For fall 2026 admission, Rice University’s Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies is rolling out a special Application Fee Waiver Weeks period. During this window, qualified doctoral applicants, whether domestic or international can request a waiver of the graduate application fees.
Here’s everything you need to know about this opportunity, who’s eligible, how and when to apply, and what to watch out for.
📅 Key Dates & Timeline
Waiver Request Period: October 14 to November 1, 2025 (or until all waivers are exhausted) Application Submission Deadline: November 27, 10:59 p.m. CST Important Note: Even if you submit your application before Oct 14, you can still request a waiver during the waiver period as long as your request and application meet eligibility criteria.
Rice clarifies that refunds will not be processed. So, if your waiver request is not granted, you’ll need to pay the application fee before or at submission.
🧾 Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for a waiver during the Fee Waiver Weeks, you must meet all of the following:
Program Type: The waiver is only for doctoral (PhD) programs, not master’s programs. GPA Requirement:
A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or the equivalent in your system.
Application Submitted by Deadline: Your application must be fully completed by Nov 27 at 10:59 p.m. CST. Otherwise, you’ll need to pay the fee.
Admissions Criteria: You must meet Rice’s general admission requirements as well as additional criteria set by your specific department or program.
Waiver Request Form: You must complete the waiver request form (provided via Rice’s site) by the deadline.
Excluded Programs
Note that programs in the Jones School of Business are not eligible for this waiver.
Special Departmental Waivers
Some departments may already offer their own fee waivers (e.g. Rice’s Bioengineering program). If you are admitted to such a program, their waiver rules may supersede the general waiver terms.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) ❓
Q: What if I submitted my application before Oct 14?
A: You can still request a waiver by completing the waiver form once it opens, assuming you satisfy all other eligibility criteria.
Q: Do I need a waiver code?
A: No. There is no code to enter. The waiver is tied to the email address you use in your application.
Q: My department offers its own waiver. Which one applies?
A: The departmental waiver rules take precedence. If you’re eligible through your department, you can use that instead of the general fee waiver.
Q: Why isn’t the waiver showing on my application?
A: It may take up to 48 hours after submitting your application for the waiver to appear.
Q: Can I get a refund if I already submitted?
A: No refunds are available under any circumstances.
Q: Can I make changes to my application after submission?
A: No – once submitted, the application is final. Be sure to review carefully.
Q: When do I need to submit test scores or letters of recommendation?
A: You can submit test scores (GRE, TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, etc.) after Nov 27, as long as they arrive by your program’s deadline.
Letters of recommendation must abide by your program’s deadline.
✅ Tips to Maximize Your Chances
Watch your deadlines: Miss Nov 27, and you lose the waiver eligibility. Submit the waiver request immediately once the form is live. Waivers are limited. Double-check your email consistency: Use the same email in your application as in your waiver request. Stay updated with your department: Some departments may have their own waivers, deadlines, or special rules. Keep track of test/rec submission windows to avoid late arrivals. Ask if your situation is unusual – Rice offers a contact email (gradadmissions@rice.edu) for additional questions.
🎓 Why This Matters
Application fees can be a barrier, especially for international students or those from low-income backgrounds. By opening a waiver period, Rice is lowering that barrier and trying to attract a broader, more diverse pool of PhD applicants. If you meet the criteria, this is a valuable chance to save on costs while applying to a top-tier research institution.
