The application form for the Cal-Bridge program is open, so it is time to consider applying for the 2026-27 academic year. The program is available to any physics, astronomy, computer science/engineering, or math major interested in pursuing a PhD in physics, astronomy, or a related field OR computer science/engineering or a related field OR math/math education/statistics or a related field. More details about program benefits and eligibility are listed below.
The deadline for applications is April 8, 2026. Since letters of recommendation are also due on April 8, we highly recommend you contact faculty at your campus and others that you would like a letter from ASAP! Once you start an application, you can save your work, so there is no reason not to start now! In addition, a link can be sent to your letter writers immediately, without waiting for the application to be completed and submitted. Make sure you follow the directions in the application to send these notifications to your letter writers as soon as possible.
For more information and the link to the application instructions, visit our website at calbridge.org/undergraduate-program/. Please note that our application platform has migrated to OpenWater. If you encounter a link that takes you to a different site, please let us know so we can correct that. You can also check out videos of scholars describing their experiences in the program at this YouTube playlist.
The Cal-Bridge program is designed for students interested in pursuing a PhD in their major or a related field. Students who will graduate with their bachelors degree in academic year 2027-28 (i.e., between Fall 2027 - Spring 2028 or current sophomores/juniors) are eligible to apply.
The program combines significant scholarship money with intensive mentoring (by both a CSU and a UC faculty member), professional development, and research opportunities to prepare you to apply and be accepted to a PhD program. Benefits of the program include:
* Up to $15,000/year of scholarship support for your final two years of your undergraduate bachelor's degree, based on demonstrated need
* A fellowship if accepted and you choose to attend a PhD program at a participating UC campus*
* Mentoring from CSU and UC faculty members
* Professional development opportunities geared towards success in completing your undergraduate degree and in entering graduate school
* Opportunities to participate in research with CSU and UC faculty members
* Participating in STEM enrichment activities in a nurturing, friendly environment with other like-minded scholars from around the CSU system
To be eligible for the program, a Cal-Bridge applicant must:
* Be a citizen, permanent resident of the United States, or DACA/AB 540 student
* Be on track to graduate from a CSU campus in academic year 2027-28, including being currently enrolled in 2nd or 3rd year major classes
* Be majoring in physics/astronomy, computer science/engineering, or math/math education/statistics
* Demonstrate academic ability or potential
* Be motivated to attend graduate school at a participating UC or another institution (however, please note that only Cal-Bridge scholars who matriculate to a PhD program at a participating UC will receive a fellowship for graduate study)
If you have any questions about Cal-Bridge, contact our program team at ugprogram@calbridge.org.
*Please note that admission to Cal-Bridge does not guarantee admission to a UC graduate program; Cal-Bridge scholars must successfully apply and matriculate to a participating UC PhD program in order to receive the fellowship for graduate study.
