SCHOLARSHIPS

University of the People is dedicated to opening access to higher education around the world for all qualified individuals otherwise constrained access. UoPeople has succeeded in cutting down almost the entire cost of higher education. All we ask our students to cover is an application processing fee ($10-$50), as well as the cost of exams at $100 per end-of course exam. 

For students unable to pay the Exam Processing Fees, UoPeople works extremely hard to ensure that no student of UoPeople is left out of higher education for financial reasons. From raising money for our designated scholarship funds, to working on the first-ever Micro-Scholarship portal for donors to contribute to students directly, UoPeople remains committed to its mission of democratizing higher education.

Designated Scholarships - UoPeople strives to provide equal educational access to all. UoPeople has received designated scholarship funds, such as a scholarship fund dedicated to women, for example, to help achieve this mission. Each scholarship has a set of requirements. If you select that you would like to receive financial assistance with Exam Processing Fees upon being accepted to the University, our Office of Admissions will provide you with an application form. 

Micro-Scholarships – We believe every student has the right to further his or her education. If you are unable to find a dedicated scholarship suitable for you, you are welcome to utilize our exciting, first of its kind, micro-scholarship portal. In this portal, you will be able to present your financial needs and ask our supporters for help. 

University Scholarships - If you are accepted to study at UoPeople, and you cannot find any suitable dedicated scholarship, and you are unable to raise funds through the Micro-Scholarship portal, you may apply for a University Scholarship. Funds for University Scholarships are provided by donations to UoPeople’s General Scholarship Fund. Information about the UoPeople General Scholarship Fund is provided to students by our Office of Student Services. 

The determination of processing fees, as well as any University Grants or University Financial Aid, is at the sole discretion of UoPeople. University Grants and processing fees are currently determined using publicly available data from the World Bank and the CIA World Fact Book. Inclusion of a place of residence in the list does not imply any legal position of University of the People regarding its status. The University reserves the right to change the cost of the Exam Processing Fee. The amount of the Exam Processing Fee will be reviewed annually, and any change to the fee amount will be implemented as of September 1 each year. Students will be notified of the change in fees no later than June 1 each year. 

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University of the People is a tuition-free university. The University is a not-for-profit institution that does not charge students to take classes. Readings and course materials are available online, free of charge for each and every registered student.

Harnessing the power of the web, University of the People is the first among tuition-free universities. Determined to change the global mindset on higher education delivery, UoPeople and hopefully other tuition-free universities will evolve traditional academic methods of learning and turn to the internet to bring university programs within reach of the majority, rather than keeping it in the hands of the minority – irrespective of financial, geographical or social constraints.

 Supporting under-served populations, the concept of tuition-free universities was created to provide access to structured, degree-level programs in Business Administration and Computer Science. UoPeople accepts those qualified applicants who have graduated from high school, have access to a computer and Internet and have sufficient English skills to complete the English-only courses.
Social networking and assisting one another is a big factor in the success of tuition-free universities online.  Peer-based and collaborative learning forms part of the overall learning and grading system where students are required to fully participate in discussions and answer questions posed by the faculty and other students in their groups and forums.

Underpinning the peer-based learning methodology is the constant presence of academic faculty – both employed and volunteer – who provide the necessary support, within the learning environment, for students as they progress.

UoPeople is not yet an accredited institution; however its academic leadership and its advisory committee, comprised of senior academics from the likes of Columbia University, NYU, Yale and INSEAD, ensure its commitment to provide quality academic programs.

Although UoPeople is considered part of the innovative idea of tuition-free universities, to ensure self-sustainability, it needs to charge nominal Application and Exam Adminstration fees. The Application Processing Fee is between $10-$50 as adjusted on a sliding scale based on the economic situation in each applicant’s country or place of residence. Additionally, beginning with all new applications started August 27, 2012, UoPeople has implemented an Exam Processing Fee of $100 per course. Students unable to pay the Exam Processing Fee may apply for a scholarship.