Online education has transformed the way students access learning, offering flexibility to study from anywhere at any time. However, the cost of online courses and degree programs can still be a barrier for many. Fortunately, numerous scholarships are available to support students worldwide in pursuing online education for the 2025/2026 academic year.
These scholarships cater to diverse groups, including students from developing countries, working professionals, and those seeking affordable higher education. This guide outlines some of the best scholarships for online courses, covering undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs.
Top Scholarships for Online Courses in 2025/2026
1. Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships
Overview: Funded by the UK’s Commonwealth Scholarships Commission, these scholarships support students from developing Commonwealth countries pursuing part-time Master’s degrees through online programs at UK universities.
Eligibility: Open to citizens of low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries, with a focus on development-related fields like public health, education, and environmental studies. Applicants must secure admission to an approved Master’s course at a participating UK university.
Benefits: Covers full tuition fees and provides study grants for additional costs, such as internet access.
Application Deadline: May 20, 2025, for programs starting September/October 2025.
How to Apply: Submit applications via the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission’s online system, including references and proof of admission.
2. Edinburgh Global Distance Learning Scholarships
Overview: The University of Edinburgh offers scholarships for students from developing countries enrolled in its online Master’s programs, including fields like medicine, public health, and data science.
Eligibility: Available to citizens of selected developing countries with financial need. Applicants must be accepted into one of over 30 eligible online Master’s programs.
Benefits: Covers full tuition fees for up to three years of part-time study.
Application Deadline: Typically June 2025 for the 2025/2026 academic year.
How to Apply: Apply through the University of Edinburgh’s scholarship portal after securing program admission.
3. University of London Matilda Mwaba Scholarships
Overview: Aimed at empowering African women, these scholarships support online postgraduate short courses in international sports management at the University of London.
Eligibility: Open to African women aged 35 or younger who are permanent residents of an African country.
Benefits: Covers fees for one short course, supporting career advancement in sports management.
Application Deadline: Varies, typically early 2025 for courses starting later in the year.
How to Apply: Submit applications through the University of London’s scholarship portal with supporting documentation.
4. American University Online Program Scholarships
Overview: American University provides merit-based scholarships for students enrolled in its online graduate programs, such as the Master of Public Administration and Policy.
Eligibility: All admitted students are automatically considered based on academic merit and application strength.
Benefits: Partial tuition waivers, varying by program and candidate qualifications.
Application Deadline: Rolling, aligned with program application deadlines.
How to Apply: No separate application; eligibility is assessed during admission.
5. Berklee Online Music Scholarships
Overview: Berklee College of Music offers scholarships for students in its online music programs, including songwriting, music production, and performance.
Eligibility: Current students in Berklee’s online programs with demonstrated financial need or merit.
Benefits: Awards up to $1,500 per student, applied toward tuition.
Application Deadline: Varies by term, typically early 2025 for the fall semester.
How to Apply: Apply through Berklee’s online student portal with a scholarship essay.
6. Penn State World Campus Scholarships
Overview: Penn State’s World Campus offers scholarships for online undergraduate and graduate students across various disciplines.
Eligibility: Open to new and continuing students based on academic merit and financial need.
Benefits: Awards vary, covering partial to full tuition costs.
Application Deadline: Typically April 2025 for the 2025/2026 academic year.
How to Apply: Submit applications through Penn State’s scholarship portal, including financial need documentation.
7. University of the People Tuition-Free Degrees
Overview: University of the People provides tuition-free online degrees in fields like business administration and computer science, with scholarships to cover assessment fees.
Eligibility: Open to students worldwide, with priority for those demonstrating financial need.
Benefits: Covers assessment fees, making education nearly cost-free.
Application Deadline: Rolling, based on term start dates.
How to Apply: Apply during the admission process via the university’s online portal.
8. Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Welch Scholarship
Overview: This scholarship supports online or part-time students in the Master of Public Health program at Johns Hopkins.
Eligibility: All new students in the online MPH program are automatically considered.
Benefits: Awards $20,000 toward tuition costs.
Application Deadline: Aligned with MPH program deadlines, typically December 2025.
How to Apply: No separate application; assessed during admission.
READ ALSO: Top Partial Scholarships for Undergraduate Studies Abroad
FAQs
Who is eligible for online course scholarships?
Eligibility varies by scholarship but often includes criteria like nationality, financial need, academic merit, or enrollment in specific programs. For example, Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships target students from developing Commonwealth countries, while University of the People scholarships are open globally with a focus on financial need.
Can I use scholarships for free online courses?
Most scholarships are designed for accredited degree programs or paid certificate courses, not free courses. However, platforms like Coursera, edX, and Khan Academy offer free courses that don’t require scholarships, though certificates may have fees.
Are online degree scholarships different from traditional scholarships?
Generally, no. Most scholarships are format-agnostic, meaning they can be used for both online and on-campus programs, as long as the institution is accredited. Some scholarships, like those from the University of Edinburgh, are specifically for online programs.
How do I find accredited online programs eligible for scholarships?
Check the institution’s accreditation status through databases like the U.S. Department of Education’s Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP) or confirm with the scholarship provider. Ensure the program is eligible for federal or institutional aid if applicable.
What documents are typically required for scholarship applications?
Common requirements include proof of enrollment, academic transcripts, references (on institutional letterhead or with clear contact details), a personal statement or essay, and financial need documentation. Specific requirements vary by scholarship.
Can I apply for multiple scholarships?
Yes, students can apply for multiple scholarships unless restricted by the scholarship terms. For example, Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship applicants can apply to multiple universities but accept only one offer.
Are there scholarships for non-degree online courses?
While most scholarships focus on degree programs, some, like the University of London Matilda Mwaba Scholarships, support short courses or certificates. Check with course providers like Coursera or Udemy for specific funding options.
How do I ensure my scholarship application stands out?
Craft a compelling personal statement highlighting your academic goals, career aspirations, and financial need. Submit all required documents on time, ensure references are strong, and tailor your application to the scholarship’s focus, such as development impact or leadership potential.
