Universities Without Application Fee in 2025
Many Indian students dream of studying abroad, but the high cost of application fees can be a major roadblock. With tuition fees already high, especially in fields like business, law, international relations, visual arts, computer science, and engineering, finding a way to cut down on costs can make a huge difference.
In this blog, we’re here to help! We’ve rounded up a list of universities around the world that either waive application fees for international students or offer special codes to help you save. Whether you're eyeing a prestigious institution or simply exploring your options, these opportunities can make your study abroad dreams a little more attainable.
So, let’s dive in and discover how you can apply to these international universities without worrying about those application fees!
1. University of Pennsylvania, United States
Applicants to the University of Pennsylvania must download the MyPennState application from where they can claim their application fee waiver. Verify Now
2. NYU Tandon, School of Engineering, United States
If you are thinking of applying to NYU Tandon's School of Engineering, we got you an application waiver code - TANDONBKLYN.
3. University of Rochester, United States
The University of Rochester, especially its Simon Business School, waives the application fee for its international students. Similar to the previous university, you have to mail them a request. The code here, however, will be immediately applied to your application.
4. Stevens Institute of Technology, United States
Stevens Institute of Technology offers an application fee waiver to applicants who attend their webinars. These webinars are designed to be a great resource for learning more about the university, the application process, and, of course, your program of choice. After the webinar, the waiver will be applied in 2–3 business days. Here's the link to get an idea of the timeline of the events and open houses: https://www.stevens.edu/admission-aid/graduate-admissions/graduate-events-and-open-houses
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5. The Citadel Graduate College, United States
The Citadel Graduate College waives the application fee for its master's program in Electrical Engineering. The code for the waiver is GODOGS. Simply mail them a request during the application process, and you should get the code in your inbox!
6. University of Virginia, United States
The University of Virginia's School of Engineering and Applied Science has announced that all of the school's graduate programs will have no application fee for the academic year 2025!
7. University of Pittsburgh, United States
The University of Pittsburgh offers an application fee waiver for Fall 2025. To apply, fill out the form below, and the department will contact you if you make the cut!
https://pitt.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_250bV703JMKwoK2
8. Southeastern University, United States
International students looking to apply at Southeastern University can request an application waiver through the specific department's official email. Once they receive admission, the waiver will automatically be deducted from their fees.
9. Carnegie Mellon University, United States
If you're interested in joining CMU's Master of Science in Computer Science, you can apply for an application fee waiver by emailing a brief description of your financial need alongside any documentation that supports your request to https://www.cs.cmu.edu/academics/fee-waiver. Verify Now
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10. Northeastern University, United States
Undergraduate applicants to Northeastern University are eligible for a need-based fee waiver if they apply through the Common Application, Coalition Application, or even through organizations such as the College Board and ACT. The institute also considers written requests from school officials. Additionally, if you are thinking of applying to its College of Engineering, you can use the code GLOBALCOE25 between August 15 and September 15, 2024. However, they may update the code for 2025 applicants. Verify Now
11. Catholic University of America, United States
As an applicant to the Catholic University of America, you do not have to worry about application fees, as there are none for all of its schools and programs.
12. Culinary Institute of America, United States
Applicants interested in the Culinary Institute of America's Master's in Sustainable Food Systems program for the Spring 2025 term can use the code CIAMASTER24 for their application fees to be waived!
13. Harvard University, United States
If you are thinking of applying to Harvard University as an international graduate, you may be eligible for an application fee waiver. You just need to fill out the application fee section during the application process, and the system will generate a response regarding your eligibility. Verify Now
14. Cornell University, United States
All prospective students of Cornell University can request a fee waiver at the time of payment after filling out the application form. Expect a reply in one to three business days. Verify Now
15. University of Indiana, United States
If you are thinking of applying to the University of Indiana's online Master's in Data Science Program, you can use the code tqFu-Cuuu-OqFF-e9gO to waive the application fees!
16. University of Chicago, United States
To avail of the application fee waiver at the University of Chicago, there are various categories available for which each eligibility criteria is customized. Verify Now
17. Princeton University, United States
As an undergraduate at Princeton University, application fee waivers are generally attained through the Common Application website or, if it is Princeton-specific, ACT, College Boar, or NACAC. If you can demonstrate that you are a low-income student, then you may also be eligible for the Princeton-specific fee waiver. Verify Now
18. Yale University, United States
At Yale University, you must remember to submit in a request for the application fee waiver in advance before the actual application process. Keep in mind that it usually takes about 2-3 business days to process your request, and you have to meet the eligibility criteria to obtain the waiver. Verify Now
19. Duke University, United States
If you are able to demonstrate your financial needs and are a member of certain programs offered at Duke University, you can claim the $135.00 application fee waiver. Verify Now
20. Brown University, United States
Applicants to Brown University can request a waiver during the application process. You must complete the Needs-Based Application Fee section on the Additional Information page and submit certain documentation that adds weight to the financial hardship you are facing. Verify Now
21. Columbia University, United States United States
Columbia University offers an application fee waiver to its international students who are sponsored by a fellowship or organization from whom they are receiving financial aid.
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22. California Institute of Technology, United States
California Institute of Technology provides its prospective graduate students with an application fee waiver through an online form that must be completed during the time of application. Verify Now
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23. Georgia Institute of Technology, United States
Georgia Tech is all about making your application process as smooth as possible, and that includes offering some ways to waive your application fee! Whether you're eyeing an institute-level or department-level waiver, you might qualify. Just make sure you submit all of the required documents during the application process and proof of participation to get the waiver! Verify Now
24. Vanderbilt University, United States
At Vanderbilt University, application fee waiver requests submitted via the Coalition Application and Common Application are accepted without exception for prospective undergraduate students. The application fee is automatically waived for all applicants using the QuestBridge Application. For international graduate students, however, you are eligible to receive a discretionary waiver. What this essentially means is that only a small number of waivers are granted. You need to apply before the application deadline and ensure that you have provided adequate proof for your waiver request. Verify Now
25. University of South Florida, United States
The University of South Florida offers an application fee waiver to any of its applicants who can prove that the fee is causing financial hardships. Keep in mind that you will be required to submit your original ACT, CLT, or SAT Request for Deferral/Waiver of College Admission Application Fee Waiver Form. Verify Now.
26. University of Central Florida, United States
The University of Central Florida offers a number of fee waivers to various applicants, including recipients of recognized scholarships. If you are one, you can also apply for the application fee waiver.
27. Waseda University, Japan
Waseda University waives the application fee for international students interested in its Centre of Science & Engineering and its School of International Culture and Communication Disease. However, they do have a list of selected nationalities that are exempted from paying the application fees.
28. Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway
As an international applicant to the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, you do not have to worry about the application fees. It is waived for all its schools and courses.
29. Tianjin University, China
Tianjin University, located in China, waives the application fee for all of its international students, regardless of the program and courses they're enrolled in.
30. University of Turin, Italy
The University of Turin in Italy waives the application fees for all of their international applications interested in any of its programs.
31. Tampere University of Applied Sciences, Finland
International students are not required to pay application fees to Tampere University of Applied Sciences in Finland. The fees are waived for all its schools.
32. National Central University, China
National Central University in China has waived the application fee for all its international applicants applying to any school and program in the institute.
33. X'ian Jiaotong - Liverpool University, China
X'ian Jiaotong—Liverpool University, China, does not require any international students to pay the application fee. It is waived for all of the programs.
34. Cornell University, United States
As a prospective student to Cornell University, you can request for an application fee waiver and these are usually approved for those with a fully funded doctoral or research master's program.
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35. Duke University, United States
To get a fee waiver for Duke University's Fuqua School of Business, you should attend one of their virtual information sessions, which are usually held between November and December. Here's the link to check out the dates of the virtual events: https://shib.oit.duke.edu/idp/authn/external?conversation=e1s1
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36. University of Chicago, United States
University of Chicago offers fee waivers to students through its application page. You do not have to pay any fee during the time of application as it is non-refundable. So be cautious because once you do, you won't be able to get it back!
Take a look at the eligibility requirements: https://grad.uchicago.edu/admissions/apply/fee-waivers/
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37. University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, United States
Attend a webinar hosted by the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, and you will receive an application fee waiver code within 24 hours after the session. The code is applicable by the second round deadline.
Here's the link that will guide you on all the upcoming events: https://giesbusiness.illinois.edu/news-and-events/graduate-events
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Frequently Asked Questions!
Eligibility criteria can vary by institution and country but often include factors like financial need, participation in certain programs (e.g., free/reduced lunch programs), or membership in specific organizations (e.g., military families).
An application fee waiver is a reduction or elimination of the fee required to apply to educational institutions, such as colleges or universities.
The process typically involves submitting a request through the application portal or contacting the admissions office directly. You may need to provide documentation of your financial situation or other qualifying factors.
Yes, many institutions offer fee waivers for international students, though the availability and criteria may differ from those for domestic students.
Receiving a fee waiver does not affect the review of your application; it simply removes the financial barrier to applying. Your application will be considered on its academic merits.
Application fee waivers typically apply to undergraduate and graduate admissions. However, they may not be available for certain special programs or test applications.
If your request for a fee waiver is denied, you may need to pay the application fee or seek alternative funding options. Some institutions may offer appeals processes or other financial aid resources.
It’s advisable to request a fee waiver as early as possible, preferably when you begin the application process, to ensure you have ample time to address any issues that might arise.
Yes, deadlines can vary by institution. It's important to check each institution’s deadlines for fee waiver requests and application submissions to ensure timely processing.
Yes, common application systems often have their own fee waiver processes. You’ll need to follow the specific procedures for requesting a waiver through these systems.
