University of Pittsburgh – Graduate Application Fee Waivers
Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts & Sciences & GSPIA
Official Page: Application Fee Waivers – University of Pittsburgh
Overview
To reduce financial barriers for graduate applicants, the Dietrich School of Arts & Sciences and the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA) at the University of Pittsburgh offer application fee waivers to eligible students.
These waivers help qualified U.S. and international applicants apply without paying the standard application fee, ensuring that financial limitations don’t prevent access to graduate education.
Who Can Apply
Fee waivers are considered on a case-by-case basis and may be granted to applicants who meet any of the following criteria:
1. Financial Hardship
Applicants who can demonstrate financial need are encouraged to apply for a waiver.
Acceptable documentation includes:
- Recent bank statements (within the past 6 months)
- Pay slips showing salary
- Proof of need-based scholarships (received within the past 3 years)
2. Participation in Recognized Programs or Fellowships
Waivers are offered to participants or alumni of the following (and many more):
- McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program
- AmeriCorps and Peace Corps
- Gates Millennium Scholars
- Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship (MMUF)
- Leadership Alliance
- National Science Foundation – REU
- Teach for America
- SACNAS, NOBCChE, AISES, and similar diversity-focused initiatives
- Hot Metal Bridge Program (University of Pittsburgh)
- Project 1000, AGU Bridge, GEM, ABRCMS, etc.
Full list of qualifying programs is available on the official Application Fee Waivers page.
3. Special Eligibility Categories
- Applicants with degrees from Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) in the U.S.
- Honorably discharged veterans or active-duty U.S. military members
- Current University of Pittsburgh staff
4. ** International Applicants**
International students may qualify if:
- They are sponsored by or applying through an external fellowship organization (e.g. Fulbright, Chevening, or government-funded programs).
- They can demonstrate financial hardship through verified documents such as family bank statements or previous scholarship proof.
How to Request a Fee Waiver
- Complete the Fee Waiver Request Form:
Fill out the official Dietrich School Fee Waiver Survey. - Submit Supporting Documents:
Upload verification of financial hardship, program participation, or fellowship sponsorship. - Wait for Review:
- Requests are reviewed within 3–5 business days.
- During high-volume periods, it may take up to 5 days.
- Apply early to ensure review before your program’s deadline.
Applicants residing in Russia or Belarus who cannot access the Qualtrics form should email
gradadmn@pitt.edu with the subject line:
“Russia/Belarus Application Fee Waiver.”
Additional Information
- Each fee waiver code can be used only once per program.
- If applying to multiple Dietrich programs, submit a separate request for each.
- Fee waiver codes work only for Dietrich School programs.
- Do not pay the fee until you receive a waiver decision.
For GradCAS submission issues, contact:
GradCAS Help Center
gradcasinfo@liaisoncas.com | 857-304-2086
Why This Matters
- Promotes accessibility: Reduces financial barriers for qualified students.
- Encourages inclusion: Welcomes applicants from underrepresented and international backgrounds.
- Streamlines process: Simple online submission and fast response time.
Contact Information
The Dietrich School of Arts & Sciences – Graduate Studies
910 Cathedral of Learning
4200 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15260
Email: asgrad@pitt.edu
Phone: 412-624-6094
Tip: Submit your fee waiver request well before your program deadline to ensure approval and avoid payment delays.