The California Pre-Doctoral Program is designed to increase the diversity of the pool from which the California State University draws its faculty. It does so by supporting the doctoral aspirations of CSU students who have experienced economic and educational disadvantages. A special emphasis is placed on increasing the number of CSU students who enter graduate programs at one of the University of California campuses.

Eligibility is limited to junior, senior and graduate students who are enrolled in a degree-seeking program at any one of the CSU campuses at the time of application.
At the time of award, applicants must be matriculated into a degree program and be enrolled in one semester or two quarters during the award year.

International students
Current or previous California Pre-Doctoral Scholars
Students were interested in obtaining professional degrees (law, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, or an MBA degree).

Awards are based on competitive review of student applications and given to current upper-division or graduate students who, in the judgment of the review panel, demonstrate academic excellence while experiencing economic or educational disadvantage, as well as committed to a career in teaching and research at the college or university level.

Each applicant must have a faculty sponsor who will be available for the duration of the plan specified in the application.