In the last decade, online education has transformed how people access higher learning. Students from all over the world can now enroll in degree programs at prestigious institutions without leaving their home countries. This global shift became even more prominent during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, accelerating the adoption of remote education.
But quality online degrees—especially from international universities—can still be expensive. That’s where scholarships for online degrees come into play. In this guide, you’ll discover how to study for a recognized online degree at a reduced cost or even for free through scholarships and financial aid.
What Are Online Degrees?
Online degrees are academic programs offered via the internet that provide the same qualification as on-campus degrees. These can be:
- Fully online (no physical attendance required)
- Blended or hybrid (some on-campus activities)
- Asynchronous or synchronous (self-paced or live classes)
You can earn:
- Bachelor’s Degrees
- Master’s Degrees
- PhDs and Doctoral Degrees
- Professional Certificates and Diplomas
Why Consider Scholarships for Online Degrees?
- Access top universities from anywhere
- Save on travel, housing, and living costs
- Maintain a job while studying
- Gain international exposure and networking
- Scholarships reduce or eliminate tuition fees
Who Offers Scholarships for Online Degrees?
- Accredited Universities
- MOOC Platforms (Coursera, edX, FutureLearn)
- Private Organizations and Foundations
- Government Agencies
- Employer Tuition Reimbursement Programs
Top Universities Offering Online Degree Scholarships
1. University of the People (UoPeople)
- Tuition-free online university
- Offers scholarships to cover exam fees
- Degree Programs: Business Administration, Computer Science, Education, and Health Science
- Website: uopeople.edu
2. Arizona State University Online (ASU Online)
- Offers both merit-based and need-based scholarships
- Degree Programs: Engineering, Communication, Psychology, etc.
- Website: asuonline.asu.edu
3. University of Edinburgh Online Learning Scholarships
- Full tuition scholarships for online master’s programs
- Primarily for students from low-income countries
- Website: ed.ac.uk
4. University of London Distance Learning Scholarships
- Offers a variety of scholarships for online undergraduate and postgraduate programs
- Supported by Commonwealth Scholarships and private donors
- Website: london.ac.uk
5. University of South Africa (UNISA)
- Africa’s largest open distance learning institution
- Offers scholarships to domestic and international students
- Website: unisa.ac.za
MOOC Platforms Offering Financial Aid for Online Degrees
1. Coursera
- Offers full bachelor’s and master’s degree programs
- Financial aid and scholarships available
- Universities include: University of Illinois, Imperial College London, and more
- Website: coursera.org
2. edX (now part of 2U)
- Offers MicroMasters, Professional Certificates, and Online Degrees
- Financial aid for up to 90% discount
- Partnered with Harvard, MIT, Boston University
- Website: edx.org
3. FutureLearn
- Offers online degrees and courses from UK universities
- Scholarships offered in partnership with institutions
- Website: futurelearn.com
Types of Scholarships for Online Degrees
1. Need-Based Scholarships
Awarded to students based on financial hardship. Common in institutions like UoPeople and Coursera.
2. Merit-Based Scholarships
Given to high-achieving students based on academic records, professional experience, or achievements.
3. Country-Specific Scholarships
Available for students from specific developing regions (e.g., Africa, Asia, Latin America).
4. Program-Specific Scholarships
Restricted to certain fields like business, health, or computer science.
5. Employer-Funded Tuition Assistance
Some companies fund employee education through online degree programs.
How to Apply for Scholarships for Online Degrees
Step 1: Choose a Program and Institution
Decide what field of study you want and find schools or platforms that offer scholarships.
Step 2: Check Scholarship Eligibility
Every scholarship has different criteria. Common requirements include:
- Academic transcripts
- Personal statement
- Proof of income
- Recommendation letters
- Language proficiency (if taught in English)
Step 3: Submit Your Application
- Most applications are submitted online
- Include all supporting documents
- Some platforms like Coursera allow you to apply for financial aid directly from course pages
Step 4: Follow Up
- Monitor your email for decisions
- Some programs may require interviews or further documentation
Popular Online Degrees with Scholarship Availability
- MBA (Master of Business Administration)
- Computer Science and IT
- Public Health and Healthcare Management
- Education and Instructional Design
- Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
Top Foundations Offering Online Learning Scholarships
- Mastercard Foundation (in partnership with universities)
- Commonwealth of Learning (COL)
- DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service)
- Open Society Foundations
- African Virtual University
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
1. Limited Number of Scholarships
Apply early, and don’t rely on one opportunity—apply for several.
2. Low Awareness
Many students don’t realize online programs offer scholarships. Always check the school’s website and contact admissions.
3. Connectivity and Access
Use offline features available on platforms like Coursera and edX.
4. Work-Study Balance
Manage your schedule well. Choose asynchronous courses if you’re working.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are scholarships for online degrees legit?
Yes. Many accredited universities and platforms offer real, verifiable scholarships. Always verify from official websites.
Will my online degree be recognized?
If it’s from an accredited institution, your online degree is recognized just like on-campus programs.
Do I need a visa for online degrees?
No. Since you’re not physically traveling, you don’t need a student visa.
Can I work while studying online?
Yes. Online degrees allow maximum flexibility, so you can work full-time or part-time.
Final Thoughts: Learn Globally, Study Locally
Online education is reshaping the future of learning. With scholarships for online degrees, you can access world-class education from anywhere in the world without the massive cost burden.
Whether you’re upgrading your career, changing paths, or pursuing academic goals, these scholarships offer a flexible, affordable way to succeed—right from your home.
