US universities that do not require application fees.

When planning to study in the United States, it is important to consider the budget. As an international student, it is even more important, especially if your home country does not use the same currency as the U.S. Studying in the U.S. can be very expensive, even being listed as one of the most expensive countries to study. But it's also home to some of the best universities in the world, which means quality education is guaranteed, and of course it doesn't come cheap.

Generally, application fees in the US can cost between $40 and $150. Applying to about 10 universities can cost anywhere from $1000 to $1500, and that's a lot. Other costs associated with studies are also excluded. To save money, one of the safest routes is to apply to universities that offer application fee waivers or do not charge application fees.

Also Read: Top Courses To Study In Canada For Easy Work

What to consider universities with an application fee waiver

International students planning to study abroad should make an estimated budget to work with to reduce unnecessary expenses. As mentioned earlier, quality education comes at a cost, and that cost is usually high. If you want to try out multiple options by applying to different schools, it's important to look at schools that offer an application fee waiver or no application fees at all.

Application fee waiver refers to the cancellation or reduction of the application fee and is usually approved by universities for the benefit of potential students.

Read also: 15+ Fully Funded Scholarships for African Students Closing in October 2023. Apply Now

How to get a US application fee waiver

There are several ways to get an application fee waiver to ease the process of applying to US universities. Some of these include:

• Standard application fee waivers: Applying for a fee waiver using this method means you can request a fee waiver through the application itself. This option is open to students who can demonstrate their financial need and why they need it.
• Contact the University Directly: Some universities offer application fee waivers to students who meet specified eligibility criteria. To know more about it, it is recommended to do research by checking the university website.
• College Fee Waiver: Students who received a college fee waiver for the SAT or ACT may also apply for a college application fee waiver. You should check the College website to see if you qualify.
• Automatic Waiver of Application Fees: Some US universities charge no application fees at all. Prospective students can apply directly with no fee attached.

Universities in the USA with an exemption from the application fee

Some US universities that offer application fee waivers for international students include;

• Harvard University
• Yale University
• Northeastern University
• Colorado State University
• Carnegie University Future

1. Harvard University

Harvard University is ranked among the top 5 according to the QS world ranking of the world's top universities. Moreover, Harvard is also a prestigious university and happens to be the alma mater of great people like Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates, Susan Wojcicki and many others. Harvard Business School offers an application fee waiver to students who come from a financial disadvantage for a variety of reasons. However, you will be asked to complete an exemption form where you share information about your income, details about yourself and why you need a fee exemption.

2. Yale University

This is another prestigious university in the USA that is ranked among the top 20 in the world according to the QS World Ranking. The standard application fee for Yale University is $250. However, the School of Management uses a sliding scale method to offer application fee waivers. This means that the application fee is based on your family's current allowance. The Faculty of Arts and Sciences grants application fee waivers based on:

• Participation in a special program, event, scholarship or status
• Documented financial hardship

3. Northeastern University (NEU)

Northeastern University is ranked 50th according to the QS World Ranking of the world's top universities. They offer an undergraduate fee waiver that costs $75. The university, like many other universities, considers applications for fee waivers based on need and if you come from an economically disadvantaged background, there is a good chance that they will be considered.

4. Colorado State University

Colorado State University also offers fee waiver applications, but considers other options, not just financial handicaps. The graduate school offers fee waivers to applicants who have proof of participation or affiliation with specific programs and partnerships. Also, applying for a fee waiver does not affect the college application process or ruin your chances.

5. Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)

Carnegie Mellon University is equally ranked among the top 100 universities in the world according to the QS World Ranking. They also offer fee waivers for international students. Students planning to apply to the School of Computer Science should:

• Receive a financial aid letter that includes a description of their financial need and the necessary documents
• CMU will then confirm your need and you will be able to waive your application fees for two programs.

In addition, the software and social systems department also offers fee waivers for their graduate program.

Read also: DAAD MIPLC Scholarships 2024/2025 for Students from Developing Countries – Germany

List of Universities in the USA that do not require application fees

Application Process for Universities in the USA with exemption from application fees

Below is the application process for universities without application fees in the USA

• Research the universities that offer your desired program and choose your best option. Make sure no application fee is attached.
• Check the eligibility criteria and make sure you fit.
• Take the required standardized tests and obtain all the necessary documents.
• Keep in mind the recruitment and application deadline.
• Complete the application form online.
• Submit your scholarship application
• Follow the application process, if you are accepted, you will receive an email from the university.
• Confirm your acceptance and make the necessary fee deposit within the specified deadline.

Application Process for Universities in the USA without application fee waiver

Here is the application process for universities without application fees in the USA:

• Research universities that offer your preferred course and choose the one that is most suitable for you based on your needs.
• Check the eligibility requirements and make sure you fit.
• Do the required standardized tests. The SAT and ACT are for undergraduate admissions, while the GRE and GMAT are for graduate admissions. Check your school's requirements to find out which one to follow
• Gather all the documents you will need for the application process, such as transcripts, test scores, essays, letters of recommendation, and a resume or resume.

• Complete the application form and submit it, ensuring that all information and documents provided are accurate.
• Pay the application fees.
• Wait for an acceptance email from the school.

Other significant costs in the application process

Application fees aren't the only thing to consider when budgeting for study abroad costs for international students. Other things to consider include;

• Tuition fees for English language tests such as IELTS and TOEFL
• GRE tuition
• GMAT fees
• SAT fees
• ACT fees
• Visa processing fees
• SEVIS fees
• Health Insurance
• plane tickets etc.

Do you want to study in the United States of America? Enrolling in the world's top universities can increase your chances with employers. Unfortunately, it can be quite expensive to study abroad due to the current economic crisis. But this should not limit you as there are other options that you can explore to enhance your career.

MPower Finance and Prodigy Finance are some of the best student loan providers for international students. They also do not require a co-signer or collateral prior to application. In the EdXtra Partners, we can help you with the loan application process. We also provide educational consultancy services for international students to help make your journey easier and faster. You can contact us as we would love to guide you through this journey.

Is this post helpful? Subscribe to our newsletter for more.

Read also:

How to Write a Winning Statement of Purpose (with Sample)

Why You Should Study Computer Science Masters in USA + Funding Opportunities

Which Top Universities Offer STEM Graduate Programs Without GRE?