Application Fee Waivers – UW Graduate School Skip to content

Application Fee Waivers

After submitting your application, do not pay the application fee if you have requested an application fee waiver. Graduate Enrollment Management Services (GEMS) cannot waive or refund the application fee once it has been paid.

Who is Eligible?

US Citizens, Permanent Residents, and Undocumented applicants who:

  • Demonstrate financial need/financial hardship OR
  • Are current or previous participants in certain graduate preparation programs that qualify for a fee waiver

Applicants expecting to be or currently on an F or J-1 visa are not eligible due to federal eligibility requirements tied to these visas.

Deadline

To request an application fee waiver, please submit your request at least seven (7) days before the program’s application deadline. GEMS staff will process requests in the order they are received. Failure to follow instructions outlined in the “How to Apply” section may delay processing.

qualifications

Eligibility

  • Eligibility for waivers is determined based on the Washington College Grant Program for financial need, specifically using the 100% Median Family Income (MFI) guidelines.
  • Reported income should reflect the most recent tax year.
  • Note that Washington state residency is not required to qualify.
  • While supporting documentation is not required at the time of application, income documents may be requested in the event of an audit.



    • How To Apply

    1. Complete all required sections of the application.
    2. Click on the “Submit Application” button at the bottom of the “Review” page.
    3. You will be directed to your Applicant Status Portal. Click on the link labeled “Request an Application Fee Waiver”.
    4. Complete the fee waiver eligibility questionnaire.
    5. Select ‘Financial’ as your Application Fee Waiver type.
    6. Indicate your annual income and family size.

    IMPORTANT: GEMS will review your request within 1-2 business days, excluding the University of Washington holidays. Please check your email for status and follow any instructions provided in the email.

    Currently, two graduate preparation programs qualify for an application fee waiver.

  • McNair Scholars
  • Public Policy and International Affairs (PPIA)



    • How To Apply

    1. Complete the Profile Information section of the Graduate School application.
    2. At the bottom of the Profile Information section, select “Yes” in response to the question: “Are you a current McNair Scholar or PPIA Fellow and would like to request an application fee waiver?”
    3. You will then be prompted to upload the required documentation.
    4. After uploading your documentation, complete all application information and submit your application.


    IMPORTANT: GEMS will review your request within 1-2 business days, excluding the University of Washington holidays. Please check your email for status and follow any instructions provided in the email.



    Supporting Documentation

    GEMS will not process a fee waiver request without the submission of supporting documentation in the application or Application Status Portal.

    • McNair Scholars should will out the McNair Verification Form with their director.
      • Access the McNair Verification Form here. 
    • The documentation or letter must include the following:
      • Applicant’s first and last name as self-reported on their UW application.
      • The participating institution self-reported on their UW application.
      • Name of the program in which they participated.
        • Note: Previous participation must have been through the completion of the degree-seeking program
      • Dates of participation
      • The position and signature of the program director verifying current participation in the grant program.

    NOTE: Participating in AmeriCorps, veteran status, and other state or federal grant programs are not currently approved. Please check with your intended program, as they may pay your application fee on behalf of their department.