Application Fees: How to Waive Them

Some graduate programs offer fee waivers to applicants who attend certain recruitment events, such as graduate school fairs, open houses, or departmental information sessions. If you’ve attended such events, ask the program if they offer a fee waiver code for attendees. Additionally, some conferences or professional organizations may offer fee waivers to their members or event participants. Check the program’s website or contact the admissions office to see if any events you’ve participated in qualify for a fee waiver.

Certain graduate schools have partnerships with professional organizations or other institutions that provide fee waivers. For example, if you’re applying to multiple programs that share a common funding source or have agreements in place with certain organizations, you may be able to request a fee waiver through one of these partnerships. Check with any relevant organizations or universities for opportunities that could help reduce your application costs.

Some graduate programs offer automatic application fee waivers for specific groups of applicants. These can include veterans and active military personnel, underrepresented minority groups, and first-generation college students. Programs aiming to support these students may offer fee waivers as part of their commitment to access and equity. Be sure to research the specific eligibility criteria for your program and reach out if you're uncertain whether you qualify.

Graduate application fees are typically non-refundable, so if you’re applying to multiple schools, the fees can add up quickly. Being proactive in seeking out fee waivers can save you money and help you apply to a wider range of programs. Start the process early, and don’t hesitate to reach out to programs for clarification on their fee waiver policies. In some cases, you may need to provide documentation or submit a formal request, so the more time you allow, the better.

Applying to graduate school is a significant investment, and securing a fee waiver can help make the process more affordable. By checking the program’s website, reaching out to the department’s graduate advisor, and exploring various opportunities for fee waivers, you can reduce the financial burden and focus on putting together the best application possible.