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Eligibility

Federal Work-Study (FWS) eligibility is based on your annual FAFSA and financial aid renewal requirements (CAESAR > To-Do List). It is awarded by the financial aid office.

If you are awarded FWS, it will appear in your financial aid notice (CAESAR > Financial Aid > View Financial Aid [year]).

Key reminders:

  • International students are not eligible. 
  • FWS earnings are limited to fall, winter, and spring quarters only.  You may earn FWS wages until you:
    • reach your work-study earnings limit, or
    • the last day of classes in the spring quarter (whichever comes first).
  • Your FWS or awarded amount may change if you:
    • are enrolled less than half-time,
    • take a co-op, study abroad, or other off-campus program*,
    • receive outside scholarships, or
    • have other financial aid adjustments.
  • Students studying abroad (including remote roles) may not earn FWS wages.
  • If your quarterly FWS amount in CAESAR is $0, you cannot earn FWS wages during that quarter.
  • Once you graduate, you may not continue to earn FWS wages. 
  • After graduation, you are no longer eligible to earn FWS.

Important Notes:

  • If you exhaust your earnings limit, we will update your funding to regular temporary student wages. Your employer will let you know if their budget allows for your continued employment under this accounting arrangement. Speak with your employer for further information. 
  • Students must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) throughout the year. 
*Domestic programs that may affect FWS eligibility include the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, MA, and SESP Practicums.
*Programs that do not affect eligibility include the U.S.-based Journalism Residency and the Bay Area Immersion Experience.