iSchool Application Fee Waiver Request Form

In order to be considered for admission to a graduate program at Illinois, an application fee is required. The Graduate College does waive the fee requirement for select groups of candidates; see here for more information. 

In an effort to provide increased access to educational opportunities, the iSchool at Illinois is offering a limited number of fee waivers for candidates who are not eligible for a fee waiver from the Graduate College. Fee waivers may be granted on many factors, including but not limited to merit, need, and unique attributes that you would bring to the program.

In order to be considered, you will need to:
1. Create an application
2. Select the iSchool degree program you intend to apply to
3. Complete the required personal statement essays.
4. Upload your resume in your application
5. Upload your unofficial transcript
6. Provide English proficiency test scores (international candidates only)
7. Brief statement on why you should be considered for a fee waiver.

Fee waiver requests will be reviewed on the dates listed below. 
MSLIS Spring 2025: Submit request no later than September 1. Results will be emailed by September 6.
PHD: Submit request no later than October 1. Results will be emailed by October 7.
MSIM: Submit request no later than November 1. Results will be emailed by November 8.
MSLIS Fall 2025: Submit request no later than December 15. Results will be emailed by December 20.

If you are approved for a fee waiver, you MUST include the unique code provided to you in your application prior to submitting it. If you submit your application without this waiver code, we are not able to refund an application fee that has been paid, so DO NOT SUBMIT your application prior to getting a decision from us so you have the necessary information to submit with your application if a waiver is provided.

Please note, we are not able to refund an application fee that has been paid.