Studying abroad is in itself tedious and expensive, let alone the cost of sending out applications. The universities charge the application fees to cover the cost of reviewing the applications and limit the number of applications. Amid such a situation, the students have to deal with these unavoidable expenses with no certainty of the outcome.
In the light of the pandemic, there are individual universities that do not charge for the application fees or propose a way for students to apply for a waiver. This can prove extremely helpful to students in the abatement of their expenses. As they say, ‘A penny saved is a penny earned, ‘right?
Here is a list of universities that have waived off their application fees:
USC Marshall’s have top-ranked MBA programs that have hands-on practical exposure to graduate education. This is the reason students from around the globe are attracted to the institute. Now, there is another reason to love the university as students can apply to their Full-time MBA programs for free. Here is a screenshot attached for verification. Learn more
The UMD is a public research university in College Park, Maryland. The University of Maryland Graduate School waives the application fees to eligible students in participating programs. The students who are participating in a program at the Graduate school are eligible for this waiver. At the time of application, you need to file an online request at The Graduate School for the waiver. They will ask for proof and other related documents, and after reviewing, you will be excused from paying the fees. Learn More
International graduate students interested in engineering at NYU Tandon have the opportunity to apply for an application fee waiver. Learn More
The Northeastern University that is spread across various countries worldwide, is one of the top private universities. In consideration of the pandemic, the university has waived off the application fees along with other requirements like GRE, GMAT, SAT’s, etc. Learn More
Before requesting a fee waiver from Georgia Tech, international applicants must ensure that they have submitted all the necessary application materials. Learn More
Stevens Institute of Technology is a private research university located in New Jersey. The university may exempt the application fee based on the need of the student. To apply for an application fee, you need to contact the admissions office prior to filling out the admissions form. Learn More
The IIT is a private research university in Chicago, Illinois, and is a best-valued institute. The application fee is around $75 to $100. The university offers an application fee waiver to OSPA students, current students, and Alumni. You will need to check for details while filling up the application form. Learn More
The University of South Florida (USF) is a public research university in Tampa, Florida. The university will waive the admissions application fees you provide evidence that the amount creates a financial hurdle. You need to submit an original ACT or SAT Request for Deferral/Waiver of College Admission Application Fee Waiver Form to apply for the waiver. Learn More
International students applying to Michigan Tech University are not required to pay any application fees. Learn More
Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) is a public research institution located in London, in England. The university has a World University Ranking of #126. QMUL does not apply any application fees for future students. For more information on the application process, you can visit the website for a country-wise breakdown of the procedure. Learn More
The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) is one of the top American private college and culinary school that specializes in culinary, baking, and pastry arts education. The institute charges around $50 as the application fee. However, it also offers an application fee waiver if the student has proof of financial assistance. Also, with an early application to the institute, you can be automatically reviewed for scholarships. Learn more
The NYIT, also is known as New York Tech, is a topmost private institute that offers excellent education and opportunities. The NYIT has decided to waive the application fee for the TCI students in light of the pandemic. The students can use the code TCIAPP while filling out their online applications. Learn More
Wayne State University is a premier research university. The university waives the application fee on all graduate applications submitted for the following terms: Fall 2024, Winter 2024, and Spring/Summer 2024. It would be best if you looked out for the instructions of the waiver while applying to the university. Learn More
The Utah State University (USU or Utah State) is a public land-grant research university in Logan, Utah. The university has decided to offer application fee waivers. The said waivers are available to students who demonstrate financial need, are first-generation students, and identify as members of a racial, ethnic, LGBTQ+, etc. To apply for the waiver, you need to contact the graduate coordinator as it is applicable only to graduate students. Learn More
International applicants to Carnegie Mellon University's Masters in Software Engineering Professional programs can request a fee waiver if the $100 fee presents a financial burden. Learn More
International students applying to the Simon Business School at the University of Rochester may be eligible for a fee waiver based on specific circumstances. Learn More
Columbia University's Graduate School offers the possibility of a fee waiver for International applicants who can demonstrate financial need, political hardship, or personal hardship. Learn More
Tulane University's School of Science and Engineering does not require any application fees for their PhD and Graduate Certificate Programs. Learn More
The University of Pittsburgh's Dietrich Graduate School of Arts and Sciences provides application fee waivers on a case-by-case basis. Learn More
International students applying to the University of Colorado Boulder can request fee waivers by completing the entire MSE graduate application. The waivers are subject to certain conditions. Learn More
Applying to Augustana is now easier and more affordable than ever before. With their direct application process, International students won't have to worry about paying any fees associated with your application. Learn More
International students seeking an affordable path to academic excellence should consider Southwestern University in Georgetown. Their no-application-fee policy ensures that talented students from around the globe can discover their future at our distinguished institution without facing financial barriers. Learn More
Caltech offers a supportive approach to help international applicants access quality undergraduate and graduate programs. Through the university's financial aid program, international students can apply to have their application fees waived. This provides a valuable opportunity for talented students worldwide to pursue their academic goals at Caltech without the burden of application fees. Learn More
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Check out this video to find the top universities that have waived the GRE.