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. Start by beginning the online application, but do not submit it until you receive confirmation of your fee waiver. 

2. Send an email to The Graduate School (gradschool@umd.edu), attaching any documents that prove your participation in the relevant program or organization, such as a letter from a program director or other supporting materials.

3. Use the subject line "Application Fee Waiver" to help us process your request quickly and be sure to include your application ID in the email.

4. You will be notified via email regarding the status of your fee waiver request within 10-15 business days.

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, as deadlines may vary. If your request receives approval and the fee is waived, you may proceed with submitting your application without the $75 fee.

If your waiver request is not approved, please reach out to your specific graduate program. They may have options to help with application fees, though this is at their discretion. You can find contact information for all graduate programs in the Academic Catalog.

For domestic students who face financial difficulties: 

The FreeApp is designed to increase access to graduate education for domestic students. 

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.