Applying for the Waiver

Eligibility

Four Options to Qualify for Waiver

Applying for the Waiver

 

 

 

 

You may apply for a fee waiver within the Online Application.

  1. Complete the Academic Program page, and click Continue.
  2. Complete the Citizenship page, and click Continue.
  3. When these two sections are complete, a Fee Waiver Request page will appear in the page menu along the left of the application. 
  4. Select the option, "I believe I am eligible for a fee waiver and would like to proceed with determining my eligibility."
  5. Click on the link to access the Fee Waiver Request Form. Complete and submit the form. 

You must submit your fee waiver at least one week prior to the application deadline (note that you may submit your fee waiver request before you submit your application).

Documentation for proof of program participation in an eligible pre-graduate preparation program must indicate that program participation was completed. Acceptance or admission letters for eligible programs are not sufficient. Letters must be on letterhead and signed by the program director or staff.

Eligibility


 

 

 

A limited number of application fee waivers are available to qualified U.S. CITIZENS and PERMANENT RESIDENT applicants. INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS ARE NOT ELIGIBLE for fee waivers.

AB540 students may apply for a fee waiver if they meet the eligibility requirements. Please contact the Graduate Division to set up a call for instructions. 

 If your fee waiver request was returned to you as Incomplete and you believe you qualify, you may have made a common error. Please see our FAQs for Applicants for more information about the correct documentation. 

There are four options in which you may qualify for a fee waiver:

 

 

 

 

If you are affiliated with any of the below research programs, you must provide a signed letter of verification from your program director:

If you do not see your particular program on this list, please contact the Graduate Division to inquire about whether the program is eligible for a fee waiver.

Remember, upload your verification letter to the Fee Waiver Request form linked on the application.

To see further eligibility options on the Fee Waiver Request form, select, "I have NOT participated in any of the listed programs," from the dropdown options.

US citizens, permanent residents, and Dream Scholars who have received significant financial aid from their current university may be eligible for a graduate application fee waiver. Beginning for the Fall 2025 application cycle, the Expected Family Contribution (EFC), which is used to determine aid-based eligibility, will be replaced by the SAI (Student Aid Index).

  • The eligibility limit can not exceed $6,656.
  • Acceptable documentation must include:
    • A signed letter from a financial aid officer stating your SAI (Student Aid Index)
    • An official financial aid award letter for the current year, or
    • A copy of a university Student Aid Report (SAR).
  • All documents must include your SAI (Student Aid Index)

Within the form, you will enter your SAI, select the year your documentation is for and the documentation type, and upload your documentation. 

To see further eligibility options on the Fee Waiver Request form, select "No" in response to the questions, "Did you receive financial aid from your current institution for the current year, or will you qualify for financial aid for the upcoming academic year?"

Active-duty U.S. military or U.S. military veterans with an honorable or general discharge are eligible for application fee waivers. 

Select "Yes" for the question, "Are you active duty in the U.S. military or a U.S. military veteran with an honorable or general discharge?" and upload one of the following documents based on your military status: 

  • If you have been released or discharged from the U.S. Military, please provide a copy of your DD 214 (Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, Navy).
  • If you are on active duty, please provide a Leave and Earnings Statement (LES) issues to you in the last 90 days. 

UCSB Career Staff may be eligible for application fee waivers. Only active, non-probationary UCSB career (non-student, non-limited position) staff with a full-time-equivalent annual base salary not exceeding $100,000 are eligible for application fee waivers. 

Select "Yes" for the question, "Are you a current UCSB full-time career staff member not on a limited or student appointment," enter the date when you began employment at UCSB in the date picker, and upload a Verification of Employment or signer letter of verification from your employment department. 

Questions?

If you should have any questions regarding fee waivers, please contact the Graduate Admissions team.