10 Canadian Universities with Application Fee Waivers
Are you dreaming of studying in Canada but worried about the high cost of application fees? Great news: some Canadian universities offer application fee waivers, especially for international students facing financial hardships or applying through specific programs.
In this blog post, I’ll walk you through 10 Canadian universities that offer application fee waivers, how to qualify, and smart tips to boost your chances of getting one.
📌 Why Application Fee Waivers Matter
Most Canadian universities charge CAD $50 to $150 per application. For students applying to multiple institutions, this can add up quickly.
Application fee waivers help reduce this burden, especially for:
- Students from low-income backgrounds
- Refugees and displaced individuals
- Applicants from developing nations
- Scholarship applicants
🏫 10 Canadian Universities with Application Fee Waivers
1. University of Alberta (U of A) – Edmonton, Alberta
- Waiver Availability: Yes (graduate programs)
- Eligibility: International applicants from low-income countries applying for graduate programs.
- How to Apply: Apply through the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research; request a waiver when submitting your application.
- Bonus: Alberta offers many fully funded scholarships for international students.
2. University of British Columbia (UBC) – Vancouver, British Columbia
- Waiver Availability: Yes (need-based)
- Eligibility: Students applying for UBC’s International Scholars Program or those with demonstrated financial need.
- How to Apply: Apply for the International Scholars Award and check the box for fee waiver.
- Website: you.ubc.ca
3. University of Calgary – Calgary, Alberta
- Waiver Availability: Limited (for refugee and sponsored students)
- Eligibility: Refugee applicants and certain scholarship applicants.
- How to Apply: Contact the university’s international office or the Graduate Studies department.
4. University of Ottawa – Ottawa, Ontario
- Waiver Availability: Case-by-case basis (mainly graduate level)
- Eligibility: International students facing extreme financial hardship or conflict-related challenges.
- How to Apply: Email the department or faculty directly to request a fee waiver.
5. University of Toronto (U of T) – Toronto, Ontario
- Waiver Availability: Yes (for select programs and financial hardship)
- Eligibility: Students applying through U of T’s School of Graduate Studies may request a waiver based on financial need.
- Special Cases: Some undergraduate fee waivers available for specific scholarship programs.
- Website: future.utoronto.ca
6. McGill University – Montreal, Quebec
- Waiver Availability: Yes (need-based and refugee applicants)
- Eligibility: Applicants with financial constraints or those from conflict regions.
- How to Apply: Contact the Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies office or apply for the McCall MacBain Scholarships (which includes fee coverage).
7. University of Saskatchewan – Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
- Waiver Availability: Available for graduate applicants
- Eligibility: Applicants from low-income countries or with a strong academic profile.
- How to Apply: Request through the university’s online portal or contact grad.studies@usask.ca.
8. Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) – St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador
- Waiver Availability: Yes (affordable + occasional waivers)
- Eligibility: Graduate programs are extremely affordable, and waivers are considered for applicants from developing countries.
- How to Apply: Apply directly and reach out to the graduate office for waiver request.
9. University of Manitoba – Winnipeg, Manitoba
- Waiver Availability: Case-by-case basis (graduate only)
- Eligibility: Financial hardship, refugees, and scholarship nominees.
- How to Apply: Contact the department or check the Faculty of Graduate Studies page.
10. Simon Fraser University (SFU) – Burnaby, British Columbia
- Waiver Availability: Available for limited applicants
- Eligibility: Students with documented financial hardship or applying for specific fellowships or scholarships.
- How to Apply: Contact the graduate program office or department directly.
🧠 Tips for Requesting an Application Fee Waiver
Here’s how to increase your chances of getting a fee waiver:
- Apply Early: Fee waivers are often limited or time-sensitive.
- Provide Documentation: Include proof of income, refugee status, or recommendation letters.
- Be Honest and Polite: Explain your financial situation clearly in your request.
- Use the University’s Contact Channels: Don’t guess. Email or use their official application portal.
- Highlight Your Achievements: Universities are more likely to invest in high-potential students.
📝 Sample Email Template for Fee Waiver Request
textCopyEditSubject: Application Fee Waiver Request – [Your Full Name]
Dear [Admissions Office / Graduate Coordinator],
My name is [Your Name], and I am applying for the [Program Name] at [University Name] for the [Fall 2025] intake. I am writing to kindly request a waiver for the application fee due to financial hardship.
I come from [Country], where economic conditions have made it difficult for me to afford application fees. I am committed to academic excellence and have enclosed my academic records and supporting documents for your review.
Thank you for considering my request. I look forward to the opportunity to be a part of your esteemed university.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
[Email Address]
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
1. Do all Canadian universities offer application fee waivers?
No, not all Canadian universities offer fee waivers. However, a growing number of schools provide waivers to students from low-income backgrounds, conflict-affected areas, or those applying for specific scholarships or graduate programs.
2. Can international students get application fee waivers in Canada?
Yes. Many Canadian universities offer fee waivers to international students, especially those applying from developing countries, refugee backgrounds, or through scholarship programs like the Commonwealth or Vanier scholarships.
3. How do I request a fee waiver from a Canadian university?
You usually need to:
- Contact the admissions office or graduate department
- Explain your financial situation clearly
- Provide supporting documents (e.g., proof of low income or refugee status)
- Apply early and politely request the waiver
4. Do undergraduate programs offer fee waivers too?
Fee waivers are more common at the graduate level, but some universities do offer them for undergraduates applying for scholarship-based programs or through partnerships with recognized organizations.
5. Is there a standard application fee waiver form in Canada?
No, each university has its own process. Some have an online form within their application portal, while others require you to send a formal email request or upload a waiver request letter.
6. Can I get a fee waiver if I’m applying through a scholarship like the Commonwealth or Vanier?
Yes. Many universities automatically waive application fees if you’re applying as part of a fully-funded scholarship program like:
- Commonwealth Scholarships
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
- Trudeau Foundation Scholarships
7. What documents do I need to support a fee waiver request?
It depends on the university, but commonly requested documents include:
- Personal statement explaining financial hardship
- Proof of income or tax return (if available)
- Refugee or asylum documents
- Recommendation letters (sometimes)
ALSO READ: How to Win a Commonwealth Scholarship
8. Can I apply to multiple universities and request fee waivers for all?
Yes, you can apply to multiple universities and request waivers individually. However, not all universities may approve your request, so be strategic and prioritize those known to support fee waivers.
9. Will requesting a fee waiver affect my chances of admission?
No. Your fee waiver request is handled separately from your admission review. Canadian universities are committed to fairness and inclusion, and your financial status won’t negatively affect your academic evaluation.
10. What if my fee waiver request is denied—can I still apply?
Yes. If your request is denied, you can still submit your application by paying the fee. If you truly cannot afford it, consider applying to universities that are more open to waivers or offer lower-cost applications (like Memorial University).
