University of Virginia – Graduate Application Fee Waiver

University of Virginia – Graduate Application Fee Waiver

University of Virginia – Graduate Application Fee Waiver

Expanding Access for Global Scholars

Official Page: UVA Graduate Application Fee Waiver

Overview

The University of Virginia (UVA) is committed to ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent qualified applicants from pursuing advanced study. Through its Graduate and Postdoctoral Outreach and Engagement Office, UVA offers application fee waivers for eligible U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and international students applying to participating graduate programs.

This initiative supports equitable access to graduate education by recognizing academic merit, research potential, and financial need.

Who Can Apply

Domestic Applicants

U.S. citizens and permanent residents may be eligible for a fee waiver if they:

  • Demonstrate financial hardship
  • Are current or former members of the U.S. Armed Forces
  • Have participated in recognized preparatory or outreach programs listed on UVA’s official page

International Applicants

Several UVA schools now provide application fee waiver support for international students.
Eligible applicants automatically receive a waiver or can request one directly through the respective graduate school’s admissions portal.

Participating schools include:

  • Graduate School of Arts & Sciences (GSAS)
  • School of Data Science (Ph.D., M.S. Residential, M.S. Online)
  • School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS)
  • Biomedical Sciences Graduate Programs (BIMS)

How It Works

Step 1 – Review Eligibility

Check the eligibility requirements for your specific program and applicant type (domestic or international) on the official UVA Fee Waiver page.

Step 2 – Submit Request

  • If you’re a U.S. applicant, complete the Application Fee Waiver Request Form available on the UVA Graduate Outreach portal.
  • If you already received a fee waiver code from a UVA department or graduate program, select the corresponding school during application and enter the provided code.

Step 3 – Wait for Processing

Allow at least three business days for your request to be reviewed.
You’ll receive an email notification once your waiver is approved or denied.

Processing Notes

  • If approved, the waiver code will bypass the payment page during your online application.
  • Each graduate school maintains its own criteria and procedures, so applicants should review program-specific pages for additional instructions.
  • International applicants meeting their school’s criteria will automatically have the fee waived at submission.

Why It Matters

UVA’s decentralized but inclusive approach ensures that every qualified applicant—regardless of financial background or nationality—has a fair opportunity to apply.
By integrating fee waivers across multiple schools, the University of Virginia continues to expand global access to its prestigious graduate programs.

Summary

The University of Virginia Graduate Application Fee Waiver Program is a clear demonstration of UVA’s commitment to accessibility and excellence.
With automatic and request-based options for both domestic and international students, the initiative removes financial obstacles and empowers deserving scholars to focus on what matters most: their academic and research goals.

Contact Information:
Graduate and Postdoctoral Outreach & Engagement
Clark Hall, Brown Library Room 254
Charlottesville, VA 22904
📧 uvagradoutreach@virginia.edu