- Tuition-FreeCost Model
- Accredited by WASC Senior College and University CommissionAccreditation
- 100% Online & FlexibleLearning Format
- ~270,000 studentsStudent Body Size
- Over 200 countries and territoriesGlobal Reach
- Founded 2009Establishment Year
At a glance
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Funding
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Max amount
Oct 22, 2026
Deadline
All countries
Country
University of the People
Provider
The University of the People (UoPeople) provides tuition-free, accredited online degrees, making higher education accessible to students globally. Established in 2009, UoPeople operates as a non-profit American online university, offering associate's, bachelor's, master's, and certificate programs across various fields. With over 270,000 students from more than 200 countries and territories, UoPeople focuses on removing financial barriers to education while maintaining academic quality through collaborations with prominent academics. Students are responsible for a minimal application fee and modest assessment fees per course, allowing them to pay as they go without long-term commitments. This model has enabled many students, including 10,529 new applicants last week (as of the page text), to pursue higher education from anywhere in the world. The university emphasizes flexibility, allowing students to study anytime and anywhere, supported by an asynchronous learning model. The curriculum is developed with input from industry leaders and scholars, preparing graduates for the job market, with over 85% of alumni reportedly employed. UoPeople is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission. Treat the figures and dates here as estimates and confirm current-cycle details on the official website.
What's covered
- Tuition Fees — UoPeople charges no tuition for its online courses, removing a major financial barrier.
- Course Materials — There are no additional fees for course materials; all necessary resources are provided online.
- Annual Enrollment Fees — The university does not charge annual enrollment fees.
- Application Fee — Applicants are required to pay a one-time application fee of ~USD 60 (est.).
- Assessment Fees — Students pay a modest assessment fee per course, which covers evaluation and grading, estimated to be ~USD 120-300 per course (est.).
- Graduation Fee — A graduation fee of ~USD 100-200 (est.) is typically incurred upon degree completion.
How to apply
Applying to the University of the People involves a straightforward online process. As a tuition-free institution, the focus is on academic preparedness and meeting minimal administrative requirements.
- Submit Online Application — Complete the online application form available on the University of the People website.
- Pay Application Fee — Pay the non-refundable application fee. This is a one-time fee to process your admission.
- Provide Academic Documents — Submit official transcripts or academic records from previous institutions, demonstrating your qualifications for the desired degree level.
- Demonstrate English Proficiency — Provide proof of English language proficiency, if required, through recognized tests or prior education in English-speaking institutions.
- Complete Foundation Courses — For undergraduate applicants, you may need to complete initial foundation courses to prepare for your studies at UoPeople.
Eligibility
NationalityOpen to applicants from over 200 countries and territories worldwide.
Study LevelAvailable for Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, and Certificate programs.
Academic StandingProspective students must meet specific academic requirements for their chosen program (e.g., high school diploma for undergraduate, bachelor's degree for graduate).
English ProficiencyApplicants must demonstrate sufficient English language proficiency, as all instruction is in English.
UoPeople does not rely on U.S. Federal Aid, making it accessible to international students without the need for FAFSA. Specific admission requirements may vary by program and can be found on the official UoPeople website.
Eligible countries
All countries
Deadlines
Early Admissions2026-10-01
Winter Term (est.)2026-11-01
Spring Term (est.)2027-02-01
Summer Term (est.)2027-05-01
Selection
Admission to the University of the People is based on meeting the defined eligibility criteria rather than a competitive selection process. Applicants who fulfill the academic and English proficiency requirements for their chosen program, and pay the administrative fees, are generally accepted. The university aims to be accessible to all qualified global applicants, providing an opportunity for higher education to a broad international student body.
Verified sources
- University of the People Official Websiteuopeople.eduofficial
About the provider
The University of the People (UoPeople) is a non-profit, American, accredited online university established in 2009. It aims to open the gates to higher education for qualified students worldwide by offering tuition-free degrees. UoPeople serves over 270,000 students from more than 200 countries and territories.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
What is the University of the People Tuition Free Degrees program?
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The University of the People (UoPeople) offers accredited, tuition-free online degrees across various academic programs, including associate's, bachelor's, master's, and certificate levels. It's a non-profit American university designed to make higher education accessible globally.
What does the tuition-free program cover?
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The program covers tuition fees, online course materials, and annual enrollment fees. Students are only responsible for a one-time application fee and modest assessment fees per course, allowing for a pay-as-you-go model.
What is the typical award value of this scholarship?
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As a tuition-free university, there is no direct award value in the traditional sense. Students save the cost of tuition, which averages between ~USD 20,000 and ~USD 48,000 for comparable online bachelor's degrees elsewhere. The total cost for a bachelor's degree at UoPeople is approximately ~USD 7,260, mainly for assessment fees.
Who is eligible to apply for UoPeople programs?
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Eligibility is open to qualified applicants from over 200 countries and territories. General requirements include meeting academic prerequisites for the chosen degree level and demonstrating English language proficiency.
Which countries are eligible for this program?
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Students from all countries are eligible to apply, provided they meet the admission criteria. UoPeople boasts a diverse student body from over 200 nations and territories.
Which study levels are supported by UoPeople?
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UoPeople supports a range of study levels, including Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's degrees in various fields, and Certificate programs.
What is the application deadline for UoPeople?
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The early admissions deadline for an upcoming term is typically around October 1, 2026. However, UoPeople offers multiple application intakes throughout the year, with specific deadlines for each term.
How do I apply to the University of the People?
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You apply by submitting an online application, paying a one-time application fee, and providing necessary academic documents and proof of English proficiency. You may also need to complete initial foundation courses.
What documents are required for the application?
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Required documents typically include an online application form, high school diploma or equivalent (for undergraduate), bachelor's degree transcript (for graduate), and proof of English proficiency if applicable.
How are recipients selected for UoPeople programs?
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Selection is based on meeting the stated eligibility and admission criteria, rather than a competitive process. All qualified applicants who fulfill the requirements are generally accepted into their chosen programs.
What is the duration of the programs, and can they be renewed?
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The duration varies by program type (e.g., Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's). Programs are continuous, and students progress through courses semester by semester as long as they maintain academic standing and meet assessment fee obligations.
Where can I confirm the most current details of the UoPeople program?
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For the most current and definitive details, always refer to the official University of the People website, particularly their admissions and cost pages.