Should I hold my place with a deposit while I am on a university waitlist?
12 Oct 2026 · Answered by Mohit Tanna · 1 min read
Quick Answer
verified
If it is your dream university, you can pay the deposit, but it does not mean you have secured admission, and you must still wait to hear from the university. Some European universities ask for deposits, while many US and Canadian ones do not.
If this is your dream university and you do not want to miss the opportunity, you can go ahead and pay the deposit. Remember that it does not mean you have secured admission, and you still have to wait to hear from the university.
Deposit Practice by Region
| Region | Deposit to confirm acceptance |
|---|---|
| Europe | Some universities ask students to pay a deposit |
| US | Generally not asked, but varies by university |
| Canada | Generally not asked, but some universities do ask |
How to Decide
- Check whether the university actually asks for a deposit in your region.
- Ask yourself if missing this opportunity would matter to you.
- Remember that a deposit alone does not confirm your admission.
My Advice
Pay only if the university truly is your first choice and you are comfortable with the amount. Read the refund terms on the official page first, and keep a backup option alive.
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