College AdmissionsAssistant

October 12–18, 2026

Texas Free College Application Week

For one week, Texas students can apply to any Texas public college or university without paying an application fee. Here's who qualifies, how it works, and what to do before you hit submit.

The essentials

When
Monday, October 12 to Sunday, October 18. Submit by 11:59 p.m. Central on the last day.
What's free
The application fee for undergraduate applications to every Texas public college and university, community colleges included.
Who qualifies
Texas residents applying as first-time, transfer, returning or visiting undergraduates. International students and graduate applications aren't covered.
Where to apply
Through ApplyTexas. Schools decide for themselves whether to waive fees on other platforms, such as the Common App.

Details from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Check its page for the latest rules. Next year's week is October 11–17, 2027.

Five tips before you submit

  1. 1

    Submit, don't just start

    Only applications submitted by 11:59 p.m. Central on Sunday, October 18 qualify. A saved draft doesn't count, and ApplyTexas's submission time is what schools check.

  2. 2

    Add the schools you were unsure about

    With fees often around $75 each, many students cut their list to save money. This week, one or two more applications cost nothing.

  3. 3

    Check each school's extra requirements

    Essays, short answers, transcripts and recommendations vary by school and by program. The waiver covers the fee, not the rest of the application.

  4. 4

    Mind the deadlines inside the week

    Some Early Action deadlines fall during the week, including UT Austin's on October 15. Don't save those for the weekend.

  5. 5

    Have your residency details ready

    The waiver is for Texas residents. Have the information the residency questions ask for before you sit down to submit.

Go to ApplyTexas

The fee is free this week. The work isn't.

College Admissions Assistant helps families with everything around the application, all year:

  • An AI assistant for questions about college lists, Early Action, testing and financial aid, any time
  • Coaching on your student's own essay drafts. It gives feedback; it never writes the essay
  • A deadline and checklist for every college on your list
  • Each program's requirements researched for your student's major, with sources shown

$9 a month, with a 7-day free trial. For parents and guardians, and students 18 or older.

Start your free trial

College Admissions Assistant is an independent service from 10X Innovations, LLC in Austin, Texas. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board or ApplyTexas.