Applying to graduate school can be both exciting and overwhelming—especially when considering the costs. At Rice University, however, there’s good news for prospective doctoral students: Application Fee Waiver Weeks are back for Fall 2026 admissions.
This initiative helps remove financial barriers for qualified students worldwide, making Rice more accessible to outstanding applicants.
What Are Rice’s Application Fee Waiver Weeks?
From October 14 – November 1, 2025, Rice University’s Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies will offer doctoral application fee waivers to eligible students—both domestic and international.
- Waivers are available until supplies run out.
- The waiver does not apply to programs in the Jones School of Business.
- Students must still meet all program-specific admission requirements.
Learn more and sign up for updates on Rice’s official fee waiver page
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the fee waiver, applicants must:
- Hold a minimum 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale), or the equivalent.
- Submit a completed application by November 27, 2025, 10:59 p.m. CST.
- Complete the fee waiver request form during the waiver window (Oct. 14 – Nov. 1).
- Meet the general Rice admissions requirements as well as additional program criteria.
Note: Standardized test scores (GRE, TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, etc.) may be submitted after Nov. 27, as long as they meet the program’s deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I apply before October 14?
You can still participate in Fee Waiver Weeks—just complete the form when it opens.
Can I use the waiver for a master’s program?
No. Fee Waiver Weeks apply only to doctoral programs.
Will I get a refund if I’ve already paid?
Unfortunately, no refunds are offered for previously paid application fees.
Do I need to submit test scores and recommendation letters by Nov. 27?
No—only the application itself must be submitted by that date. Supporting documents may follow program-specific
deadlines.
Funding Opportunities at Rice University
One of the strongest reasons to apply to Rice is its generous financial support for graduate students:
- Full Tuition Coverage – Many doctoral students receive full tuition scholarships.
- Stipends – Competitive stipends are provided to help cover living expenses.
- Health Insurance – Subsidized plans are often included in funding packages.
- Fellowships & Assistantships – Students can access research assistantships, teaching assistantships, and external fellowships with guidance from Rice’s funding office.
Rice is committed to ensuring that financial barriers don’t prevent talented students from pursuing graduate study.
Final Thoughts
If you’re planning to apply for a doctoral program at Rice University, don’t miss out on Application Fee Waiver Weeks (Oct. 14 – Nov. 1, 2025). This is a valuable opportunity to save money and take the first step toward joining one of the world’s top research universities.
Pair this with Rice’s strong financial support for graduate students, and you have a pathway that makes world-class education more accessible than ever.
Explore Rice’s Fee Waiver Weeks and start your application today