[atsuzaki]

Hey, in most cases the application fees are waivable if you write to the application committee explaining that you are in a situation where the fees are a significant barrier.

The rest of the expenses though. Oof. (For americans reading: I paid over $700 just in visa and immigration processing-related fees)

[rex_lupi]

Thanks. Unfortunately not all universities offer a waiver. TOEFL is also quite costly

[parrotlarry]

Hi, perhaps I can help you navigate this with my own limited insight into the bureaucracy of American higher education? I'm working on a startup that is tangentially related, and I'd be happy to put in some research and help you figure out how to clear the hurdles at the specific institutions you're interested in.

Some questions: Have you asked after waivers (even at the schools that say they don't offer them) and if so, what sort of responses are you getting? And have you had any luck finding a school that might spot you a TOEFL voucher? What would the cost of the TOEFL be for you?