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Undocumented and Dreamer Students

First Year

Cal State Monterey Bay is a diverse and welcoming community. We’re committed to helping undocumented and Dreamer students of all nationalities and ethnicities succeed in college and beyond. 

Admissions Requirements 

Dreamer and undocumented students will meet the same admissions requirements for first-year and transfer students. For a complete list of current requirements, visit:

Dreamer students may be undocumented students, students who are U.S. citizens but who are not California residents, or dependent students whose parents are not California residents who:

  • Have completed one of the following educational requirements:
    • Attended a California high school for three years or more; or
    • Attained credits earned in California for three years or more equivalent to full-time high school coursework and earned a GED or California High School Proficiency Exam; or
    • Attended a combination of elementary, middle, and/or high schools in California for a total of three years or more and graduated from a California high school or earned a GED or California High School Proficiency Exam
  • Will register or enroll in an accredited and qualifying California college or university
  • Do not hold a valid non-immigrant visa (F, J, H, L, A, B, C, D, E, etc.)
    • If you have Temporary Protected Status or hold a U visa, you may be eligible for the California Dream Act

If you need help determining your California state residency status, visit our catalog for full details.

Assembly Bill 540, commonly known as AB540, is a California law that allows undocumented students and non-resident students who meet admissions requirements to pay in-state tuition fees.

Dreamer/undocumented students can apply for state and institutional financial aid by completing the California Dream Act Application (CADAA). 

Students may be eligible for programs such as:

  • Cal Grant
  • Chaffee Grant
  • State University Grant
  • Educational Opportunity Grant
  • Middle Class Scholarship 
  • Campus-based scholarships 

Explore all Cal State Monterey Bay financial aid options. 

Undocumented Student Support Services

The Undocu-Success Center offers a variety of academic and personal support services to students. It’s also home to the student-led organization, Undocu-Otters and Allies.

Learn more

Other Helpful Resources