The responsibility of financing the Abbey MRED+D program usually rests primarily with the student. Therefore, we strongly suggest that applicants investigate all available financing options. We have gathered all of the information we have on funding sources on this page, although it is certainly not exhaustive, and applicants are encouraged to conduct their own research. International students should explore funding opportunities in their home countries.

Types of Funding

• Abbey MRED+D Admissions Fellowships
• Federal Student Loans
• Fellowships and Scholarships
• Academic Student Employment (ASE)
• Veterans Education Benefits
• Fee Payment Plan
• Aid for International Students

Abbey MRED+D Admissions Fellowships

The Abbey MRED+D program offers a limited number of competitive admissions merit-based fellowships. Decisions are based on overall strength of required materials submitted with the general admissions application and no separate application is needed. If awarded a department admissions fellowship, we will notify recipients by email.

Federal Student Loans

If eligible, Abbey MRED+D students may qualify for a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan or Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan to help cover program costs. 

Please consult these links for more information:

• Eligibility for Financial Aid at UC Berkeley
• Financial Aid Award Guide
• General Loan Information
• Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan
• Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan
• Student Loan Checklist

Fellowships and Scholarships

Following is a partial list of funding opportunities. This list is for informational purposes and does not imply any connection with, or endorsement by, the College of Environmental Design or Abbey MRED+D Program.

• Arcus Social Justice Corps Fellowship (CED)
• U.S. Department of Labor Scholarship Search Tool
• Appraisal Institute Education Trust Scholarship
• International Council of Shopping Centers Scholarship
• Appraisal Institute Education and Relief Foundation College Scholarships
• NAIOP and Prologis Inclusion in CRE Scholarship
• Diversity Student Scholarship Diversity Student Scholarship
• Urban Land Institute Student Scholarship Program
• Urban Land Institute Graduate Student Fellowships
• Urban Land Institute Development 360 Program
• CREW Network Foundation Scholarship
• California Association of Realtors Scholarship

Academic Student Employment (ASE)

Abbey MRED+D students may apply for ASE appointments with positions starting fall or spring semester. Abbey MRED+D students are not allowed to apply for summer ASE positions. ASE appointments may reduce some tuition fees up to the total cost of in-state tuition. Though incoming students are eligible to apply, these positions are competitive.

Please review the brief job descriptions below (complete descriptions are available through UC Berkeley's Graduate Division) to determine what category best fits your need.

GSIs (Graduate Student Instructors) are registered UC Berkeley students who lead discussion sections and/or serve as an assistant instructor during lecture. Duties may include: teaching, grading, test proctoring, attending lectures, holding office hours, and meeting with the instructor to consult on the class throughout the term. As GSIs do provide instruction, they are required to attend trainings and must be included in course evaluations.

Readers assist with grading homework assignments and examinations. Specific duties may include attendance at lectures, holding office hours and meeting with GSIs and instructor(s) to discuss the class throughout the term. Readers DO NOT provide instruction to students.

Graduate Student Researchers (GSRs) are registered UC Berkeley students that provide research-related work for an individual faculty member, center, academic group, degree program, or faculty group.

Abbey MRED+D students who are fully sponsored, meaning all fees are paid by a third party or outside agency, may choose to work as GSIs and/or Readers. However, if you are eligible for a fee remission from UC Berkeley, you will only receive it if your sponsoring agency reduces the sponsorship by that amount. Fee remissions will not be paid to the student as a refund if fees are being covered by an outside source.

Veterans Education Benefits

If you are eligible for VA benefits under the Post 9/11 GI Bill (Ch 33), Vocational Rehabilitation (Ch 31), Dependents Educational Assistance (Ch 35), or Montgomery GI Bill (Ch 30, 1606 or 1607), you may use them for the MRED+D program.  However, this program is not eligible for the Cal Vet College Fee Waiver.  Please see this information on initiating VA benefits at UC Berkeley, and contact the Veterans Benefits unit in the Office of the Registrar with any questions.

Fee Payment Plan

UC Berkeley's Fee Payment Plan allows for qualified semester fees to be paid in five monthly installments. Interested applicants can read more here. Please note only fall and spring semester fees are eligible for this payment plan option.

Aid for International Students

International students are encouraged to visit the Berkeley International Office Financial Aid page, and to take advantage of the resources it provides. We would also like to make you aware of a loan option that does not require a U.S. co-signer via Prodigy Finance.