Golden State Teacher Grant for teacher preparation in California

Why it fits you

Who can apply

Three different things not to mix up: the country where you study, your nationality and the country where you live when you apply.

Country of study

United States

Target level

Vocational training

Fields of study

Education

Other conditions

• After the programme, you commit to work at an eligible priority school or a California State Preschool Program (CSPP) for 4 years within 8 years, or 2 years within 4 years, of completing your professional preparation programme.RequiredOrganisation’s wording: GSTG recipients commit to work at an eligible priority school or California State Preschool Program (CSPP) for either 4 years within 8 years of the date they complete their professional preparation program or 2 years within 4 years of the date they complete their professional preparation program.
• Only Cohort 3 is open to new applicants.RequiredOrganisation’s wording: Only Cohort 3 is open for new applicants.
• You must have filed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application (CADAA).RequiredOrganisation’s wording: who have filed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application (CADAA)
• Eligibility and awarding for new 2026-27 applicants depend on the 2026-27 State Budget.Organisation’s wording: Eligibility and awarding for new 2026-27 applicants will be dependent on the 2026-27 State Budget.
• Awarding is on a first-come, first-served basis and funding is limited.Organisation’s wording: Awarding is done on a first-come, first-served basis, and funding is limited, so submit your application as soon as possible.
• You must complete your programme and obtain your credential within 6 years from the date your initial GSTG payments are mailed to your institution.RequiredOrganisation’s wording: Complete their program and obtain their credential within 6 years from the date their initial GSTG payments are mailed to their institution.
• You must maintain good academic standing while enrolled in the CTC-approved teacher preparation programme.RequiredOrganisation’s wording: Maintain good academic standing while enrolled in the CTC-approved teacher preparation program.
• If awarded, you must sign and return the Service Agreement within 30 days of receiving it.RequiredOrganisation’s wording: Please sign and return the service agreement within 30 days from the date of receipt.

The real funding

What the opportunity pays, what is left for you to pay and the money to plan before leaving.

When it is paid

UC Berkeley's Financial Aid Federal and State Programs Unit requests GSTG funds the week after the term instruction; CSAC sends them by Electronic Funds Transfer about two weeks after they are requested; once received, the funds are disbursed within 5 business days of the package adjustment.

Application steps

In the order set by the programme. Open a step to see the details.

1. 1
   Step 1: Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application (CADAA).

   With whom

   You

   Official link

   Open the official page (opens in a new tab)

2. 2
   Step 2: Apply for a Golden State Teacher Grant on the California Student Aid Commission's (CSAC) Golden State Teacher Grant webpage.

   With whom

   You

   Official link

   Open the official page (opens in a new tab)

3. 3
   Step 3: Once you have completed all steps, contact your Graduate Student Affairs Officer so they may work with the Financial Aid Office and track your application.

   With whom

   You

Where to apply