Here are the best accredited tuition free online universities for international students offering degree certificates both for graduate and undergraduate programs.
What is Online Learning?
Online learning is a type of education system where learning takes place over the Internet, it is usually referred to as “e-learning”. However, online learning is just one type of “distance learning” – the universal term for any learning that takes place across distance and not in a traditional classroom block.
Online learning is a part of many institutions’ course offerings around the world. From certificates, PhDs, impactful online language learning, and everything in between, learning online has never been so easy. You can also find greattutors in Melbourne to help you learn maths.
Thanks to the rapid advancement of technology, today students are increasingly turning to online learning as a viable alternative to on-campus study. It could allow you to study abroad remotely, at a university not in your home country. Advances in technology now allow students to study entirely online while still socializing with classmates, watching lectures, and participating in subject-specific discussions.
While some consider online learning to require a greater degree of self-motivation, institutions recognize that educational support is just as important as tutor feedback, and take great care to ensure that their students receive the same levels of support that they would receive on campus.
Is there any tuition free online university for international students?
There are currently 2 well-known tuition-free online universities for international and domestic students and they are Open University and University of people.
Can I get a degree for free?
You can complete a 2-year associate’s degree, 4-year Bachelor’s degree, or an MBA, all online for free. Many of the free college in the world is recognized by their various educational body, for example, in the US, the Council for Higher Education Accreditation recognizes online degree programs.
A wide range of top-notch colleges and universities offer many of their courses online for free as MOOCs (massive open online courses), and there are many additional free or budget online courses and communities from other sources as well.
However, a vast majority of colleges are not totally free even if they offer tuition-free access to classes.
But there are a number of ways to reduce the cost of your education to close to nothing which is an amazing reduction in the cost of formal education such as winning financial aid given the current cost of higher education.
Below, I carefully listed out every needed detail regarding the two best tuition free online universities for international students featuring all the programs they offer, their admission requirements, and how you become part of them.
Is an online degree taken seriously?
Well, in this case, the answer may be yes and no. See Reasons below
Yes, there is absolutely a level of personal responsibility that comes with this type of learning.
No, you are not without community. The fear of being left to your own devices is a valid concern, to be sure.
But if you’re envisioning that it is just you and your computer with just nobody to talk to or ask questions, you may be pleasantly surprised at how some of today’s online learning platforms help keep you connected to classmates and lecturers or professors.
Even though there is no classroom, whiteboard, or lecturer, there is plenty of interaction happening within the virtual walls of online learning environments.
With chat rooms, forums, and 1 on 1 instructor feedback, as well as phone, text, email, and office appointments (depending on your location and the program you choose), it maybe enough for one to say that many online degree students feel infinitely more connected online than they do in the regular classroom.
But all these depend on the school and the program you choose to study online. A good online program will be better than a bad face-to-face program.
Listed below are the best tuition-free online universities for international students worldwide. Domestic students are also eligible to take part in these universities.
- Open University, UK
- University of the people, USA
OPEN UNIVERSITY (OU) UK – Tuition-free Online Universities for International Students
The Open University (OU) is one of the best tuition-free online universities for international students you will ever hear of. It is an online accredited public research university located in the United Kingdom.
It is the largest online university in the UK for undergraduate and graduate education established in 1969.
The Open University is also the world’s leading distance-learning institution. OU studies take place online, enabling you to study whenever and wherever you wish.
The Open University awards degrees and other qualifications through distance learning. The Open University offers a wide range of courses at various levels – from certificates and diplomas to undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
Commonly, students apply to study with Open University for an undergraduate or postgraduate degree. An Undergraduate or bachelor’s degree is a widely recognized higher-education qualification, while a postgraduate or master’s degree is a course of study undertaken after an undergraduate degree has been attained.
The OU won the Teaching Excellence and Digital Innovation categories in The Guardian University Awards 2018.
Open University Online Degrees & Programs
The Open University will award you the following type of degrees and certificates
- Honours degree
- Integrated masters’ degrees
- Diplomas of Higher Education
- Open University certificates. Click for more.
Open University Duration of Study
In The Open University learning is designed to be flexible and you will be able to fit your studies around existing commitments, such as family and work.
This is why it can take a while to complete a course of study with The Open University. In other to give you an idea of how long it might take you to complete your studies at The Open University, the below will guide you.
The tables assume that you’ll study for approximately 18 hours weekly for a part-time course, and 36 hours weekly for a full-time course.
Interestingly, you can vary the amount of time spent studying from year to year, or even take a break for a while, if you wish.
Note that these tables are estimates. This also means that, in most cases, you can vary the number of study credits taken per year and thus the time taken to complete the course.
Undergraduate Programs at the Open University
Qualification: Certificate of Higher Education
Credits required: 120
Time required to complete: 2 years of part-time study or 1 year of full-time study
Qualification: Diploma of Higher Education
Credits required: 240
Time required to complete: 4 years of part-time study or 2 years of full-time study
Qualification: Degree with honours
Credits required: 360
Time required to complete: 6 years of part-time study or 3–4 years of full-time study
Postgraduate Programs at the Open University
Qualification: Postgraduate certificate
Credits required: 60
Time required to complete: 1 year of part-time study or 6 months of full-time study
Qualification: Postgraduate diploma
Credits required: 120
Time required to complete: 2 years of part-time study or 1 year of full-time study
Qualification: Master’s degree
Credits required: 180
Time required to complete: 3–4 years of part-time study or 2– 3 years of full-time study
The Open University Assignments and Exams
Assignment: An assignment is a piece of written work, based on your course material, lectures, seminars, and small-group tutorials. Assignments are the main way for you to consolidate your knowledge and express what you have learned. Once written, you’ll submit your assignments through an easy-to-use online system. The vast majority of your assignments will be marked by your tutor.
These are called ‘tutor-marked assignments. Some may be marked automatically by a computer, but currently, this is done for very few courses. Certain courses include other types of written assessments, such as project work or dissertations – and language courses feature oral assessments.
Exams: As well as submitting assignments throughout your modules, exams will be part of the assessment process.
At exam time, if your course requires you to sit a written exam then you’ll usually do this at an established Open University examination center in your country.
If your country doesn’t have an OU-established center, then you may need to apply to sit your examination at a center that’s local to you (typically a nearby university or British Council office). In such cases, an additional fee is payable to cover the cost of arranging this. The fees is usually between £200 and £300.
Requirements to Study at Open University
Practical Requirements
- A computer and reliable broadband internet access – they’re an essential part of your study programmes.
- A good grasp of the English language – OU modules are taught in English and so you must be competent in the English language to study at the higher-education level.
Academic requirements for undergraduate
For most of The Open University’s undergraduate degrees, no formal qualifications are required, and no entrance test is required to study with OU.
Academic requirements for Postgraduate degrees
For postgraduate degrees, an undergraduate degree equivalent to the relevant UK qualification is required. Each course page shows details of the specific entry requirements for that course.
Financial requirements
You’ll need the financial means to pay your course fees, which can be paid in advance or as you study.
An Open University qualification comprises a series of modules. You won’t pay for a whole qualification in advance. Rather, you’ll pay a fee for each module. You can pay for a module in advance, or pay while you study.
Open University fees Cover
- Study materials
- Other services
As one of the most popular tuition free online universities for international students, all you need is a computer or laptop and a broadband internet connection, and OU will provide the rest. As well as course materials, you’ll have access to online resources including The Open University library, as well as podcasts, videos, and downloads relevant to your course. For fees for all online courses click here.
For most Open University modules, you’ll be expected to spend at least a few sessions a week working on computer-based activities, for example. Make sure you can commit the time and dedication that will be required to your chosen course of study.
Open University Admissions and Applications
Admissions
For most undergraduate degrees, there are no formal qualifications or an entry test to pass.
For postgraduate degrees, you will be required to hold a degree equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree.
Applications
Once you’ve decided on a course, then you’re ready to register with The Open University quick and easy application process. Apply now
The Open University will provide you with a degree that will be recognized and respected everywhere – and an inspiring, challenging, rewarding experience you will not find in any other online university.
The Open University is the university that comes to you.
UNIVERSITY OF PEOPLE – Tuition-free Online Universities for International Students
If you are looking for a free online or distance learning university, here is The University of the People. It is the world’s first non-profit tuition-free private, distance learning university with its office in Pasadena, California. It was founded by entrepreneur Shai Reshef in 2009.
University of People is the most popular tuition-free online university for international students with a presence in several countries of the world.
This university has no offline campus yet this is because of its online distance learning nature, but it uses a shared office in California as an office of admission.
Rated as the best tuition free online university for international students worldwide, the university has been fully accredited to run full degree programs by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), which is recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
University of People Online Programs features
The University of People offers Online bachelor’s, Graduate, and Associate degree programs.
University of People Undergraduate Programs
- Computer Science.
- Health Science
- Business Administration
University of People Graduate Programs
- Master in Business Administration (MBA)
- Master in Education (ME. d)
University of People Admission and Application
To meet the admission requirement for undergraduates, the applicant must;
- Be 16 years old or later
- Be able to demonstrate high school of completion.
- Must be proficient in English.
- Must have access to a computer and Internet service.
To apply for admission consideration to The University of the People, you must complete the online application.
All applicants must also complete the online foundation form before being admitted. See the application timeline.
Programs Duration
Undergraduates programs can take up to 5 years of study.
A Master’s Degree is typically completed in two years after the completion of around twenty courses. Highly specialized, a Master’s Degree offers a deep focus in a given field of study in order to prepare students for exciting, dynamic careers in leadership roles and as entrepreneurs.
Fees
At the University of the People which has been globally recognized as one of the most prominent tuition free online universities for international students, tuition fees are totally free, but students must pay some administrative fees to cover course assessments. These include;
- Processing fees for applications ($60)
- Final exam assessments fee ($100 for undergraduates, and $200 for postgraduates)
For more about fees, click here.
However, students who cannot afford the administrative costs may be eligible for scholarships. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the University of the People offers scholarships for refugees.
Conclusion
These schools are the best tuition-free online universities for all students in the world that you can apply to get free tuition online education, degrees, and certificates. They offer some of the best online master’s and bachelor’s degrees for graduate and undergraduate students respectively.
The Open University (the largest of its kind) offers numerous degree and certificate programs that suit your choice.
The University of People online learning tuition fee is exceptionally free. You certainly would want to choose these universities for your online study.
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FAQs
What university is free for international students? ›
Rank | School Name |
---|---|
1 | Heidelberg University |
2 | Technical University of Munich |
3 | Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich |
4 | University of Oslo |
Can international students enroll in online courses? Only one online or distance learning class can count toward a full course of study for an F-1 student during each term or semester.
How can I study internationally for free? ›- Choose a country with an affordable cost of living. You don't have to break the bank just to take your studies overseas. ...
- Enroll directly in a foreign university or language school. ...
- Complete a work-study. ...
- Opt for a cheap study abroad program. ...
- Apply for scholarships & grants.
- Webb Institute.
- College of the Ozarks.
- Curtis Institute of Music.
- City University of New York (CUNY)
- U.S. Academies.
- State of Washington Universities.
- Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering.
- Deep Springs College.
- University of Bergen, Norway.
- RWTH Aachen University, Germany.
- Aalto University, Finland.
- 7.University of Oslo, Norway.
- 6.Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Germany.
- Freie Universitaet Berlin, Germany.
- University of Helsinki, Finland.
- Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Germany.
At Kentucky's Berea College, no student pays tuition. The Tuition Promise Scholarship pays off any remaining tuition costs for all admitted students after the use of state, federal and institutional aid. The scholarship can amount to more than $176,000 over four years.
Do I need a student visa to study online? ›You do not need a visa while studying online, however if you wish to return to Australia to complete your remaining studies, you will need a current student visa.
Can you get f1 visa for online degree? ›As an international student, you will need an F-1 visa to take online courses at a certified SEVP university in the US. You can apply for this visa after an accredited institution accepts your enrollment application and issues you a Form I-20, declaring your eligibility to study in the US.
Can international students study online from their home country? ›The J-1 is a nonimmigrant visa for exchange visitor programs. At San Jose State University in California, international students can stay in their home country and take online classes "and come to SJSU in early 2022 for the spring semester," says Robin McElhatton, a spokesperson at the school.
Can I study in Canada for free? ›Is it possible to study in Canada for free? Generally, Canadian universities do not offer tuition fee waivers. Therefore, it is not possible to gain free education in Canada. However, some Canadian universities offer fully funded scholarships for international students.
Which country is the cheapest to study abroad? ›
- Germany.
- France.
- Mexico.
- India.
- Argentina.
- Poland.
- Malaysia.
- South Africa.
- Brigham Young University-Provo.
- Eastern New Mexico University.
- Nicholls State University.
- Bridgewater State University.
- Minnesota State University-Moorhead.
- Mississippi University for Women.
- Know how much you need to save. ...
- Choose your destination wisely. ...
- Search out scholarships, grants, and fellowships. ...
- Use that financial aid. ...
- Put your skills to work and get a job. ...
- Become a fundraising expert. ...
- Make your budget work for you. ...
- Swap study abroad for something else.
- California State University, San Bernardino.
- Southeast Missouri State University.
- Arkansas State University.
- University of Wisconsin.
- Brooklyn College.
- University of Louisiana–Monroe.
- Southwest Minnesota State University.
- Northwest Missouri State University.
- United States Military Academy at West Point, New York – Bachelors start at 0 USD/year.
- Curtis Institute of Music, Philadelphia – Bachelors start at 0 USD/year.
- South Dakota State University, South Dakota – Bachelors start at 351 USD/year.
UoPeople is the first free accredited online university. This school offers free online degree programs in Computer Science as well as Health Science. You can complete a 2-year associate's degree, 4-year Bachelor's degree, or an MBA, all online.
Can a poor student study abroad? ›Answer: Yes it is possible to study abroad even if you don't have so good grades. Language schools abroad accept students on any level, and there are also other schools like American Community Colleges that accept students with lower grades.
Is education free in USA for immigrants? ›All children in the United States are entitled to equal access to a public elementary and secondary education, regardless of their or their parents' actual or perceived national origin, citizenship, or immigration status.
Which is the cheap and best university in USA? ›California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) is a public university in Long Beach, California. A cheap and best university in the USA it offers more than 189 academic programs. The student faculty ratio is 26:1 and 24 % classes with less than 20 students.
Which university is free in Canada? ›Mount Royal University:
The university is located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. It is known as one of the tuition-free universities in Canada. It was founded in 1910 after there was a charter carried out by the Alberta provincial government.
How long does it take to get a student visa? ›
Application processing time could vary between 3 day to a few weeks depending on volume. If the embassy finds issues with your application, the processing time may stretch up to a few months.
What happens if I don't get my student visa on time? ›You would be considered to have deferred enrolment for immigration purposes and would not need and would not be eligible for an authorized leave from studies.
Can I apply for another visa while on student visa? ›Depending on your circumstances there is nothing to stop or prevent you from applying for 2 visas at the same time. Generally, if you are able to apply for a substantive visa (substantive visas are visas other than a bridging visa), there is nothing to stop you from applying for 2 visas at the same time.
Can I get visa for online masters? ›So the answer is no, although it's important to know that you'll need to have undertaken some in-person study to be eligible for the visa.
Can international students take online classes 2023? ›By. The U.S. government has extended through the 2022–23 academic year COVID-era guidance that allows international students enrolled at American colleges and universities to continue to take more online courses than federal law permitted before the pandemic.
How do I enroll in online college? ›Select and reserve your online classes. Most colleges offer students access to online accounts. After logging into the school's website, you gain access to a current list of open online classes. Click or check mark the classes on the Web page that you wish to enroll in.
What classes can I take online? ›- How Technology is Shaping Democracy and the 2020 Election. ...
- COVID-19 Contact Tracing. ...
- Psychological First Aid. ...
- Check Point Jump Start: Network Security. ...
- Stanford Introduction to Food and Health. ...
- Child Nutrition and Cooking. ...
- Understanding Research Methods.
International Students FAQ | Summer Session 2022. We will be offering some of our 2022 Summer Session courses as online learning. An I-20 and Visa are not required for International students who enroll in an online course.
How can international students get scholarships? ›International students should look for scholarships that accept international applicants. Most scholarships require an application process. Some may require an essay, proof of community involvement or examples of leadership skills. Some also require proof of language proficiency or other test scores.
Which country gives full free scholarship? ›Germany. A particularly popular country for admission among students from all over the world. No wonder: In Germany almost all universities are free of charge and the country's largest scholarship fund — DAAD — provides a scholarship to cover living expenses.
Which is the cheapest course in Canada for international students? ›
- Centennial College. Program. Tuition fee. Certificate/Diploma. ...
- George Brown College. Program. Tuition fee. Diploma/Certificate. ...
- Glendon College. Program. Tuition fee. Full-Time Course. ...
- Humber College. Program. Tuition fee. For 2 Semesters. ...
- Seneca College. Program. Tuition fee.
Cheap universities in Canada
Memorial University of Newfoundland – tuition fees: 2,150 – 11,460 CAD/year. University of Regina – tuition fees: 1,715 – 20,050 CAD/year. Royal Roads University – tuition fees: 3,750 – 27,600 CAD/year. University of Saskatchewan – tuition fees: 4,110 – 24,000 CAD/year.
Rank | Country | Annual total cost (USD) |
---|---|---|
1 | Australia | 42,093 |
2 | Singapore | 39,229 |
3 | United States | 36,564 |
4 | United Kingdom | 35,045 |
The Top 10 Countries for Studying Abroad | Number of countries searching to study here the most |
---|---|
1. Canada | 36 |
2. Spain | 13 |
3. England | 10 |
4. Japan | 9 |
Which is the cheapest English-speaking country to study? There is a great variety of choices. Of the English-speaking countries that attract the most international students – the USA, the UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, probably Canada and New Zealand have the lowest cost of living.
Which country gives PR easily for international students? ›Canada also ranks number one globally with a high quality of life. It has easy pr laws and many employment opportunities for international students.
Which European country is cheapest for international students? ›- Italy. Average living costs: 700 – 1,000 EUR / month. ...
- Germany. Average living costs: 700 – 1,100 EUR / month. ...
- France. Average living costs: 700 – 950 EUR / month. ...
- Spain. ...
- Lithuania. ...
- Business. ...
- Education. ...
- Computer Science.
- Brigham Young University-Provo.
- Eastern New Mexico University.
- Nicholls State University.
- Bridgewater State University.
- Minnesota State University-Moorhead.
- Mississippi University for Women.
- Know how much you need to save. ...
- Choose your destination wisely. ...
- Search out scholarships, grants, and fellowships. ...
- Use that financial aid. ...
- Put your skills to work and get a job. ...
- Become a fundraising expert. ...
- Make your budget work for you. ...
- Swap study abroad for something else.
The USA has a lot of universities and colleges that don't require any tuition fees, and you can study there for free. These institutions are operated through donations, and endowments and you will find a lot of faculty that work there are simply very passionate about their job and want to help students study for free.
Which university is free in Canada? ›
Mount Royal University:
The university is located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. It is known as one of the tuition-free universities in Canada. It was founded in 1910 after there was a charter carried out by the Alberta provincial government.
Answer: Yes it is possible to study abroad even if you don't have so good grades. Language schools abroad accept students on any level, and there are also other schools like American Community Colleges that accept students with lower grades.
Which country is the best for international students? ›...
10 most popular countries for international students
- China.
- Australia.
- France.
- Russia.
- Germany.
- Japan.
- Spain.
- Other destinations.
You may bring large sums of money with you in the form of cash, money order, or traveler's checks. There is no maximum limit, however, any amount exceeding $10,000 USD must be declared upon arrival on both the Form 6059B and FinCEN 105. All forms must be filled in completely and truthfully.
How can I study in UK without money? ›Most of the universities which offer free education in UK for Indian students have a variety of study abroad scholarships, especially for the Indian students which can be the best way to study in the UK for free. They may include the GREAT scholarship, Commonwealth scholarship and Chevening scholarship.
How much money do international students bring to the US? ›The continued growth in international students coming to the U.S. for higher education had a significant positive economic impact on the United States. International students contributed $45 billion to the U.S. economy in 2018, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Can I study in Canada for free? ›Is it possible to study in Canada for free? Generally, Canadian universities do not offer tuition fee waivers. Therefore, it is not possible to gain free education in Canada. However, some Canadian universities offer fully funded scholarships for international students.
Which course is best for USA? ›- Business Management. ...
- Engineering. ...
- Maths and Computer Sciences. ...
- Physical and Life Sciences.
Cheap universities in Canada
Memorial University of Newfoundland – tuition fees: 2,150 – 11,460 CAD/year. University of Regina – tuition fees: 1,715 – 20,050 CAD/year. Royal Roads University – tuition fees: 3,750 – 27,600 CAD/year. University of Saskatchewan – tuition fees: 4,110 – 24,000 CAD/year.
If you want to study in Canada for free, you can either opt for a university with low tuition fees or get a part-time job. Another way to reduce your expenses is by getting a scholarship. There are several organizations and institutes that offer different types of scholarships to international students.
How can I apply for free university in Canada? ›
- Cambrian College.
- Confederation College.
- Fanshawe College.
- Lambton College.
- Durham College.
- Centennial College.
- Mohawk College.
- Fleming College.