Study From Home • Earn Accredited Degrees • Zero Tuition
Feeling the pinch of skyrocketing tuition? You’re not alone. Today, you can bypass student debt, study flexibly, and earn a globally recognized degree entirely online—at no cost. In this guide, you’ll discover five top fully funded online scholarship programs for 2025, learn how to apply, and get actionable tips to boost your chances. Ready? Let’s dive in.
Why Choose Fully Funded Online Degrees?
- Zero or minimal fees
Traditional degrees often saddle you with $20k–$50k in tuition. Fully funded scholarships cover 100% of fees—no hidden costs. - Flexibility & convenience
Study part-time while you work, care for family, or volunteer. Online platforms adapt to your schedule. - Global accreditation
These programs grant recognized bachelor’s or master’s degrees from accredited institutions, from the United States, Europe, and beyond. - Access from anywhere
No relocation. Learn in Lagos, London, or Los Angeles—as long as you have an internet connection. - Skill development
Build in-demand expertise (e.g., data science, business administration, education) to fast-track your career.
Top Fully Funded Online Scholarships 2025
Below are the five high-impact programs you need to know. Each offers 100% tuition coverage and awards accredited degrees you can complete from home.
| Scholarship Name | Program Level | Coverage | Deadline | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of the People Scholarship | Bachelor’s & Master’s | Tuition & assessment fees* | Rolling (apply by May 29, 2025) | Apply Now |
| WorldQuant University MScFE | Master of Science in Financial Engineering | Full tuition + labs | Rolling (apply anytime) | Explore WQU |
| Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships | Online Master’s | Full tuition + study grants | 20 May 2025 | Official CSC |
| Edinburgh Global Online Learning Scholarships | Online Master’s | Full tuition | 3 June 2025¹ | Edinburgh E-Learning |
| Mastercard Foundation Scholars (Online) | Online Master’s & Diplomas | Full tuition + stipend | 8 Nov 2024² | Mastercard Fndn |
Note:
*UoPeople charges minimal assessment fees per course; scholarships may cover these fees upon request.
¹ University of Edinburgh’s scholarship portal opens applications for 2025 on 15 Jan 2025.
² See individual partner institution deadlines; some close as early as Nov 8, 2024.
1. Tuition-Free Degrees at University of the People
University of the People is the first non-profit, accredited, tuition-free online university offering associate, bachelor’s, and master’s programs in:
- Business Administration
- Computer Science
- Health Science
- Education
- Information Technology
Why UoPeople?
- 100% online—study anytime, anywhere.
- Accredited by DEAC (US) and in partnership with top institutions like NYU and McGill University.
- Scholarships available to waive the minimal per-course assessment fees via the University of the People Scholarship 2025 program.
Application Steps:
- Apply for Admission at go.uopeople.edu
- Request a Fee-Waiver Scholarship in your student portal
- Submit transcripts and English proficiency proof (if required)
- Begin classes in the next term
2. WorldQuant University: 100%-Free Online Master’s in Financial Engineering
WorldQuant University (WQU) offers a full-tuition, accredited MSc in Financial Engineering, designed by quant experts.
- Duration: 2 years part-time
- Curriculum:
- Quantitative finance
- Data science labs
- Capstone project
- Accreditation: Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)
- Global Alumni: 16,000+ learners, 150+ countries
Why WQU?
- Entirely free, including lab credentials in data science and AI
- Career-focused, taught by practitioners from WorldQuant Foundation
- No application deadline—apply anytime
Learn More & Apply: WorldQuant University MScFE
3. Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships (Master’s)
Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and managed by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC), this scheme lets you earn a UK master’s degree fully funded while staying in your home country.
Key Details:
- Coverage: Full tuition fees + study grants (internet, materials)
- Eligibility: Citizens/permanent residents of eligible low-&-middle-income Commonwealth countries (e.g., Nigeria, Kenya, India)
- Degree Level: Part-time Master’s (start Sept/Oct 2025)
- Deadline: 16:00 GMT, 20 May 2025
- Apply via: CSC’s online system after securing admission to an approved course
Apply Here: Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships
4. Edinburgh Global Online Learning Scholarships
The University of Edinburgh awards a suite of online distance learning scholarships covering 100% tuition for part-time master’s programs.
Highlights:
- Scholarship Count: ~20 awards per cycle
- Eligible Programs: Any part-time online master’s offered by Edinburgh
- Priority: Applicants from low/middle-income countries
- Deadline: 3 June 2025 (23:59 BST)
Additional Bursaries & Funds:
- Mastercard Foundation Online Learning Scholarships
- EPCC HPC scholarships (Dissertation & Intro courses)
- ASiT Surgery online bursaries
Full Details: Edinburgh Online Learning Scholarships
5. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program (Online)
In partnership with the University of Edinburgh and other global institutions, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program provides 850 postgraduate scholarships to African youth—both on-campus and online.
Online Cohort:
- Programs: Master’s degrees & Diplomas (part-time over 2–3 years)
- Coverage: Tuition, leadership development, counselling, travel grants
- Deadline: Varies by partner (Edinburgh deadline: 8 Nov 2024)
- Apply through: Partner university portals (e.g., Edinburgh MSP application)
Why It Matters:
- Empowers underrepresented leaders
- Offers mentoring & a global alumni network
- Supports refugees, displaced youth, and women
Get Started: Mastercard Foundation Online Scholarships
How to Apply: Actionable Steps
- Shortlist Programs
- Align scholarships with your goals, language skills, and country eligibility.
- Check Eligibility & Deadlines
- Note cut-off dates: Commonwealth (20 May), Edinburgh (3 June), Mastercard (varies).
- Gather citizenship proofs, degree transcripts, and English test scores early.
- Draft a Stand-Out Personal Statement
- Address the scholarship theme: community impact, leadership, sustainability.
- Demonstrate how the program aligns with your career vision.
- Secure Admission First (if required)
- Some scholarships demand you hold an offer from the host university.
- Apply academically before the scholarship deadline.
- Request & Gather Recommendations
- Choose referees who attest to your academic excellence and leadership.
- Provide them with guidelines and deadlines.
- Submit Applications via Official Portals
- Use the scholarship’s online system.
- Double-check each section before final submission.
- Follow Up & Prepare for Interviews
- Some programs shortlist candidates for video interviews.
- Research common questions and practice clear, concise answers.
Insider Tips: Increase Your Success Rate
- Start Early: Avoid last-minute rush.
- Customize Essays: Tailor statements to each scholarship’s mission.
- Highlight Impact: Show measurable achievements (volunteer projects, work results).
- Proofread Meticulously: Grammatical errors undermine credibility.
- Network: Join alumni forums on LinkedIn for application insights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are these scholarships only for low-income countries?
A: Some (e.g., Commonwealth) target developing nations. Others (UoPeople, WQU) are open globally.
Q: Do I need English proficiency tests?
A: Generally yes (IELTS/TOEFL), but CSC waives IELTS—check individual university requirements.
Q: Can I work while studying?
A: Yes—programs are part-time and fully online, allowing you to balance work.
Q: What technology requirements exist?
A: A reliable internet connection and a computer meet most programs’ needs. Specific software may be required for labs.
Q: How long until I receive results?
A: Response times vary—from 4–6 weeks for UoPeople to 2–3 months for CSC nominations. Plan accordingly.
Conclusion
In 2025, earning an accredited degree debt-free is no longer a pipe dream. These fully funded online scholarships empower you to:
- Gain world-class education
- Maintain your current lifestyle and commitments
- Position yourself as a competitive candidate in the global job market
Take control of your future—identify the best fit, polish your application, and apply today. Your dream degree awaits.
Ready to leap forward?
- Explore each program’s official link above.
- Mark your calendar with key deadlines.
- Start drafting your application materials now.
Success favors the prepared.
Apply early, aim high, and transform your life in 2025.