Texas residents applying to public colleges and universities can avoid admission application fees through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, during the state’s Free College Application Week. The statewide program is open to high school students, first-time college applicants, transfer students and working adults who are Texas residents and applying to an undergraduate program at a participating public institution. Eligible programs include associate degrees, certificates and first bachelor’s degrees. The fee waiver covers application costs, not tuition or other college expenses. Applicants can use ApplyTexas, which allows students to submit applications to multiple institutions through one system. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board says all public colleges and universities in the state must waive admission fees for Texas residents taking part in the weeklong initiative. More than 260,000 applications were submitted during last year’s event, saving applicants millions of dollars, according to the board. David Troutman, the board’s deputy commissioner for academic and workforce initiatives, said the program aims to help more students continue their education after high school. He said many jobs require education or training beyond a high school diploma, making college access important both for students and the state’s workforce. The application-fee waiver offers a limited chance to reduce one up-front cost of applying, but students should check each institution’s requirements and deadlines for admission and financial aid separately.