Johns Hopkins University, established in 1876, is America’s first research university. The Whiting School of Engineering offers competitive graduate programs, and there are ways to reduce upfront costs (application fees) and access scholarships/fellowships. Here’s what international applicants (and domestic ones) should know.
Application Fee & Fee Waiver Policies
Link to general application requirements:
JHU Whiting Graduate General Application Requirements
- For full-time Master’s or combined Bachelor’s/Master’s programs, there is no application fee. You bypass the payment page when submitting the application.
- For Doctoral programs, there is typically a $75 application fee. Some programs may offer a reduced fee (e.g. $25) depending on the program.
- Application Fee Waivers are available in the application form itself under the “Supporting Materials” section:
- Indicate “Yes” for the “Application Fee Waiver” question.
- Choose reason (eligible program affiliation or financial hardship).
- Upload supporting documentation (e.g. letter, certificate, screenshot, written hardship explanation).
- Some of the eligible programs/affiliations include:
- ABRCMS, Fulbright, Leadership Alliance, LSAMP, McNair Scholars, National GEM, oSTEM, SWE, etc. (a long list of underrepresented or preparatory/training programs)
- Financial hardship for domestic and international applicants, with appropriate documentation.
Funding Opportunities for International Graduate Students
Whiting School Fellowships & Internal Aid
- Full-time, degree-seeking graduate students in engineering are automatically considered for Internal Fellowships once they apply.
- These fellowships can cover tuition and often include a stipend.
External & Additional Funding
- Students can also apply for external fellowships (outside agencies) once admitted.
- The Graduate Student Funding Opportunities portal from JHU’s Research Development teams lists external funding programs, federal and private, which international students may be eligible for.
Program-Specific Exceptions & Waivers
- Some departments (like the Environmental Health & Engineering doctoral programs) offer fee waivers for U.S. citizens or permanent residents explicitly; international applicants may need higher justification or may not be eligible in some cases.
- For Molecular, Microbiology & Immunology (MMI) graduate programs at the Bloomberg School of Public Health, waivers are offered if criteria are met (e.g. financial hardship, attendance at certain institutions). International applicants may request waiver with justification.
What This Means for International Applicants
- If you’re applying for a Master’s or combined BS/MS in engineering at Whiting, you likely won’t pay an application fee. That removes a barrier.
- If applying to a Doctoral program, the fee may apply, but you may request a waiver if you have program affiliations or financial need.
- Once admitted, international students are eligible for internal fellowships, and may also seek external fellowships via JHU Research Development.
- Since funding is competitive, strong academic records, clear application materials, and early submission of all documentation are key.
Final Thoughts & Action Steps
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Review the JHU Whiting Engineering General Application Requirements to verify whether your program is Master’s or Doctoral, fee status, waiver options.
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During your application, make sure you respond to the “Application Fee Waiver” question, select the correct reason, and upload required proof.
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Search external fellowships and the JHU Graduate Student Funding Opportunities portal.
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If possible, contact the department to confirm whether fee waivers or funding aid are available to international applicants specifically in your sub-field.
Johns Hopkins Whiting Engineering offers significant support for graduate students—to reduce the financial burden of application and study—for those who plan carefully and meet the criteria.