How to Request for a University Application Fee Waiver

Do you feel discouraged from continuing your studies in a higher education institution in the USA or Canada due to the application fee charged? If so, this article will make you understand how to request a university application fee waiver as a Nigerian student.

Tuition fee payment is not only the financial roadblock to studying at a university but also paying high application fees. Unfortunately, many students face this issue, even though they may find it easier to source their tuition fees.

US universities charge up to $100 as application fees for undergraduate and graduate studies. The funniest thing is that this fee is unavoidable except if you get a waiver.

Read on to learn more about crafting a unique application fee waiver for admission into the university. And, if you don’t mind, after reading this epistle, you may want to find out how to write an irresistible cold email to professors in the USA/Canada. Please check it out; it’s helpful!

Let’s get started on the topic!

What is a University Application Fee Waiver?

This waiver aims to lower or exempt prospective students from paying application fees when expressing interest in a university program. Depending on the institution, application fees in US-based universities range from $30 to $100. Waiving such an amount can go a long way in relieving your financial burden.

You can make such requests via letter or email. You must meet some requirements to request a university application fee waiver. This requirement, however, varies depending on the institution.

Read Also: How to Write an Excellent Academic CV for Masters Applications

How to Request a University Application Fee Waiver

Here is a stepwise guide on writing a captivating request to waive your application fee for university admission.

Address line

• Begin by typing the school’s official name and campus address.

Type your subject

• Ensure you use the most appropriate subject line for your email or letter request for a university application fee waiver. It should be straightforward, containing no words that could be too difficult for the recipient to understand.

Input your email or letter’s body

• This aspect should emphasize your financial situation and why you need the waiver.

Complimentary close

• After filling in your letter or email’s body, close it with a new paragraph, and type the word, Sincerely.

Sample Letter for a University Application Fee Waiver

You can use the sample letter below as a guide in crafting your request for a university application fee waiver.

“To School Name,

(The School’s Address)

City, State, and Zip Code

Subject: Request to Waive Admission Application Fee

Dear Sir/Ma, 

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing this email in anticipation of waiving my postgraduate admission application fee.

My name is (Full name), and I earned my first degree from Texas Southern University, USA, and since then have wished to further my education at your institute. Studying at this university would expand my knowledge and impart essential skills, giving me a competitive edge and helping me achieve my goal of becoming a computer scientist. 

I’m facing some financial issues, so I can only afford some of the application fees. My family has suffered several losses for nearly a decade, and we currently earn a low income. We make an annual income of approximately $29,500, as we are 7 in my family. Besides, my unemployment and my deteriorating sister’s health have cost us a lot.

This letter requests my need for an application fee waiver as I have a lot of career goals to fulfill. I also want to reduce the financial burden of earning another degree. I am confident I will get a job with reasonable offers to support my family after graduating from your school.

I have attached all documents to prove my struggles and my bachelor’s degree transcripts. That will help you see me as an honest person who is academically outstanding but experiencing hardship.

Thank you so much for patiently reading this letter. I will be anticipating your decision on my request.

Sincerely,

(Your Names)”.

Tips to Increase your Chances of Getting an Application Fee Waiver

The following are various ways to guarantee a high probability of getting a fee waiver for your university admission application fee.

• Make sure your request features your full name.
• Avoid foul and abusive words in your request.
• Ensure your application fee waiver request is precise. Hence, be specific without beating around the bush.
• Remember to provide evidence of your financial struggles.
• Research intensively about the school before making your request.
• Proofread your letter or email before sending it to the school.
• Specify your letter or email’s subject to enable the recipient to understand its purpose without stress.
• Talk about your current financial situation.
• Never blame the university for charging an application fee, even if the amount charged is too high.
• Include your career goals in your request.

Frequently Asked Questions

Let’s answer some major questions on your mind via the Faqs section:

What is an application fee waiver?

An application fee waiver is a financial support granted based on the request to prospective students of an educational institution to enable them to reduce or avoid paying application fees. You must be financially struggling to qualify for a university application fee waiver.

Why do universities offer application fee waivers?

Public and private universities offer application fee waivers to exempt or give specific discounts to financially disadvantaged students. However, be mindful that not all universities provide this fee waiver.

What happens if the school denies my application fee waiver request?

Assuming the school you’re applying to denies your request for an application fee waiver, you have only one option, i.e., to pay the fee before its closing date.

Can my school refund my application fee?

It depends on the school. However, most educational institutions do not refund application fees to prospective students, even if they get a fee waiver.

Can I receive my application fee waiver in cash?

No, application fee waivers are not receivable as cash. The school would automatically apply the fee waiver to your application fee amount.

Conclusion

We hope you find it easy to request a university application fee waiver using this article as your guide. If you need further advice to ensure a perfect request to waive your admission application fee, contact Naijajapa’s team via the comment section below for a prompt response.