13 U.S. Universities with Application Fee Waivers 2026

Applying to universities in the U.S. can be exciting—but it can also be expensive. Between standardised test fees, transcript evaluations, and application fees (often $50–$100 each), costs add up fast. For international students, especially, these fees can be a real barrier.

Fortunately, several U.S. universities now offer application fee waivers for 2026 graduate admissions. I’ve put together this guide to highlight 13 reputable institutions where you can apply for free—and in many cases, also access funding opportunities.

As someone who has guided dozens of students through U.S. university applications, I know firsthand how valuable these waivers can be. Let’s go through each university and what they offer.

Why Application Fee Waivers Matter

Before we get into the list, it’s worth understanding why these waivers exist. Universities offer them to:

• Encourage more diverse and talented applicants.
• Support students from low-income or developing countries.
• Simplify access to graduate programs, especially in high-demand fields.

If you’re applying to multiple programs, saving $50–$100 per school could easily cover your English test or transcript costs.

13 U.S. Universities Offering Application Fee Waivers for 2026

University	Fee Waiver Details	Funding Opportunities	Official Link
New York University (NYU)	Graduate application fee waived for eligible students	Graduate assistantships and scholarships	Apply Here
University of San Francisco	$55 graduate application fee waiver	Merit-based funding for international students	Apply Here
Montclair State University	Free graduate application for 2026	Graduate assistantships available	Apply Here
University of Rochester – School of Medicine & Dentistry	PhD application fee waived	Fully funded PhD programs	Apply Here
University of South Carolina	Graduate fee waiver and funding options	Teaching/research assistantships	Apply Here
University of Texas Southwestern	No application fee for graduate programs	Full research funding for accepted PhDs	Apply Here
Rice University	Fee waivers and graduate fellowships for Fall 2026	Graduate research funding and scholarships	Apply Here
Clemson University	Zero application fee	Assistantships and tuition support	Apply Here
Tufts University	Fee waivers + need-based support	Merit scholarships and fellowships	Apply Here
University of Rochester – Simon Business School	Fee waivers + financial aid options	Fellowships and merit awards	Apply Here
Troy University	Fee waiver code for 2026	Graduate assistantships	Apply Here
Westminster University	Graduate fee waiver for 2026	International student funding	Apply Here
University of Oregon	Graduate fee waiver for international students	Scholarships and assistantships	Apply Here

Real-World Examples

Here are a few stories from students I’ve worked with who benefited from these waivers:

1. Fatou – Gambia → Rice University

Fatou applied to Rice University’s Master of Engineering program in 2025. The application fee waiver saved her $85, but the bigger win came later—she received a graduate assistantship that covered her tuition and provided a $24,000 stipend.

2. Ravi – India → University of South Carolina

Ravi was unsure if he could afford to apply abroad. After learning about the South Carolina fee waiver, he applied and got accepted into their Computer Science master’s program with a teaching assistantship. He now teaches introductory programming labs while earning his degree.

3. Grace – Kenya → University of Rochester

Grace applied to the University of Rochester’s PhD in Biochemistry. Thanks to the fee waiver and full funding package, she started her studies without paying a single dollar upfront. Her program includes full tuition coverage and a monthly stipend.

These examples show how fee waivers can be the first step toward life-changing opportunities.

How to Apply for an Application Fee Waiver

Each university has its own process, but here’s a general guide:

1. Visit the official admissions link (see table above).
2. Review the eligibility criteria—some are automatic, others require a request form or code.
3. Email the graduate admissions office if the process isn’t clear. Most respond within a few days.
4. Submit supporting documents if required (e.g., financial hardship statement, transcript, or nationality proof).

Tip: Many schools also waive fees during special events like Graduate Open Houses or Application Week promotions, so check their official pages regularly.

Comparing the Best Options

Here’s a quick breakdown based on coverage and ease of access:

Category	Best Universities	Why
Full Funding + Fee Waiver	Rice University, UT Southwestern, University of Rochester	Offers complete tuition + stipends
Automatic Fee Waiver (No Request Needed)	Montclair State, Clemson University, Troy University	No extra steps to qualify
Strong Support for International Students	University of Oregon, University of San Francisco, Westminster University	Designed with global applicants in mind

My Expert Take

Having worked with many scholarship applicants for years, I’ve noticed one consistent pattern: universities that waive fees are often more inclusive and supportive of international students. They understand that great talent shouldn’t be limited by financial barriers.

Still, always verify waiver details directly from the official university pages. Policies can change from year to year, and eligibility may depend on your program or country of nationality.

Final Thoughts

Getting into your dream university doesn’t have to start with paying an expensive fee. These 13 universities are proof that quality education can be accessible if you know where to look. Take your time to explore each link, prepare a strong statement of purpose, and reach out to admissions offices early.

If this post helped you, feel free to leave a comment or share it with a friend who’s applying abroad. You can also subscribe to my newsletter for weekly updates on scholarships, fee waivers, and application tips.

Disclaimer: “The Opportunities Circle is an opportunities sharing platform that aims to connect youths and young professionals with global opportunities that will help in their personal and professional advancement. However, it is crucial to note that The Opportunities Circle does not award any of the scholarships and opportunities listed on our platform. We therefore, do not take responsibility for any fraud, damages, or any other issues that may arise from scholarship awarding institutions. While we thoroughly check and verify the opportunities before posting them, we cannot guarantee the authenticity or reliability of all opportunities. It is the responsibility of the applicant to do their own due diligence and research before applying to any opportunity. The Opportunities Circle is not liable for any loss or damage that may result from applying to or participating in an opportunity listed on our platform.”(alert-warning)