UA Graduate School | Free App Week 2026

The University of Alabama Graduate School

About Free App Week

The University of Alabama Graduate School will waive application fees for many prospective students during Free Application Week, October 5-9, 2026.

Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility criteria for Alabama resident applicants, out-of-state applicants and international applicants can be found below. If you meet the requirements for your residency type, request your application fee waiver code. If eligible, you will receive an application fee waiver code via email when Free Application Week begins. Waiver codes will not be distributed before Free Application Week begins.

Domestic Applicants

Alabama Resident Eligibility

Residents of Alabama must have a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 GPA scale as determined by the UA Graduate School. GPA should be entered for the highest degree earned.
Those who have already submitted an application and are in the "awaiting payment" status must enter the code in the application portal by 11:59 p.m. CDT Friday, October 9. The Graduate Admissions Office will not automatically waive an application fee or enter a waiver. No refunds will be issued.

Out-of-State Eligibility

All other domestic applicants must have a 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 GPA scale as determined by the UA Graduate School. GPA should be entered for the highest degree earned.
Those who have already submitted an application and are in the "awaiting payment" status must enter the code in the application portal by 11:59 p.m. CDT Friday, October 9. The Graduate Admissions Office will not automatically waive an application fee or enter a waiver. No refunds will be issued.

International Applicants

Eligibility Requirements

International applicants are only eligible to use an application fee waiver for Fall Semester 2027.
All international applicants must have an equivalent 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 GPA scale as determined by the UA Graduate School. GPA should be entered on the selected scale without conversion (see form for more details). If currently completing a U.S. bachelor's degree or equivalent, use your current GPA. GPA should be entered for the highest degree earned.
If eligible, you will receive an application fee waiver code via email. Waiver codes will not be distributed before Free Application Week begins.
Those who have already submitted an application and are in the "awaiting payment" status must enter the code in the application portal by 11:59 p.m. CDT Friday, October 9. The Graduate Admissions Office will not automatically waive an application fee or enter a waiver. No refunds will be issued.

Request Application Fee Waiver Code

Deadlines

DATE	MATERIALS
Friday, October 9, 2026 5 p.m. CDT	The Free Application Waiver Request Form must be submitted.
Friday, October 9, 2026 11:59 p.m. CDT	The University of Alabama Graduate School application and waiver code must be submitted. Note: Additional documents are not required to submit application and can be added in status portal after submission.
Sunday, November 15, 2026 11:59 p.m. CST	All supporting documents including test scores, statement of purpose, unofficial transcripts and additional document requirements listed in the portal must be received or an application fee will be required.

DATE

MATERIALS

Friday, October 9, 2026

5 p.m. CDT

The Free Application Waiver Request Form must be submitted.

Friday, October 9, 2026

11:59 p.m. CDT

The University of Alabama Graduate School application and waiver code must be submitted. Note: Additional documents are not required to submit application and can be added in status portal after submission.

Sunday, November 15, 2026

11:59 p.m. CST

All supporting documents including test scores, statement of purpose, unofficial transcripts and additional document requirements listed in the portal must be received or an application fee will be required.

Those who have already submitted an application and are in the "awaiting payment" status must enter the code in the application portal by 5 p.m. CDT Friday, October 9. The Graduate Admissions Office will not automatically waive an application fee or enter a waiver. No refunds will be issued.
Recommenders must be listed at the time of application submission, but the letter from the recommender can be received after application submission.
If a program requires a test score (GRE/GMAT) for admission or you are required to submit English proficiency scores, absolutely no waivers will be given if using a Free Application Week code. Country exemptions for English proficiency will be honored and if eligible, waived after application submission.

All times are U.S. Central Time.

Please do not contact the Graduate School requesting an update as this will delay processing. Failure to follow instructions could result in exclusion of waiver eligibility.

Rules and Reminders

Applicants MUST use the same email address on the request form and graduate application.
One application fee waiver is allowed per student and will only be valid for a single application.
Applicants who wish to submit multiple applications must pay for the application fee for any applications beyond the initial application. Multiple applications for the same program will cause a delay in processing.
The free application code may only be used for the original term and program. Any changes will require paying an application fee.
Final determination of the application fee waiver approval is at the sole discretion of the UA Graduate School.
Admission offered on applications using the Free App Week fee waiver code are not eligible for deferrals.

Start or Complete Your Graduate School Application

Thank you for your interest in The University of Alabama Graduate School. We’re proud that you have chosen us for these important next steps in your career.

APPLY NOW

Admission offered on applications submitted using the Free App Week Application Waiver code are not eligible for deferrals.

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Attend a Virtual Q&A Session

Have questions about Free App Week or the graduate application? GRAD Connect virtual Q&A sessions are a valuable resource during the process. We are offering several GRAD Connect sessions specifically for Free App Week.

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