Work-study is a great way for students at UC Davis to earn money, gain work experience, and help cover educational expenses. UC Davis offers two types of work-study programs: Federal Work-Study (FWS) and Institutional Work-Study. In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between the two, eligibility requirements, and how to find job opportunities—whether it’s through Handshake or community service positions.

What is Federal Work-Study?

Federal Work-Study (FWS) is a financial aid program designed for students who demonstrate financial need. It provides the opportunity to work part-time while you're in school, allowing you to earn money that can go toward things like textbooks, rent, or other living expenses. The best part? Unlike loans, you’re earning this money instead of borrowing it, and it’s paid directly to you based on the hours you work.

Eligibility for Federal Work-Study

To qualify for Federal Work-Study at UC Davis, you need to meet a few requirements:

• U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency: This includes U.S. nationals or those intending to become permanent residents.
• Enrollment at UC Davis: You need to be enrolled in a degree program as an undergraduate.
• Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP): You must maintain good academic standing as per university policies.
• No Federal or State Loan Default: You shouldn't owe any refunds on grants or be in default on any loans.
• Financial Need: Your Student Aid Index (SAI) should be $25,000 or less, with work-study eligibility of at least $1,000.

Work-study funds are limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. If you qualify, you can find your Work-Study Eligibility Certificate in MyAwards starting in mid-June.

What is Institutional Work-Study?

Institutional Work-Study at UC Davis is another form of financial aid, but it’s specifically designed for AB540 students, including undocumented students who are authorized to work in the U.S. Funded by the university, this program mirrors the Federal Work-Study program by offering part-time employment opportunities to help with educational costs.

Eligibility for Institutional Work-Study

To be eligible for Institutional Work-Study, you need to meet these requirements:

• AB540 or International Status: You must be eligible to work in the U.S., and CADAA applicants need to have valid work authorization.
• Enrollment at UC Davis: Like Federal Work-Study, you need to be regularly enrolled in an undergraduate program.
• Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP): You must be in good academic standing.
• No State Loan Default: You shouldn't owe refunds on state grants or be in default on any loans.
• Financial Need: Your SAI should be $25,000 or less, with at least $1,000 in work-study eligibility.

Similar to FWS, these funds are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, and you can access your Work-Study Eligibility Certificate via MyAwards around mid-June.

Finding work-study jobs at UC Davis is easy with Handshake, an online job board that connects students to both on-campus and community opportunities. To get started, create a detailed Handshake profile, highlighting your education, skills, and any relevant work experience, as a polished profile can help you stand out. Once your profile is set up, use the search filters to look specifically for work-study positions by checking the "Work-Study" box under job types. When you find a job that interests you, submit your application directly through Handshake, making sure to tailor your resume and cover letter to the position. Taking advantage of work-study opportunities not only helps you earn money but also allows you to build valuable skills and connections that will benefit you in the future. Happy job hunting!