Thinking of applying to the University of Portland (UP) for graduate studies? Good news—UP waives the application fee for anyone seeking a certificate or degree. Plus, there are several funding opportunities especially for international students to explore.
Check the application fee policy
Graduate Application Fee Waiver Policy at UP
- If you are applying for a certificate or a degree via UP’s Graduate School, there is no application fee.
- Only non-degree-seeking students are charged a $50 application fee.
- This applies to both domestic and international applicants when going for degree or certificate programs.
- International applicants should verify whether their intended program is degree/certificate-seeking, to benefit from the waived fee.
Funding & Scholarships for International Students
UP offers several ways international students can receive financial assistance:
International Student Scholarship
- Awarded automatically at the time of admission—no separate scholarship application required.
- Based on academic merit: incoming GPA, and for undergraduates, possibly SAT/ACT scores.
- Graduate students: scholarship amounts vary by program (e.g., MBA, Engineering, Nursing) depending on GPA.
Graduate Merit-Based Scholarships & Resources
- UP offers merit-based scholarships to eligible international graduate applicants.
- Additional financial resources such as private loans (with co-signer usually required), on-campus employment, and fellowship opportunities.
School of Education Specific Scholarships
- Graduate Education programs (e.g., MAT, MEd, EdD) have dedicated scholarships and priority deadlines.
Why This Is Important for International Applicants
- The waived application fee for degree/certificate graduate programs removes a cost barrier upfront.
- Automatic scholarship consideration ensures that international students don’t have to navigate extra steps to receive merit awards.
- Multiple funding paths (scholarships, employment, loans) help cover tuition and living costs, making studying at UP more feasible for students from abroad.
Next Steps
- Confirm that your program is a certificate or degree program, not non-degree seeking.
- Apply without paying the fee via the Graduate School for degree/certificate track.
- Ensure your academic transcripts, GPA, and test scores are strong to maximize eligibility for scholarships.
- Explore international student financial resources on UP’s website.
- Reach out to UP’s International Student Services for personalized advice.
UP offers a combination of waived fees and funding to support international students in their graduate studies. Don’t let costs stop you—take the first step today.