Work-Study and Jobs

Work-Study is a need-based form of Financial Aid that you earn through on or off-campus employment and receive in the form of a paycheck. The intent of the Work-Study Program is to encourage part-time employment and reduce the amount of loan debt incurred while attending college. Work-Study does so by paying a portion of your salary thus making it more advantageous for an employer to hire you. Lastly, any earnings made under work-study do not count against your aid eligibility when filling out the next year’s FAFSA or California Dream Act application.

Work Study Programs



Description
 

Federal 
Federal Work-Study is the main program awarded and used during the academic year. This program can encompass almost all positions on campus. Awards range from $1000-$2000. 

University
During the academic year this program is offered to eligible international students and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) eligble Dream Act students. In summer, all eligible students are offered work study in this program. Awards vary from $500 to $5000. 

Jump Start
The UCLA Center for Community Learning is the home of Jumpstart, an AmeriCorps program for UCLA undergraduates that promotes literacy among preschool students. Students from all majors are welcome to apply for this one-year program with local preschools. Students hired under this program are eligible to petition for an increase in work-study up to $5000. Please note: an increase in work study may decrease students loans.
 

America Reads
UCLA BruinCorps is a community service learning program of UCLA Student Affairs that consists of two programs, Tutoring and the VISTA Project. Each has the goal of providing equal access to educational opportunities to under-resourced communities in Los Angeles County. BruinCorps members are committed to serving the needs of the community, most significantly the youth. Students hired under this program are eligible to petition for an increase in work-study up to $5000.  Please note: an increase in work study may decrease students loans. 

Community Service
These are all positions on campus or at approved off campus locations that benefit the community at large. Students who are hired in these positions are eligible to petition for an increase in work-study, up to $5000. Please note, an increase in work study may decrease students loans. 

Who is eligible?

Students who are eligible for this program will have a Work-Study award on their award letter. The award is only valid for the specified FAN period and cannot be rolled over. There are several requirements a student must meet in order to qualify for a work-study award. All awarding is dependent on funding availability from the UCLA Financial Aid and Scholarships office.

  1. Must submit a FAFSA or Dream Application on time (deadline is March 2nd).
  2. Demonstrate financial need with an EFC of $12,000 or less.
  3. Must be enrolled at least half-time (undergraduates: 6 units).

Where can I find work study jobs?

Almost any on-campus job can be considered for Work Study; however the employer must submit the job to the Work Study website for review and approval. You can go directly to on campus departments and ask if there are any available work study jobs. You can also go to the UCLA Work Study Job bulletin posted on MyUCLA, which has a current listing of approved Work study jobs. This website is updated daily and provides you with contact information for each job posting to either email or call the employer. Although you are not guaranteed a job we encourage you to look early and often in order to be more likely to obtain one.

Find jobs through myUCLA

How do I become officially placed in the program?

Once you have accepted a position, you must complete the hiring process. This consists of completing the hiring paperwork and submitting the online referral form. Whether you are working on or off-campus, please make sure your employer submits your referral form on our website. This must be completed by the hiring deadline specified for the award period. 

On-Campus:

  • The employer must complete and submit your referral form on the Work-Study Website every academic year and/or summer you are awarded work study.

Off-Campus (includes ASUCLA):

  • Once you accept the work study award, your hiring paperwork will be available on MyUCLA under the Work Study Job Search within 24 hours. Please follow the instructions to download/upload the hiring paperwork.
  • You must present your hiring documents (view acceptable i-9 forms) and a voided check to the UCLA Financial Aid and Scholarships office. The Work Study office hours of operation are: Monday-Friday 9:00am-11:30am and 1:30pm-3:45pm.
  • Once all hiring paperwork is complete, Financial Aid and Scholarships will give your Off-Campus employer access to the online referral form. They will then be able to fill out and submit the referral form. You are authorized to begin working as of the date the hiring paperwork is completed. 

How do I get paid?

You are paid bi-weekly, based on the dates specified for each pay period. Your time records must be submitted on time (by the due date specified on TRS). If you are hired under ASUCLA, you do not submit your time record via the TRS system. This is done automatically by ASUCLA.

General Information:

  • You can work a maximum of 20 hours per week.
  • You can only be in one work-study job at a time.
  • You must be paid at least the minimum wage. Wage must be within reason to the position and other employees in a similar position.
  • Summer work-study is available if you are enrolled at least half-time and submit the summer application on time. 

Non-Work Study Job Resources

  • Handshake is your gateway to online Career Center services and event sign ups, exclusively for UCLA students. Handshake grants one-stop access to hundreds of jobs and internships as well as access to other essential employment, internship and graduate school resources.
  • Logon to UCLA Handshake
  • Housing & Hospitality Services - Student Opportunities 
  • Fleet & Transit Services - Student Opportunities

Work Study Guides and Publications