Master’s Free Application Weeks
Apply to an eligible master’s program with no application fee
Thinking about a master’s degree at UB? From October 19 through November 2, 2026, the College of Arts and Sciences is offering application fee waivers for eligible master’s program applicants.
Submit your application, required materials and fee waiver request during the promotional period to take advantage of this opportunity.
- Dates: October 19 through November 2, 2026
- Programs: College of Arts and Sciences MA, MS, MFA and combined degree master's programs, except the Communicative Disorders and Sciences MA. PhD programs and graduate certificate programs are not eligible.
- Entry terms: Spring 2027 and Fall 2027
- Fee waiver: Available to eligible applicants who meet all promotion requirements
- Recommendation letters: At least one must be received by November 2, if your program requires recommendations
- Already paid? Application fees cannot be refunded
1. Choose an eligible program
Apply to an eligible College of Arts and Sciences MA, MS, MFA or combined degree master's program for Spring 2027 or Fall 2027. Review your program’s admission requirements before you begin your application.
2. Submit your application
Submit your application and all required materials between October 19 and November 2.
If recommendations are required, at least one letter must be received by November 2.
3. Check your personal email
After you apply, you’ll receive an automated confirmation email letting you know your application was received and providing instructions for accessing your applicant status portal.
4. Request your fee waiver
Sign in to your applicant status portal and choose the option to request a fee waiver instead of paying the application fee.
Submit your request by November 2.
Important: Do not pay the application fee if you plan to request a waiver through this promotion. Application fees that have already been paid cannot be refunded.
Eligibility
The promotion is available for College of Arts and Sciences MA, MS, MFA, BA/MA, BA/MS and BS/MS programs, except the Communicative Disorders and Sciences MA.
Yes. Combined programs such as BA/MA, BA/MS and BS/MS programs are eligible.
No. PhD programs are not eligible.
No. Graduate certificate programs are not eligible.
Yes. International applicants are eligible for the application fee waiver. To qualify, submit your required international application materials, including a copy of your passport and valid English language proficiency test scores, by November 2.
Bank statements and financial documents are not required at this time.
No. This promotion is only for eligible master's applications submitted between October 19 and November 2, 2026.
Applications and fee waivers
No. If required by your program, letters of recommendation must be submitted directly your recommender, using the secure link that is emailed to them when you submit your application. Letters uploaded by applicants are not accepted.
No. You may only receive one fee waiver during this promotion.
Submit your application first. You will receive an automated confirmation email with instructions for accessing your applicant status portal. Confirm that your application has all required materials, including at least one letter of recommendation submitted by your recommender.
Sign in to the portal, choose the option to request a fee waiver and submit your request by November 2 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
No. After submitting your application, follow the instructions in your confirmation email to access your applicant status portal and request the waiver.
Request your fee waiver after submitting your application and required materials, and confirming that at least one of your recommenders has submitted a letter of recommendation. Your request must be submitted by November 2 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
Please allow one to two business days for Graduate Admissions to review your application and process your request.
If the fee remains after that time, confirm that:
- Your program is eligible
- Your application and required materials were submitted during the promotion
- Your fee waiver request was submitted by the deadline
- At least one recommendation letter was received by the deadline if your program requires recommendations
If you believe you qualify but still see a fee, contact Graduate Admissions before making a payment.
No. Application fees that have already been paid cannot be refunded. If you plan to request a waiver, do not pay the application fee when you access your applicant status portal.
Technical support and next steps
If you experience a technical issue, take a screenshot of the error and note when it occurred. Contact Graduate Admissions as soon as possible and, whenever possible, before the promotion deadline.
We encourage you to apply early to allow time to resolve any issues.
Admission decision timelines vary by program. Please note that while only one recommendation letter is required to qualify for the fee waiver promotion, your application must be complete before it can be reviewed. If your program requires multiple recommendation letters, all required letters and other application materials must be received before the academic department can begin its review.
After applying, check your applicant status portal for updates and communications from your academic department.
For questions about Master’s Free Application Weeks or your fee waiver request, contact the College of Arts and Sciences Graduate Admissions.
Email: arts-sciences@buffalo.edu
Phone: 716-645-2711
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Eastern Time
For questions about admission requirements, deadlines or your academic program, contact the department directly.