The University of Alabama Graduate School will host a Free Application Week from October 6-10, 2025, during which eligible domestic and international applicants can claim a waiver code to save on application fees: $80 for international students.
What is Free Application Week
- During October 6-10, 2025, UA waives application fees for many prospective students who meet specific eligibility criteria.
- International applicants must have a 3.5 GPA (on UA’s 4.0 scale or equivalent) for the highest degree earned.
- Waiver codes are sent via email once Free Application Week begins; codes are not distributed prior to October 6.
- If you already submitted your application but are in “awaiting payment” status, enter the waiver code in your portal by 11:59 p.m. CDT on Friday, October 10. No refunds or automatic waivers will be given.
Important Deadlines & Rules
| Event | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Submit waiver request form | October 10, 2025 at 5 p.m. CDT |
| Submit your application + waiver code | October 10, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. CDT |
| Submit all supporting documents (test scores, transcripts, etc.) | November 15, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. CDT |
- Each waiver code is valid for one application only, for the original term and program chosen. Changes in term/program require paying fee.
- Applicants must use the same email on the waiver-request form and the graduate application.
- Program-required test scores (GRE/GMAT) or English proficiency scores are not waived under Free Application Week code (unless country-exempt for English).
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Funding Options for International Graduate Students at UA
Even beyond the fee waiver, UA offers several forms of financial support to help international graduate students:
- Graduate Assistantships (Teaching, Research, Administrative): Provide stipend, tuition scholarship (for at least some credits), fees coverage, and health insurance. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
- Graduate School Fellowships & Scholarships: UA offers internal fellowships/scholarships and also departmental awards.
- Conference & Research Funds: International students can apply for UA’s graduate travel and research funding opportunities to present work or complete research projects.
- Estimated Cost of Attendance: For international students, UA provides cost estimates required to obtain I-20/DS-2019 documents. Housing, health insurance, tuition, fees, and living expenses are included in these estimates.
Why This Matters
- The Free Application Week removes the upfront fee barrier (saving $80 for internationals), which can be significant especially when applying to multiple schools.
- Combined with funding support (assistantships, scholarships, research/travel funds), UA can become an affordable option even for students outside the U.S.
- Having clarity about deadlines, eligibility, and documentation ahead of time means you can prepare properly and maximize your chances.
Next Steps for International Applicants
- On October 6, if you meet the GPA requirement, request the Free Application Week waiver code via UA’s waiver request form.
- Ensure you apply for your graduate program before submitting the waiver code, and use consistent email.
- Check the UA Graduate School funding page to learn about assistantships, fellowships, and departmental awards.
- Budget according to UA’s estimated cost of attendance for international students (I-20/DS-2019 support) to prepare financial proof if needed.