CA Dream Act

What is the CA Dream Act Application?

The California Dream Act Application is used to determine the California state financial eligibility of students who meet the qualifications of Assembly Bill 540 (AB 540). 

  • The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) will process this application. 
  • Any aid received can only be used at eligible California institutions.
  • This application allows AB 540 eligible students to receive state financial aid while attending colleges in California. Students do not need to have DACA to apply for the CA Dream Act Application. 

Information provided on the California Dream Act Application will not be shared with federal databases. Student and parent information, is proctected by the same privacy and information security safeguards that apply to all other state financial aid applicants. 

How do I apply?

  • Apply Online 
  • Include school code: 00116200
  • Fill out correct application for the appropriate year
    • 2023-2024: Fall 2023, Spring 2024, Summer 2024
    • 2024-2025: Fall 2024, Spring 2025, Summer 2025

Click Here to Apply for the CA Dream Act Application


California Assembly Bill AB 540 is a California law passed in 2001 that exempts students (including undocumented students) who meet eligibility requirements from out-of-state tuition fees.

Please visit the Chabot Dream Center website for further information regarding eligibility criteria.

  1. Fill out the California Nonresident Tuition Excemption Request (AB 540 form) and submit it to the Admissions and Records Office. Additional documentation may be needed.
  2. Submit the CA Dream Act Application by the March 2nd priority deadline every year.

Assembly Bill 130 (AB 130) allows students who meet AB 540 criteria to apply for and receive non-state funded scholarships for public colleges and universities.

Assembly Bill 131 (AB 131) allows students who meet AB 540 criteria to apply for and receive state-funded financial aid such as institutional grants, community college fee waivers, Cal Grant and Chafee Grant.

To be eligible to apply for Cal Grant, please be sure to complete the CA Dream Application by the March 2nd priority deadline.
  • CA Promise/Chabot Promise fee waiver
  • Cal Grant
  • Student Success Completion Grant
  • Chafee Grant
  • Assistance for EOPS & CalWORKs
  • Scholarships (not a comprehensive list):

    *Important - Chabot College is not affiliated with and does not endorse any of the web sites listed. This is simply a list of web resources which may provide helpful information. Chabot does not make any certification/guarantee regarding the accuracy or reliability of any information provided in this list. Clicking any link listed above will transfer the user to a page not under Chabot’s control.

  • The two types of offered Cal Grants (B or C) relate to what type of program you will be enrolled in at Chabot College. (Cal Grant A is not available to students at a California Community College, because it is specifically for tuition, and we do not charge tuition for CA residents.)
  • These grants are only available to California residents who apply by March 2nd for the next school year.
  • High school or college GPA must be submitted to the California Student Aid Comission (CSAC) by March 2nd as well. (Most schools submit GPAs electronically by the deadline, but it is your responsibility to ensure that GPA is submitted on time.)