Fee Waiver Information and Eligibility

The University of Maryland Graduate School's application fee waiver program helps applicants who have completed certain career and professional preparatory programs by reducing their application costs.

Please note: Fee waivers are limited and considered individually.

To request a waiver, please follow these steps:

1. Be sure to begin your online graduate application, but do not submit it until you receive confirmation of your fee waiver.

   1. Please note: If you submit your application and pay the application fee and you are later approved to receive a fee waiver, the fee will not be refunded.

2. Complete the Graduate Application Fee Waiver Request Form.

3. If eligible, you will get an email notification if your fee waiver is approved within 10-15 business days of the request*.

4. Submit your graduate application.

   1. If your request receives approval and the fee is waived, you may proceed with submitting your application without the $90 fee.

*To ensure a seamless application process, submit your fee waiver request no later than three weeks (15 business days) before your program's application deadline. Note: program deadlines may vary. 

For domestic students who face financial difficulties: 

The FreeApp is designed to increase access to graduate education for domestic students. Please note this option will not be available after April 15, 2027.

1. Eligible students with financial burden that qualify for the FreeApp should complete the FreeApp request.
2. Send an email to The Graduate School (FreeApp@umd.edu) with the subject line: "FAFSA FreeApp Eligibility" and provide documentation of financial need from your FAFSA.