At Georgia Tech, we use the phrase “tuition waiver” for multiple scenarios.  Sometimes, we refer to a tuition waiver for the student, which means that the student is not paying his or her own tuition; rather, it is covered by other sources.  When this happens, it is actually “tuition remission.”  At other times, we use the phrase “tuition waiver” to indicate that Tech will never receive tuition for the student, from any source, and will have to find the funds to cover those costs internally. 

Important notes: 

For most scenarios under the first definition -- particularly fellowships, state-allocated waivers, and Non-Resident Tuition Waivers -- the primary point of contact is Corey McAllister in the Office of Graduate Studies. 
For situations where there are tuition limitations or waiver requirements on philanthropic gifts received by the Georgia Tech Foundation, the primary point of contact is Corey McAllister in the Office of Graduate Studies.  Submit requests for such a waiver the same way you would for an out-of-state waiver.
For situations where there are tuition limitations or waiver requirements on a sponsored research project awarded through the Georgia Tech Research Corporation, the primary point of contact is Gail Spatt in the Office of the Executive Vice President for Research.  This process will transition to eRouting shortly but in the interim, submit your request for a waiver via email to spatt@gatech.edu.

Tuition Waivers Associated With Sponsored Research  

Frequently Asked Questions 

For comprehensive information on graduate student tuition waivers, please see the Institute Policy.  The following questions address tuition waivers on externally sponsored programs only.  

Q:           If a government or domestic non-profit sponsor includes a policy limiting or prohibiting tuition in its RFA or other publicly available materials, who at Georgia Tech would review the request for a tuition waiver?  

A:           If during the proposal preparation process, the OSP Contracting Officer is able to validate that the limit is documented on an RFP or website, no further action is needed.    

Q:           If an industry or an international sponsor includes a policy limiting or prohibiting tuition in its RFA or other publicly available materials, who at Georgia Tech would review the request for a tuition waiver?  

A:           While it is unlikely we would authorize a tuition waiver for an industry or international sponsor, you may route this request through the Office of the Executive Vice President for Research.  As a general rule, for international sponsors, please clearly document tuition costs in your proposal budget so that there is no confusion on the part of the sponsor.  

Q:           If the RFP does not limit or prohibit payment of tuition by the sponsor, how do I request a tuition waiver?  

A:           If the sponsor is willing to pay tuition, then the sponsored funds should be used for tuition.  If the PI is seeking an exception, then the process is the same as any other cost share or institutional support request (depending on whether or not you plan to report the support to the sponsor).  Start with your home school’s finance office during the proposal preparation process.  

Q:           Who should I contact with questions about tuition waivers on sponsored research projects?  

A:      Please contact Gail Spatt in the Office of the Executive Vice President for Research at 404.385.8334 or spatt@gatech.edu.  For questions on all other types of tuition waivers, including Non-Resident Tuition Waivers, please contact Corey McAllister at corey.mcallister@grad.gatech.edu.

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