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Scholarships

Explore scholarships tailored for students in Urban Studies & Planning and Real Estate & Development. Our curated list highlights opportunities from industry partners and organizations that support your academic goals and professional growth.

The deadlines and requirements listed below are based on previous years and may change. We encourage you to visit each scholarship’s official website to verify the latest due dates and requirements. Scholarship opportunities are also announced via the DUSP blog.

DUSP Administered Scholarships

  • Stephen Lew '01 Internship Award
    • Due Date: Typically in late Spring quarter or early Summer
    • Stephen Lew ’01 was a proud Triton and member of DUSP's Real Estate and Development Advisory Board. He had an accomplished career working in the public and private sectors. Among his notable accomplishments, he was a top aide to former San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders. Stephen passed away unexpectedly in 2021 and his family generously endowed several internship awards in memory of his passion for public service, volunteerism and civic leadership. The Dept. of Urban Studies and Planning  administers three $2,000 stipends for the Stephen Lew ’01 Internship Awards in Urban Studies and Planning to rising fourth-year/senior undergraduate students in the Department of Urban Studies and Planning at UC San Diego who will complete an internship related to their major. The requirements are as follows:
      • Student is in good academic standing (GPA of 2.0 or higher),
      • Student is majoring in Urban Studies and Planning and/or Real Estate and Development,
      • Student demonstrates a commitment to volunteering, community service, and civic leadership, and
      • Student will participate in an internship (paid or un-paid) during their final academic year starting as early as the summer. Please note that you do not need to have an internship in place prior to submitting your application.
    • Amount: $2000
    • Applications will be announced via email to USP/RED majors as well as on the DUSP blog.
  • Isaac Martin Award for Outstanding Student Contribution in Real Estate and Development
    • Due Date: Fall/early Winter
    • This thoughtful award was spearheaded by RED Advisory Board members Paul Barnes and Tiffany English to recognize Prof. Isaac Martin for his exceptional leadership in launching the RED program and supporting the RED Advisory Board these many years, as well as to advance the efforts of outstanding RED students. Eligibility: Financial need, first-generation college student, California resident, and willingness to innovate solutions and take appropriate risks within the field of Commercial Real Estate to benefit communities
    • Amount: $2000
    • Applications will be announced via email to DUSP majors as well as on the DUSP blog.

UCSD Administered Scholarships

The list of UCSD Administered Scholarships may vary year to year based on scholarship funding and endowments.  Students are encouraged to review the list each year as the scholarships may change.  Some are geared towards incoming freshmen, incoming transfers, continuing students, and enrolled transfers. Below is a snippit of those geared towards Social Sciences students or USP/RED majors in particular.

  • Ray and Betty Ramseyer Scholarship: 
    • Eligibility: An entering 1st year student with an interest in the social sciences. Award amount and term: A 4-year award up to $20,000, paid at up to $5,000 per year.
  • Bonnie Reiss Leading on Climate Fellowship – ACADEMIC CAMPUS – Climate Action Fellows: 
    • Eligibility: Open to all undergraduate and graduate students. Students from any academic department can apply to help shape the university’s climate action programs. Award amount: $5,000.
  • Bonnie Reiss Leading on Climate Fellowship – ACADEMIC CAMPUS – Sustainable Agriculture and Food Fellows: 
    • Eligibility: Open to all undergraduate students. Students from any academic department can apply to help research and support sustainable agriculture and food systems. Award amount: $5,000.
  • Brutten Family Scholarship: 
    • Eligibility: Full-time juniors or seniors in the upcoming academic year, with a 3.0+ cum GPA, demonstrated financial need, and demonstrated college-level academic, campus or community service/ leadership. Award amount and term: Up to 2 years, paid at up to $2,000 annually.
  • CapitaLand Ascendas Reit Endowed Scholarship: 
    • Eligibility: Awarded to undergraduate students who have demonstrated leadership and/or contributions to their community, financial need and are in good standing at UC San Diego. Eligible students must have a declared major in one of the following: Economics, Mathematics, Rady School of Management, The Halicioglu Data Science Institute, Urban Studies and Planning, Jacobs School of Engineering, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Public Law. Award amount and term: A 1-year award up to $5,000.
  • Chen Del Pero Endowed Scholarship: 
    • Eligibility: UC San Diego students who are majoring in Social Sciences, have financial need and have a minimum GPA of 3.00 or higher. Award amount and term: A 1-year Award up to $2,000 annually.
  • Del Corazon Foundation Endowed Scholarship: 
    • Eligibility: Undergraduate students in the School of Social Sciences who are majoring in Real Estate and Development, first generation to attend to college and have a minimum 3.0 GPA. Award amount and term: A 1-year award up to $5,000.
  • E. Coke Hill Scholarship: 
    • Eligibility: Academic merit and demonstrated financial need, with a preference for students majoring in the Social Sciences. Award amount and term: A 1-year award up to $2,500
  • Gregory T. Bryan Scholarship: 
    • Eligibility: Full-time juniors or seniors in the upcoming academic year, who are Social Sciences or Arts & Humanities majors, with a 3.0+ cum GPA, have demonstrated financial need, and college-level academic, campus or community service/ leadership. Award amount and term: A 2-year award, paid at up to $2,000 annually.
  • Jim and Julie Lin Environmental Justice in Underserved Communities Scholarship: 
    • Eligibility: Undergraduate students who are passionate about helping underserved communities in environmental justice. Students must have a Junior class standing, have at least a 2.50 GPA and must plan to graduate by Spring 2024. This award is intended for a student who is committed to helping underserved populations mobilize, sustain, and protect their communities in the face of our current climate crisis. Award amount and term: A 1-year award up to $2,500.
  • Robert and Arleen Lettas Scholarship: 
    • Eligibility: Social Sciences majors with demonstrated financial need. Award amount and term: A 1-year award up to $2,500.
  • William F. Rogers Jr. Scholarship - Merit: 
    • Eligibility: Academic merit, with a preference for students majoring in Social Sciences. Award amount and term: A 1-year award up to $2,500.

Additional Scholarships Geared Towards DUSP Students

Scholarships are listed in alphabetical order.

  • Appraisal Institute Education and Relief Foundation College Scholarship
    • Due Date: April 1
    • Awarded on the basis of academic excellence, this scholarship helps finance the educational endeavors of undergraduate or graduate students concentrating, or with demonstrated interest, in real estate appraisal and/or valuation.
    • Amount: $1500
  • Appraisal Institute Education and Relief Foundation Minorities and Women College Scholarship
    • Due Date: April 1
    • Awarded on the basis of academic excellence, this scholarship helps finance the educational endeavors of minority and women students pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees, or with demonstrated interest, in real estate appraisal and/or valuation.
    • Amount: $1500
  • Architects Foundation Next Generation Scholarship
    • Due Date: Jan 9, 2026
    • Architects Foundation is working to attract, inspire and invest in the next generation of architects, and we can help fund your college education with this multiyear scholarship of up to $20,000. Those selected as Next Generation Scholars will join a select group of students who through imagination, commitment to excellence, and participation in a supportive network can change the landscape of the profession and future of the built environment.
    • Amount: Up to $20,000 
  • Assoc. for Women in Architecture Foundation
    • Due Date: April 3, 2026
    • The Association for Women in Architecture Foundation, Inc. (AWAF) is a tax-exempt charitable 501(c)(3) organization based in Los Angeles, California, dedicated to fostering educational and professional leadership opportunities for women in architecture and related fields. Each year the AWAF celebrates some of the brightest emerging design talents by awarding scholarships to support these exceptional women in their continuing education. As AWAF begins our 29th year and AWA, our mother organization celebrates its Centennial, we are pleased to announce that with increased giving from our donors we have additional scholarship awards opportunities for 2026. There will be up to eight (8) awards in the varying amounts ranging from $3,000 to $10,000. Winners also receive a one-year membership with our sister organization, AWA+D.
    • Amount: Varies plus membership
  • Assoc. of California Water Agencies (ACWA)
    • Previous deadlines: March
    • ACWA began its scholarship programs in 1961 to motivate committed students to join the effort to ensure California’s water quality through sound management policies. The scholarship program is all about investing in future water leaders. Our hope is to cultivate a bright future for students who are dedicated to working for a safe, stable water supply for all Californians. Applicants must be pursuing an undergraduate degree in a water resources-related field related to engineering, agricultural and/or urban water supply, environmental studies, or public administration at the start of the academic year covered by the scholarship.
    • Amount: $2500, $3500, $5000
  • Assoc. of Environmental Professionals San Diego Chapter Scholarship
    • Due Sept 4, 2025
    • The San Diego Chapter of the Association of Environmental Professionals (AEP) supports students who are actively engaged in the pursuit of a career in a field with an environmental emphasis. As part of AEP’s support efforts, the San Diego Chapter offers scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students. The monetary award will be up to $2,000 per scholarship recipient. Each scholarship recipient will also receive a complimentary admittance to one AEP-sponsored webinar or workshop. These events are a great opportunity to network with other students and local professionals in the environmental field, as well as learn about relevant and controversial topics in the San Diego region.
    • Amount: $2000
  • Beinecke Scholarship
    • Due Date: March 12, 2025
    • The student must have plans for a research-focused master's or doctoral degree in the arts, humanities, or social sciences (graduate study in neuroscience does not qualify)
    • Amount: Up to $35,000 towards the cost of graduate study.
  • Bimla G. Rhinehart Memorial Scholarship
    • Due Date: June 2026
    • University students who will be entering their Senior year in the 2025 Summer or Fall terms and are enrolled in business, planning, engineering, or related major at a university in California intending to pursue a career in transportation. Applicant must be a U.S. Citizen or a Registered International Student.
    • Amount: $2500
  • Building Industry Association of San Diego College Scholarship
    • Due Date: Nov. 3. 2025
    • Scholarships are open to full time college students who graduated from a high school in San Diego County or college students living and attending college here in San Diego. In addition, you must be a California resident. The Scholarship Committee is seeking students who can demonstrate an interest in pursuing a career in the building industry. Many majors play an integral role in the building industry, such as advertising, business, finance, construction management, architecture, engineering, carpentry, city planning, real estate, and interior design, to name a few.
  • California Association of Realtors (CAR) Scholarship Foundation
    • Previous deadlines: March
    • The C.A.R. Scholarship Foundation awards scholarships once a year at the C.A.R. Spring Business Meetings. Students pursuing a real estate related degree at a California college or university may be eligible for an award by the C.A.R. Scholarship Foundation of up to $2,000 for those attending a two-year college and up to $4,000 for those enrolled in a four-year university. This scholarship program is for students enrolled at a California College or University pursuing a degree for professions which are centered on, or support a career in real estate transactional activity such as Real Estate Brokerage, Real Estate Finance, Real Estate Management, Real Estate Development, Real Estate Appraisal, Real Estate Planning, Real Estate Law, Commercial Real Estate, and Other fields of study the Trustees believe worthy of consideration.
    • Amount: $4000
  • California Planning Foundation (CPF) Scholarships
    • Due Date: June 15, 2025
    • CPF awards scholarships to outstanding planning students enrolled at eligible professional planning degree programs in California. Criteria for the scholarships include academic performance, financial need, increasing diversity in the planning profession, and a commitment to serve the planning profession in California after graduation. These scholarships are designed for continuing students entering their final year of an eligible undergraduate or graduate degree program. This means that if you are in a two-year graduate program, apply when you are towards the end of your first year. If you are in a four-year undergraduate program, apply when you are a junior (third year).
    • Amount: Varies. There are over 50 scholarships totaling over $80,000.
  • Caltrans Transportation Planning Scholarship 
    • Due Date: Nov 29, 2025
    • Scholarship is open to Caltrans Planning Student Assistants only. This scholarship is intended to recognize, encourage, and assist an outstanding student who is pursuing a baccalaureate or graduate degree in planning or a related field. Applicants must have a demonstrated interest in working in the planning profession. 
    • Amount: $750
  • Caroline Alain Rodman Memorial Scholarship
    • Due Date: Fall 2026
    • Criteria/ Eligibility: Must be a United States citizen, permanent resident, or studying in legal visa status. Currently enrolled as a student in good standing or has been accepted to a California graduate school Master’s program. Have a minimum Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 and Graduate School GPA of 3.0 (if available). Studying in the fields of either Political Science or Public Policy with relevant and identifiable focus on the transportation industry.
    • Amount: $2000
  • Construction Industry Education Foundation Scholarships in Architecture
    • Due Date: Feb 6, 2026
    • Founded in 1995, the CIEF Scholarships in Architecture is open to minority students pursuing a career in Architecture and is intended to help increase the representation of minorities in the Architecture profession. Two types of scholarships are offered including a five-year scholarship leading to a Bachelor or Master of Architecture and a Community College Scholarship for students who plan to transfer to a Bachelor or Master of Architecture Program.
    • Amount: $4000 with possible renewal each year up to $20,000.
  • Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) San Diego Chapter Student Scholarship
    • Due Date: March 7, 2026
    • The Mission of CMAA is "To promote and enhance leadership, professionalism, and excellence in managing the development and construction of projects and programs." The Vision of CMAA is "to be the recognized authority in managing the development and construction of projects and programs". The Purpose of the CMAA San Diego Regional Chapter’s Scholarship Awards is to promote student involvement in the Chapter, and to reward students exhibiting genuine interest in the improvement of the construction management industry, as demonstrated in their studies and statements of short and long-term goals. Applicant must be enrolled in an Associate's, Bachelor’s or Master’s degree program with an emphasis in the Architectural/Engineering/Construction (AEC) industry at a California college/university located in San Diego or Imperial County. Preference will be given for Construction focused programs.
    • Amount: Varies
  • Construction Owners Assoication of America Albert E. Phillips Scholarship
    • Due Date: March 1
    • Acknowledging that education is a critical part of strengthening our industry, COAA is proud to offer up to two (2) $3,000 Phillips Scholarships each year to college students pursuing a degree in the design and construction industry. 
    • Amount: $3000 plus recipients can elect to attend receive a complimentary conference registration for the COAA Connect spring conference in May, hotel accommodations, and airfare to and from the event.
  • CREW Network Foundation Scholarship
    • Applications open Jan 5-April 1
    • The CREW Network Foundation scholarship program supports female students as they pursue university-level education that will lead to careers in commercial real estate. With the help of its generous donors and the Linda Hollemon Scholarship Endowment, CREW Network Foundation will grant twenty-five, $5,000 undergrad and fifteen, $10,000 graduate academic scholarships in 2025.
    • $5000
  • CTF Graduate School Scholarship
    • Due Date: June 6, 2025
    • Students who are studying a transportation related field; are currently enrolled as a student in good standing in a California graduate school or are currently enrolled in an undergraduate institution and have been accepted into a California graduate school; and are a United States citizen, permanent resident, or studying in legal visa status are eligible to apply.
    • Amount: $5000
  • Dekema Scholarship
    • Due Date: Spring 2026
    • The Dekema Scholarship honors the accomplishments of Jacob Dekema, District 11 Director, from 1955 to 1980.
      Applicants must: be a U.S. Citizen, permanent resident, or documented international student; be a high school senior in California or an undergraduate or graduate student from a California state accredited college; have a GPA of 2.5 or higher; pursue or plan to pursue a career in transportation.
    • Amount: $1000 and $750
  • Donald A. Strauss Foundation Scholarship
    • Due Date: Feb 9, 2026
    • The Donald A. Strauss Scholarship Foundation makes annual awards of $15,000 to no fewer than 10 and no more than 15 California college sophomores or juniors. ​The Foundation promotes the value of public service in the education and preparation of our future leaders by financing innovative student-generated projects. A central part of the application package is a proposal for a project to be carried out between the end of the sophomore or junior year, and the spring of the following year; these proposals shall become a major focus of the selection process. 
      In response to the rising costs in education, up to $7,000 of this award is now designated as a Scholarship to be applied to the student’s educational support. $8,000 is designated as a project grant to fund the student’s service project expenses.
    • Amount: $15000
  • International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) Scholarships
    • Due Date: Unknown, applications open in Jan 2026
    • Multiple Scholarships available with varying qualifications and focuses including financial need, entrepreneurship, and diversity.  All scholarships require: 1) A minimum GPA of 3.0 and 2) Must have a demonstrated interest in
      (1) the Marketplaces Industry, focusing on the development and management of marketplaces and spaces where people shop, dine, work, play, and gather.
    • Amount: $5000 or $10,000 plus ICSC student membership, mentorship, and an all-expenses-paid trip to ICSC LAS VEGAS for U.S. recipients
  • Kate Coburn Travel and Research Fellowship for Emerging Women in Real Estate
    • Due Date: Nov 14, 2025
    • Kate was a trailblazer known for her transformative work revitalizing downtowns and creating vibrant, thriving places across cities. Kate was particularly a champion for women in real estate, serving as a mentor to so many in the industry and paving the way for the next generation of women in real estate. As part of her work, Kate loved to travel and explore cities. Her work was grounded in her sense of a place. In keeping with Kate’s passion for experiencing new places, this annual fellowship will provide a unique opportunity for the recipient to travel to a U.S. city and engage with local officials and practitioners involved in public-private real estate development, while immersing themselves in the city’s cultural and urban fabric. The recipient will receive $2,500 to cover 2-3 days of travel expenses.The ideal candidate is a woman in the real estate industry —or an ally who actively advances the role of women in real estate—and is eager to explore public-private real estate development through hands-on, immersive research. This individual is an early- to mid-career professional with 1–5 years of professional experience. They are curious, motivated, and ready to engage with local professionals and stakeholders, bringing a clear purpose and a thoughtfully planned itinerary that reflects a commitment to learning from their chosen city’s unique dynamics.
    • Amount: $2500 for travel and expenses
  • Merritt Scholars Program
    • Due Date: April 15, 2025
    • The Merritt Scholars program is a statewide scholarship and mentorship program to attract the next generation of affordable housing professionals. During the last three cycles of this program two UC San Diego students were selected to participate. Merritt is passionate about attracting diverse, talented, and mission-oriented professionals into the housing industry. This $10,000 scholarship provides undergraduate and graduate students with industry exposure, mentorship, and fully paid attendance at housing conferences and events, all with the goal of supporting scholars in obtaining jobs in affordable housing.
    • Amount: $10,000 plus industry exposure, mentorship, and fully paid attendance at housing conferences and events
  • Mildred C. Hanson, SIOR Memorial Scholarship
    • Due Date: Oct 31, 2025
    • Established in 2008, the Mildred C. Hanson, SIOR Memorial Fund generously instituted an educational scholarship program intended to encourage and assist qualified female students in obtaining an education that will lead them into productive careers in the commercial real estate industry.
    • Amount: $8000
  • NAIOP Foundation Scholarship
    • Due Date: April 11, 2025
    • NAIOP San Diego believes in leading the way for the next generation of commercial real estate professionals. Through strong relationships with the universities in San Diego and scholarship funding to students, we are able to facilitate that growth. The NAIOP San Diego Foundation Scholarship provides up to six $10,000 scholarships to qualified candidates. Our scholarship memorialize and honor past board members: Tony Badeaux, Michael Philbin, Nick Psyllos and Mickey Carhart.
    • Amount: $10,000
  • NAIOP Inclusion in CRE Scholarship for Students
    • Due Date: Prev. due in Feb
    • The scholarship program supports students who are pursuing a degree in commercial real estate. NAIOP and Prologis are awarding four $5,000 graduate student scholarships and two $2,500 undergraduate student scholarships to individuals from demographics that are traditionally underrepresented in commercial real estate and whose universities are part of the NAIOP University Membership program. In addition to the scholarship, each scholarship recipient will have the opportunity to make new professional connections and sharpen their commercial real estate acumen with complimentary registration to attend NAIOP’s CRE.Converge conference.
    • Amount: $2500
  • National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) San Diego Scholarships
    • Due Date: Applications open in December and close in March
    • Collegiate Scholarship A: Awarded to a female student pursuing a college degree in a construction-related profession.
    • Collegiate Scholarship B: Available for any student pursuing a college degree with a parent employed in the San Diego construction industry.
  • National Housing Endowment Scholarships and Grants
    • Due Date: Some previously due in March
    • Building homes for the nation is too important a priority to neglect the education, training and research that will be needed to support the residential construction industry. The National Housing Endowment is answering the call by continuing to find avenues to educate students on the many opportunities a career in construction offers. Variety of scholarship and grants available. 
    • Amount: Varies
  • Placeworks Scholarship Program
    • Due Date: Prev. due in April
    • Launched in the spring of 2021, the annual program offers scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students from historically underserved backgrounds who are pursuing degrees in planning, urban design, architecture, environmental planning, landscape architecture, and related fields. Eligible applicants include but are not limited to students from underrepresented groups who identify as American Indian or Alaska Native; Arab/Middle Eastern; Asian; Black or African American; Hispanic or Latino; and/or Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander; as well as veterans; disabled individuals; or first generation college students. Additionally, applicants must be California residents who are currently enrolled in undergraduate or graduate studies at an accredited California college or university and who are planning to enroll full-time in an eligible program during the next term. Each year we will award up to two $5,000 scholarships, and recipients will be eligible for an internship with PlaceWorks.
    • Amount: Up to $5000 plus an internship
  • Real Estate Network Empowering Women (RENEW) Scholarship
    • Due Date: Oct 31, 2025
    • Awards are based upon academic merit, demonstrated interest in Real Estate or Finance, extracurricular and community involvement. Application Criteria includes: Interest in Finance, Real Estate or related coursework, Enrollment in an Undergraduate or Graduate program for the current or next academic year, Minimum GPA – 3.0, Completed application including certified transcript and letter of recommendation
    • Amount: $5000
  • San Diego American Planning Association Student Scholarships
    • Due Date: March 14, 2025
    • Are you a college student attending a planning or planning-related program in either San Diego or Imperial County? Looking to pursue a career in planning? The San Diego Section of the American Planning Association has $7,500 in scholarships available to support as many local planning students as possible!
    • Amount: Varies
    • Applications will be announced via email to USP/RED majors as well as on the DUSP blog.
  • SIOR San Diego Scholarship
    • Due Date: Oct. 22, 2025
    • The SIOR San Diego Chapter provides two $3000 scholarships to a qualified candidate. Qualified candidates include a student with special interest in a Commercial/Industrial Real Estate Career in San Diego currently enrolled in an accredited University in San Diego County.
    • Amount: $3000
  • SmithGroup Design a Better Future Scholarship
    • Due Date: Dec 8, 2025
    • This scholarship program provides tuition assistance and professional opportunities to students who demonstrate commitment to advancing inclusion in the design industry. Since its inception, the program has awarded $240,000 to 40 recipients across the United States. Each year, five students who demonstrate a commitment to advancing an inclusive design industry are selected to receive a one-time award of $6,000 in tuition support. Recipients selected also receive a paid summer internship at any one of SmithGroup’s locations offering the student’s discipline (internship is a program requirement). 
    • $6000 plus an internship
  • Transportation Endowed Scholarship
    • Due Date: June 2026
    • Undergraduate university and college students majoring in transportation fields other than civil engineering, and who are professionally affiliated with Caltrans (interns, volunteers, student assistants, employees) are eligible to apply.
    • Amount: $1500
  • ULI San Diego-Tijuana Women’s Leadership Initiative (WLI) Scholarship 
    • Previous application window Oct - Dec
    • The ULI Women’s Leadership Initiative (WLI) scholarship program supports female college students or working professionals as they pursue a career in the real estate industry to develop leadership skills. To achieve this, it is important for participants to be actively involved, attending events and fostering relationships through ULI WLI Committee and other ULI programs (e.g., Young Leaders, Partnership Forum Group, etc.). This scholarship seeks to establish a long-term relationship with recipients.
    • Amount: $2500 plus ULI membership and events
  • WTS San Diego Student Scholarship
    • Due Date: June 13, 2025
    • WTS fosters the development of women in the transportation field by encouraging students and new professionals to undertake careers in the transportation field. One way it does this is by awarding scholarships to women pursing studies in a transportation or related field.
    • Amount: $5000, $2500, $1250

Additional Scholarship/Funding Resources

 Have a recommended edit or addition for this page? Please email usp@ucsd.edu.