UNITED STATES
University of the People
non-profit · Founded 2009 · Languages: en, es
In short
The University of the People is a tuition-free, accredited online university offering accessible higher education to students worldwide. It provides Associate's, Bachelor's, and Master's degrees with flexible online study and a global community.
Key facts
- Type
- Non-profit
- Founded
- 2009
- Students
- 140,000
- International students
- 130,000
- Acceptance rate
- 95%
- Tuition (intl)
- €1–3k/yr
- Languages
- EN, ES
- Location
- United States
University of the People is the world's first tuition-free, DEAC-accredited non-profit online university, founded in 2009. Serving more than 140,000 students in over 200 countries, it offers Associate's, Bachelor's, and Master's degree programmes in business administration, computer science, health science, and education. Students pay only small per-course assessment fees rather than traditional tuition, making accredited US higher education accessible to learners worldwide regardless of their economic circumstances.
Why study here
- Tuition-free with only small assessment fees — the most affordable accredited university degree pathway available
- Fully online and asynchronous — study on your own schedule from anywhere in the world
- Accredited by DEAC (Distance Education Accrediting Commission) with US institutional recognition
- Academic partnerships with NYU, Harvard, UC Berkeley, and others for credit transfer and pathways
- Serves 140,000+ students from 200+ countries in a uniquely global, peer-to-peer learning community
Student life
University of the People is a fully online institution, so there is no physical campus. However, the global student community is active and engaged, with peer-to-peer learning at the core of the model. Students connect through online discussion forums, virtual study groups, and global community events. The UoPeople Student Government Association and student clubs operate entirely in the digital space, fostering a sense of community across continents.
Fees
InternationalInternational students pay the same assessment fees as all students: approximately $120 per course exam. There is no tuition fee. Annual assessment fees total approximately $1,100–$2,400 depending on course load.
HomeUniversity of the People charges no tuition. Students pay only a small assessment fee of approximately $120 per course exam. Total annual cost is typically $1,100–$2,400.
LivingAs a fully online institution, students live wherever they are. There are no campus accommodation costs.
UoPeople is specifically designed to be accessible for students who cannot afford traditional tuition. Scholarships are available to reduce or waive assessment fees for qualifying students.
Admissions
High school diplomaOr equivalent from any country (or 24+ years old without diploma under special admission)
Application feeFree of charge
DocumentsPassport-style photo, high school transcripts, government ID
TOEFL iBT45 or higher (for non-native English speakers)
IELTS Academic5.0 or higher
Duolingo English Test65 or higher
University scholarships
UoPeople Scholarship ProgrammeFull or partial assessment fee waivers for qualifying students
UNHCR Scholarship for RefugeesFull assessment fee coverage for eligible refugees
Corporate and foundation scholarshipsPartnerships with organisations including HP Life and others provide additional fee support
Accreditation
University of the People is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), recognised by the US Department of Education. The School of Business is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
For international students
United StatesStudent visa & funds
International students primarily enter on the F-1 visa, which requires enrolment at a SEVP-certified institution. Before the visa interview the school issues a Form I-20 — a certificate of eligibility — for which a Designated School Official must verify documented funds covering tuition, living expenses and travel for the first year, plus a reliable source for subsequent years. The financial evidence must be specific and from an identified source.
Working while you study
F-1 students may work on campus up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session and full-time during official breaks, with no separate authorization needed. Off-campus work is generally not permitted in the first academic year. After one academic year in good standing, students may use Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for paid work that is an integral part of the curriculum, authorized by the school; other off-campus work requires an approved Employment Authorization Document from USCIS.
After you graduate
After completing a degree, F-1 students may apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) — up to 12 months of work authorization in a related field — by filing Form I-765 and receiving an EAD before starting work. Graduates of a degree on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List may apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, for up to 36 months total. The extension requires an E-Verify employer and a qualifying STEM degree earned within the previous ten years.
English tests
- IELTSUG 6.0–6.5; PG 6.5–7.0; top-tier programs 7.0–7.5
- TOEFL iBTUG 80–100; PG 90–110; selective research universities 100+
- PTE AcademicUG 50–60; PG 55–70; highly selective programs 65+
Main intakes
AugustJanuary
Typical living cost
€1,420/month
Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.
SourcesStudy in the States — Students and the Form I-20 · Study in the States — Financial ability · USCIS — Students and employment · USCIS — Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 students · USCIS — STEM OPT extension · LeapScholar — Minimum IELTS scores for USA universities · Mastersportal — Student living costs in the USA (2025–2026)
Programs
a selectionUniversity of the People · United States
Associate of Science in Business Administration (ASBA) Online Degree
The Associate of Science in Business Administration (ASBA) online degree program provides a strong foundation in essential business principles, covering topics such as statistics, management, and accounting. This program is designed for individuals seeking an introduction to the business world or looking to build groundwork for a future bachelor's degree. You will develop in-demand skills, gain confidence in tackling real-life business problems, and acquire specialized knowledge in accounting, macroeconomics, communications, and management. This degree is ideal for working professionals aiming for a solid business education or planning to pursue advanced studies. The curriculum is structured to introduce you to the field of business, equip you with the ability to use data for problem-solving and decision-making, and foster teamwork and ethical understanding in various business contexts. The program consists of 42 major course credits and 18 general education credits.
Bachelor's
Level
€3k
Tuition
18 mo
Duration
University of the People · United States
Associate of Science in Computer Science (ACS) Online Degree
The Associate of Science in Computer Science (ACS) online program provides a strong foundation in essential computer science concepts, including programming, databases, software, and operating systems. This degree is designed to equip you with the skills needed to design, implement, and evaluate software solutions for real-world problems. It serves as an excellent stepping stone for a career in the tech industry or for pursuing further studies at the bachelor's level.
Bachelor's
Level
€3k
Tuition
18 mo
Duration
University of the People · United States
Associate of Science in Health Science (AHS)
Gain the latest knowledge and skills to give you a competitive advantage in the rapidly growing field of health science. This online Associate of Science in Health Science (AHS) degree is a perfect introduction to the fast-paced world of healthcare and provides the groundwork for a future bachelor’s degree. You will explore a wide range of health-focused topics, from disease prevention, psychology, global health, public healthcare, biology to general health and wellness. This degree is ideal for working professionals seeking a strong foundation in health science or those aiming to pursue advanced studies in the future.
Bachelor's
Level
€0k
Tuition
18 mo
Duration
University of the People · United States
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA)
The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) is an online degree designed to equip you with essential skills for solving real-world business problems and confidently leading teams. This program provides a strong foundation in key business areas such as accounting, management, marketing, economics, and finance. It prepares you for career advancement or further graduate studies.
Bachelor's
Level
€0k
Tuition
30 mo
Duration
University of the People · United States
Bachelor of Science in Health Science (BHS) Online
The Bachelor of Science in Health Science (BHS) is an online degree program designed to equip you with essential knowledge and skills for a career in the rapidly growing healthcare field. You will gain insights into the social and biological factors influencing health, learn to analyze health problems and propose solutions, develop teamwork and leadership abilities, and explore ethical considerations within healthcare policy and law. This program provides a strong foundation for advancing your current career or pursuing further graduate studies in health-related fields.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
30 mo
Duration
University of the People · United States
Certificate in Game Design
The Certificate in Game Design is an online program that introduces you to the fundamental principles and practical skills required to conceptualize, design, and build video games. You will learn about game mechanics, storytelling, prototyping, and using game engines. The program emphasizes hands-on assignments and iterative development to help you create engaging gameplay experiences and build a portfolio-ready capstone game. You will also explore the cultural, ethical, and social dimensions of games. This program is designed to equip you with the foundational knowledge and creative abilities needed for a career in the growing game industry. It focuses on practical application, allowing you to design, test, and refine your game concepts into playable projects.
Certificate
Level
€2k
Tuition
10 mo
Duration
Scholarships
for United States
full fundingDuke University
Karsh International Scholarship Program
Open to international (non-U.S. citizen, non-permanent-resident) high school students applying for first-year undergraduate admission to Duke University. Candidates must demonstrate financial need through Duke's need-based aid process, show interdisciplinary academic curiosity, and have a record of community engagement. There is no separate scholarship form; international applicants who indicate they are applying for financial aid are automatically considered for the Karsh award.
full
Funding
€320k
Max
Jan 2, 2027
Deadline
full fundingUniversity of Miami (with the Stamps Family Charitable Foundation)
University of Miami Stamps Scholarship
Open to high school seniors, both domestic (U.S.) and international, applying for first-year undergraduate admission to the University of Miami through Early Decision I or Early Action. Applicants are automatically considered with no separate scholarship form; they must submit all first-year admission requirements and demonstrate strong academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement. Semi-finalists complete a Zoom interview.
full
Funding
€260k
Max
Nov 1, 2026
Deadline
full fundingQuestBridge
QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship
Open to high-achieving US high school seniors from low-income backgrounds who are US citizens, permanent residents, or students studying in the US regardless of citizenship. Competitive applicants typically earn mostly A's in challenging courses, rank in the top 5-10% of their class, and have strong standardised test results (SAT/PSAT above 1310 or ACT above 28), though each application is read in context. Applicants must demonstrate strong writing, intellectual curiosity and determination through essays and recommendations. Matched students must attend a partner college as a binding-early-decision commitment.
full
Funding
€185k
Max
Sep 26, 2026
Deadline
full fundingArgonne National Laboratory
Maria Goeppert Mayer Fellowship at Argonne National Laboratory
Open to early-career scientists and engineers of all nationalities who hold a PhD awarded within the last three years at the time of application, or who will complete the PhD before the fellowship start date. Research interests must align with Argonne's mission areas. U.S. citizenship is required for national-security-related projects (Detection of Imaging Signatures).
full
Funding
€130k
Max
Oct 1, 2026
Deadline
partial fundingBoustany Foundation / Harvard Business School
Boustany MBA Harvard Scholarship
Open to candidates of any nationality (priority to those of Lebanese descent) who have received an offer of admission to the Harvard MBA programme and have a strong academic background.
partial
Funding
€100k
Max
May 31, 2027
Deadline
full fundingStanford University
Knight-Hennessy Scholars
Open to citizens of any country who earned their first/bachelor's degree within the last ~7 years (or will by the Stanford start) and who apply for and gain admission to a full-time Stanford graduate program. Selection seeks independence of thought, purposeful leadership, and a civic mindset.
full
Funding
€90k
Max
Oct 8, 2026
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What are the fees for international students at the University of the People?
+
International students pay the same assessment fees as all students, approximately $120 per course exam. There is no tuition fee, making the total annual cost typically $1,100–$2,400 depending on course load.
Is the University of the People accredited?
+
Yes, the University of the People is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), which is recognized by the US Department of Education. The School of Business also holds accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Programs (ACBSP).
What are the admission requirements for international students?
+
The University of the People has an open admission policy. Applicants need a high school diploma or equivalent, and for non-native English speakers, minimum scores are required for tests like TOEFL iBT (45+), IELTS Academic (5.0+), or Duolingo English Test (65+).
Does the University of the People offer scholarships for international students?
+
Yes, the University of the People offers the UoPeople Scholarship Programme for assessment fee waivers, as well as specific scholarships like the UNHCR Scholarship for Refugees. Corporate and foundation partnerships also provide additional fee support.
What kind of degrees can I pursue online?
+
The University of the People offers Associate's, Bachelor's, and Master's degree programs in fields such as Business Administration, Computer Science, Health Science, and Education.
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