For students dreaming of higher education but deterred by the costs, scholarships can be a lifeline. Yet, the expenses don't stop with tuition—application fees for universities and scholarships can add up quickly, especially when applying to multiple institutions. Fortunately, some universities offer fully funded or generous scholarships that not only cover significant educational expenses but also waive application fees, removing another barrier for ambitious students.
This article explores the top university scholarships around the world that require no application fee, providing students an affordable and accessible pathway to top-tier education.
Why Scholarships with No Application Fees Matter
The typical college or university application fee ranges from $50 to $100. While this might seem manageable for a single application, students often apply to 5–10 institutions, potentially spending hundreds of dollars before even securing admission or aid.
Scholarships or universities that eliminate this fee:
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Make the process more equitable for students from low-income backgrounds.
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Encourage more applicants to apply without the risk of financial loss.
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Promote accessibility and diversity within the applicant pool.
Let’s dive into some of the top scholarships and universities worldwide that waive application fees and offer substantial financial assistance.
1. University of British Columbia (UBC) – International Scholars Program (Canada)
UBC’s International Scholars Program offers prestigious scholarships for high-achieving international students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement.
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Scholarships Included:
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Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award
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International Impact Award
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Vantage One Excellence Award
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Coverage: Full tuition, living expenses, and other educational costs.
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Application Fee: Waived for scholarship applicants through partner schools or on request for those with financial hardship.
Why It’s Top-Tier: UBC is consistently ranked among the world’s top 40 universities and this program targets students with global impact potential.
2. Harvard University – Financial Aid for International Students (USA)
While Harvard University charges an application fee for general applicants, it waives fees for students who request a waiver due to financial hardship. Additionally, the university offers one of the most generous need-based financial aid programs in the world.
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Scholarships: Fully need-based; international and domestic students are treated equally.
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Application Fee: $85 – but waivers are readily granted and do not affect admission chances.
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Coverage: Full demonstrated financial need, including tuition, housing, and personal expenses.
Why It’s Accessible: Harvard’s commitment to affordability makes it a realistic option for students from all socioeconomic backgrounds.
3. Yale University – Yale Financial Aid Program (USA)
Yale is another Ivy League institution that offers a no-barrier application policy for students with demonstrated financial need.
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Application Fee: $80 – Waived for those applying for financial aid.
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Scholarships: Need-based aid; average grant exceeds $60,000/year.
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Eligibility: Open to both U.S. and international students.
What Makes It Stand Out: Yale guarantees that admitted students will have 100% of their financial need met without loans.
4. University of Cambridge – Gates Cambridge Scholarship (UK)
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is one of the most prestigious postgraduate scholarships in the world, funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
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Coverage: Full tuition, maintenance allowance, airfare, and other expenses.
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Application Fee: Waived for Gates applicants.
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Eligibility: Open to non-UK citizens applying for full-time postgraduate degrees.
Why It’s Exceptional: Combines academic excellence with a strong emphasis on leadership and global impact.
5. ETH Zurich – Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Program (Switzerland)
ETH Zurich, one of Europe’s leading technical universities, offers the Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Program (ESOP) for master’s students.
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Application Fee: None for scholarship applicants.
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Coverage: Full study and living expenses (~CHF 12,000 per semester).
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Eligibility: International students with excellent academic records.
Why Students Apply: ETH Zurich is ranked in the global top 10 for science and engineering and has minimal entry barriers for scholarship seekers.
6. University of Toronto – Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (Canada)
This scholarship is one of Canada’s most competitive and generous programs for international undergraduate students.
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Coverage: Full tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support.
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Application Fee: Waived through nomination process.
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Eligibility: International students nominated by their school.
Why It’s Unique: Pearson Scholars are chosen for exceptional leadership and academic excellence. U of T ranks in the global top 25.
7. Berea College – No-Tuition Promise (USA)
Berea College, located in Kentucky, offers an unusual but powerful financial model: every student receives a Tuition Promise Scholarship.
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Coverage: 100% of tuition for every student, international and domestic.
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Application Fee: Free.
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Other Support: Room, board, and personal costs covered through work-study and supplemental scholarships.
Why It’s a Game-Changer: Berea is the only U.S. college that offers full tuition scholarships to every student without charging an application fee.
8. Clark University – Global Scholars Program (USA)
Clark’s Global Scholars Program supports first-year international students with strong academic records and leadership potential.
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Coverage: $15,000–$25,000 per year; additional need-based aid may be available.
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Application Fee: Waived for applicants via Common App with fee waiver request.
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Eligibility: First-year international undergraduate students.
What Makes It Appealing: Clark offers a personalized liberal arts education with global awareness in mind.
9. Michigan State University – MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program (USA)
This program supports academically talented yet economically disadvantaged students from Sub-Saharan Africa.
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Coverage: Full tuition, living expenses, books, and travel.
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Application Fee: Waived for scholarship applicants.
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Eligibility: Sub-Saharan African students pursuing undergraduate or master’s degrees.
Why It’s Impactful: It fosters African leadership through education, mentorship, and return-to-home country initiatives.
How to Maximize Your Chances
If you're aiming for universities with scholarships and no application fees, consider the following strategies:
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Request Application Fee Waivers: Don’t hesitate to ask admissions offices or check online application portals for waiver options.
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Apply Early: Many scholarships have early deadlines, often before regular admission.
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Get Strong Recommendations: Build connections with teachers and mentors who can support your application.
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Craft a Personal Statement: Highlight your background, ambition, and how you will contribute to the university community.
Conclusion
The path to higher education can feel financially overwhelming, but the combination of top university scholarships and waived application fees offers students a more inclusive route to success. Whether you're targeting elite institutions like Harvard and Cambridge or hidden gems like Berea College, there's a growing global trend to remove financial and administrative barriers for high-achieving students.
By focusing on these opportunities, you can pursue your dreams without paying just to apply.