Five UK Universities with Application Fee Waiver in 2023

For many aspiring students, pursuing higher education in a UK university can feel daunting, with the cost often leaving them feeling like they have to sacrifice a limb to afford it. But, as they say, every penny counts and the chance to save even a single one is warmly embraced. So scholars comb the internet in search of scholarships, funding opportunities, and grants, scouring every nook and cranny for a chance to lighten the load on their bank accounts. And for those not  fortunate enough to secure a fully-funded scholarship or grant, the concept of an application fee waiver can be a beacon of hope, offering a small yet significant reduction in their expenses.

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An application fee waiver is a type of financial assistance tertiary institutions offered to prospective students who can’t afford the application fee. This waiver means that the applicant will not pay the application fee required. For universities in the UK, the application fee can range from £20 to over £100, depending on the university.

Why are Application Fee Waivers Important? 

The concept of application fee waivers is important for several reasons. First, it reduces the financial burden on students who may already be facing economic challenges. Many students from low-income families or disadvantaged backgrounds may need help to afford the non-refundable application fee, which could prevent them from applying to the university altogether, especially because these application fees do not guarantee admission. In most cases, applicants apply to multiple universities. With application fee waivers, universities can make undergraduate and graduate studies more accessible to a broader  range of students.

Second, application fee waivers can also help universities to attract a more diverse range of applicants. Research has shown that students from disadvantaged backgrounds are less likely to apply to universities than those from more privileged backgrounds, even with the same academic qualifications. By offering application fee waivers, universities encourage more students from diverse backgrounds to apply and ultimately enrol.

Finally, application fee waivers help universities meet their widening participation targets. Widening participation is a government initiative to increase the number of students from underrepresented groups in higher education. The concept of application fee waivers helps universities support this initiative and ensure more students have access to higher education regardless of their socio-economic background.

Generally, the concept of application fee waivers promotes accessibility and diversity in higher education and supports the government’s widening participation agenda.

How to Qualify for Application Fee Waiver 

To qualify for an application fee waiver, applicants must meet certain eligibility criteria. These criteria vary depending on the university, but often include factors like financial need or academic merit. For example, a student may be eligible for an application fee waiver if they are from a low-income family. 

To apply for an application fee waiver, students must submit a request with supporting documents to the university’s admissions website. These documents may include evidence of financial need, such as bank statements, proof of government benefits, or academic records, including transcripts or exam results.

After reviewing the application and determining that the student is eligible for an application fee waiver, the university will waive the fee, and the student can submit their application without paying. Note that receiving an application fee waiver does not guarantee admission to the university – it simply means that the student has had their application fee waived.

For some universities, there’s usually an application fee waiver code which students can enter into their application before submission to have the application fee waived for them.

UK Universities with Application Fee Waiver in 2023

Although many universities across the world offer application fee waivers, the focus of this post is on UK universities with valid application fee waiver in 2023. Below’s a list of five universities in the UK with valid application fee waiver in 2023;

      1. University of Oxford

The university of Oxford is a prestigious research university located in Oxford, England. It is the oldest university and was founded in the 12th century. The university is known for its rigorous academic standards, world-class research facilities, and notable alumni. It has consistently ranked as one of the top universities in the world. With 39 independent colleges, it offers undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs in various subjects.

University of Oxford

It is one of the universities in the UK that waives application fees. Information on how to get the application fee waived is available on the school’s website.

      2. Imperial College London

Located in London, United Kingdom, the Imperial College is a public research university founded in 1907. It is one of the world’s leading institutions for science, engineering, medicine, and business and has a diverse student body from over 140 countries. It has a population of over 17,000 students and 8,000 staff. Information on how this UK university waives application fees for applicants is on its  website.

        3. University of Cambridge

The University of Cambridge is a prestigious public research university in Cambridge, England. Founded in 1209, it is one of the world’s top-ranked institutions and the second-oldest university in the English-speaking world. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs across various  academic fields, including science, engineering, humanities, and social sciences. The university waives application fees for eligible students. Visit the school website for more information on how to apply for an application fee waiver.

      4. The University of Glasgow

The University of Glasgow, located in Scotland’s largest city, was founded in 1451 and is the fourth oldest university in the English-speaking world. It is one of the world’s top 100 universities, with about 26,000 students from over 120 countries. Learn more about how to apply for an application fee waiver by visiting the school website.

      5. University of Warwick

This is a public research university located in Coventry, UK. Known for its excellence in business, engineering, humanities, and social sciences, the University of Warwick lets applicants apply for a fee waiver. You can submit a request to waive your application fee as part of the application process at the end of the application form. Be sure to follow us on Facebook for updates like this.

Here you have it; five universities in the UK with application fee waiver for prospective students. Take advantage of this and save between £50 to £100 on your application costs. Please note that the fee waivers’ eligibility criteria and application processes vary between universities. It’s essential to check the individual university’s website or contact their admissions office for specific information on their fee waiver processes.