Applicants should understand that funding is extremely limited and competitive.  Admitted students should expect to fund a significant portion (if not all) of their school-related costs.  

Tuition and Residence

The Office of Budget & Institutional Analysis Tuition & Fees provides up to date tuition and fees data for UC Davis.

The Office of the Registrar details information concerning establishing California residence for tuition purposes.


Internal Funding

University Fellowships

The graduate online application process automatically includes an application for University Fellowships. These campus-wide  fellowships are highly competitive.

Teaching Assistantships (TA Appointments)

TA appointments are available within the Department of Viticulture and Enology as well as other departments on campus. To apply for TA appointments outside of the Department, please contact the administration for each Graduate Program you could TA for directly. Additionally, many campus-wide TA opportunities are posted on the UC Davis Internship & Career Center's Handshake platform. Students are strongly encouraged to contact other UC Davis departments where they have the expertise to serve as a teaching assistant.

The Department of Viticulture and Enology offers several teaching assistantships each quarter.  Students in their second year who have satisfactorily completed VEN coursework are eligible to apply for Teaching Assistantships. TA Applications are available in January each year.  Appointments are individually determined by the course instructor.  At present, registration fees are almost completely covered under the UC Fee Remission program for any teaching assistantship appointment of 25% or greater.

Graduate Student Researcher (GSR Appointments)

Occasionally, Plan I students are supported by Graduate Student Researcher positions. GSR's are awarded by individual faculty members from their research grants. Traditionally, these appointments are negotiated after the student has secured a major professor.  At present, students hired as a GSR for 25% or more have their registration fees paid under the UC Fee Remission program.

Department Scholarships

The Department of Viticulture and Enology offers several privately funded scholarships.  Anyone within the Department is eligible to apply, although some scholarships have additional requirements.  Scholarship applications are distributed in January with the announcement of awards in June and distributed in fall quarter of the following academic year. Students and faculty are notified of applications and deadlines through department listservs.


External Funding

The American Society for Enology and Viticulture (ASEV)

The American Society for Enology and Viticulture annually awards numerous scholarships to students pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in enology, viticulture, or in a curriculum emphasizing a science basic to the wine and grape industry.  The awards are not in predetermined amounts and may vary from year to year.  All scholarship recommendations are determined by the Scholarship Committee and approved by the Board of Directors.

The Friends of the California State Fair Scholarship Program

The Friends of the California State Fair Scholarship Program is a collaborative effort between the Friends of the California State Fair, the California Exposition and State Fair, the California State Fair Agricultural Advisory Council, the Ironstone Concours Foundation, Blue Diamond Growers and Western Fairs Association. This program seeks to motivate well-rounded, high academic achievers. Multiple scholarships are awarded for 14 categories ranging from $1,000 – $2,500 each.

The American Wine Society Educational Foundation (AWSEF) 

The American Wine Society Educational Foundation's mission is to support educational and research activities that will advance the viticultural and enological sciences to achieve a world-class North American wine industry. Specifically, The Foundation plans to achieve its mission by providing academic scholarships and research grants to graduate students based on academic excellence and genuine interest in pursuing careers in wine-related fields.

The James Beard Foundation

The James Beard Foundation Scholarship Program helps aspiring culinary students realize their dreams by supporting them on a path to success in the rewarding world of the hospitality industry. Professional grants enable those already working in the industry to gain experience and hone their skills.


Other Resources

In addition to funding sources within the University of California, Davis, the Office of Graduate Studies keeps a list of External Fellowship opportunities for continuing graduate students. All domestic students are required to file the Free Application for Financial Student Aid (FAFSA), which is available online in January with an early March deadline.  Award eligibility will be determined and sent to the UC Davis Financial Aid Office and viewed at MyAwards.