, which may include some of those outlined below.

(*Please note that this list is subject to change as opportunities vary per year.)

Major Fellowship Opportunities

By submitting your Master of Journalism application by the Round 1 (priority) deadline, you will automatically be considered for major fellowship opportunities, some of which provide full funding (covering tuition & fees alongside a modest living stipend). These highly competitive awards are based on merit alone or a combination of both merit and need, based on a holistic review of your application.

Additional Fellowship Opportunities

Some select funding opportunities, including the Dean's Fellowship for first-generation college students, require a separate application. To be considered, you must submit your application by the Round 1 (priority) deadline. Applicants will then receive an email invitation from the Berkeley Journalism admissions team (typically sometime in mid December) with instructions on how to apply.

Other fellowships in the past have included the following:

  • Alice Kahn Journalism Masters Fellowship: Honoring the legacy of the celebrated California columnist, this $5,000 fellowship supports a student across any media platform who uses wit and appropriate levity to address complex social and cultural issues. It is awarded to a storyteller who demonstrates a unique talent for bringing compelling, insightful humor back into the modern newsroom.
  • Litke Fellowship in International Reporting: This $10,000, one-year fellowship is awarded to an incoming student with a passion for global storytelling through broadcast or visual journalism. It supports aspiring international reporters looking to launch their careers on the world stage.
  • The 11th Hour Food & Farming Journalism Fellowship: Funded by The 11th Hour Project of The Schmidt Family Foundation, this $10,000, one-year fellowship supports an incoming student focused on reporting on food systems. Eligible areas of interest span the entire food landscape, from agricultural policy and climate change to food security, labor issues, and public health.

Greater UC Berkeley Campus Funding Opportunities

UC Berkeley Graduate Division Fellowships & Grants

It can be overwhelming to research what funding opportunities you may be eligible for and are right for you. Hence, the Graduate Division has put together their own comprehensive Guide to Fellowships & Grants to help direct you to potential funding opportunities both on and off campus.

Campus Employment & Fee Remission

UC Berkeley offers some of the most competitive compensation and benefits packages in the country. We encourage you to explore and apply for options that align with your needs, eligibility, and field of study.

A range of Graduate Student Researcher (GSR) and Academic Student Employment (ASE) opportunities are available to incoming and current students, with ASE roles including:

  • Graduate Student Instructor (GSI): work under the supervision of a faculty member, grading papers and exams, holding office hours, and assisting with instruction
  • Reader: primarily support in grading papers and exams, holding office hours, and assisting course instructors
  • Tutor: offer individual or group tutoring sessions to students

These positions offer vital campus work and funding for UC Berkeley graduate students.

Key Benefits

  • Tuition & Health Fee Remission Benefit: Working an eligible tuition fee remission position (typically at least 25% time/10 hours a week) covers a major portion of your tuition, fees, and health insurance.
  • Competitive Pay: Positions pay an hourly wage (ranging from $20 to $25+ per hour) or a monthly salary during your semester of employment.

Additional Information for Journalism Students

  • Hiring Departments:
    • The Journalism School does not offer GSR or ASE roles to incoming first-year students. Admissions funding packages are fully separate and not contingent on campus employment.
    • However, Journalism students are eligible and strongly encouraged to apply for positions in other campus departments, such as but not limited to: Media Studies, Political Science, English, History, Global Studies, Psychology.
  • Application Timeline: Once you accept your offer of admission, you can immediately begin applying for campus-wide roles, with postings typically opening in mid-to-late March.
  • Compensation & Benefits: Funding, tuition fee remission eligibility, and job availability are determined entirely by the specific hiring department. 

For more details, please check the Graduate Student Academic Appointments Handbook.

Federal Student Aid: FAFSA, CADAA

To secure maximum financial aid for your time at UC Berkeley, timing is everything. Both the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) open every year in the fall semester prior to the academic year you plan to enroll.

Important Application Timeline

  • Application Opens: Fall semester (prior to the academic year)
  • State Priority Deadline: March 2 (prior to your fall enrollment)
  • Federal Final Deadline: June 30 of the aid year

Example: To receive aid for the 2027–28 academic year, your application opens in Fall 2026, with a priority deadline of March 2, 2027.

While the federal government allows submissions through June 30, you must apply by California's priority deadline (March 2) to qualify for on-time funding at UC Berkeley. Submitting after this date may reduce the types and amount of aid you are eligible to receive, including state grants and university aid.

Please learn more on our UC Berkeley Financial Aid & Scholarships website and the Federal Student Aid website.

Additional Funding Opportunities for International Students

The Berkeley International Office (BIO)

The Berkeley International Office is the one-stop resource for international students and provides information on opportunities for employment. BIO counselors can answer many questions about the international student experience, logistics, and resources.

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is a comprehensive scholarship opportunity specific to citizens of an African country.

For consideration, you must: 1) meet the eligibility criteria for this scholarship and 2) submit your online application for the Master of Journalism by the Round 1 (priority) deadline. Round 2 applicants will not be considered given the later admissions timeline.

Please find an approximate timeline for consideration, review and notification for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program below, although this may be subject to change:

  • December 1, 2026: Deadline to submit your online Master of Journalism application for Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program consideration.
  • Early to Mid-February 2027: A select group of admitted applicants who meet eligibility criteria will be invited by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program team to submit a separate scholarship application.
  • Mid-February to March 2027: The Scholars Program team will conduct a separate review to determine finalists.
  • By March 31, 2027: Scholarship awardees will be announced.

Please note: you must also be admitted to Berkeley Journalism to be selected. Gaining admission to Berkeley Journalism is a separate process, and does not imply automatic funding.

For questions about eligibility or about the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, please contact their team directly at mcfs.programinfo@berkeley.edu.

Tuition & Cost Breakdown

For the most up-to-date tuition and fees, visit the UC Berkeley Registrar website and scroll down to the "Graduate: Professional - School of Journalism" fee table.

Cost of attendance estimates for personal graduate school budgeting may also be found on the UC Berkeley Financial Aid & Scholarships Office website.

Key Financial Details:

  • Per-Semester Costs: All listed fees are charged per semester. The Master of Journalism (MJ) program spans two years (four semesters total).
  • California Residency & Tuition: As a public university, UC Berkeley's tuition and fees depend on your residency status:
    • CA Residents: Pay standard in-state tuition & fees listed for "Residents."
    • Nonresidents: International students and out-of-state domestic students pay the tuition & fees listed for "Nonresidents."

However, out-of-state domestic students can usually establish California residency after year one to significantly lower their second-year tuition. International students pay non-resident fees for both years. Learn more about residency for tuition purposes on the UC Berkeley Registrar website.

  • Fee Finalization: The rates currently displayed reflect the current academic year. Official fees for the Fall 2027–Spring 2028 academic year will be finalized by the University in early July 2027.

Miscellaneous Costs

There are also anticipated additional miscellaneous costs per semester, some of which are estimated as follows:

  • Transportation for Reporting Classes: $200 - $2,000
  • Documentary Production (for documentary students only): $2,000 - $10,000
  • Equipment Costs: Variable
  • Estimated Loan Fees: $244
  • Course Material Fees (varies by course): $40 - $200

Upon arrival, students should also plan to have a recent, quality Apple laptop, estimated at $1,800 - $3,600.