Individuals wanting to attend one of Kansas’ public universities, community colleges or technical schools soon will have a chance to apply without paying any application fees.

The Kansas Board of Regents is hosting its statewide “Apply Free Days” from Oct. 7 through Oct. 9. The free application program applies to the University of Kansas, Kansas State, Wichita State, Emporia State, Fort Hays State and Pittsburg State. Additionally, a multitude of community colleges and technical schools are part of the program, as well as several private universities in the state.

An application to a university or community college does not obligate a prospective student to attend that institution. However, an application is typically the first step to being admitted to a university or higher education institution. Often, such applications involve a fee that is often $50 or more per prospective student.

The Board of Regents — which oversees all public universities and community colleges — noted that students can start the application before Oct. 7 and simply submit the application during the three-day free period to avoid the fee.

This is the second year that the Regents have sponsored the free application period. Last year, applications increased by 30% in the fall compared to the same period a year ago, prior to implementation of the free application program.