Need-Based Application Fee Waiver

last updated August 2024

Waivers of the application fee are available for students who who meet all the following criteria:

  • U.S. citizens or current permanent residents
  • Demonstration of financial need (see below)
  • A grade point average of at least 3.0 (or the equivalent) in undergraduate course work and in all postgraduate-level or graduate course work. Exceptions are possible based on ability or potential for graduate work demonstrated by other means. If your GPA does not meet this minimum, please include a short (<1 page) statement addressing this topic.  If you are below this minimum GPA and do not include a statement, you are not eligible to apply.

The reimbursement application deadline is November 15, 2024. To apply, please email to our Graduate Chair (gradchair AT ifa.hawaii.edu) all of the following as a single PDF file:

  1. A brief message confirming that you meet the above eligibility criteria
  2. Demonstration of financial need: a statement from your Financial Aid officer indicating that you are receiving need-based financial aid or else a copy of your Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Student Air Report (SAR).  Alternatively, please provide a short statement describing your need.
  3. Your unofficial transcript
  4. Your personal statement (described here)

You will be notified prior to the admissions deadline of whether you will be receiving a fee waiver.

Acceptance or denial of your application for a fee waiver does not affect your application during the review process.