Founded in 2009 by educational entrepreneur Shai Reshef, the University of the People (UoPeople) is a pioneering non‑profit, tuition‑free, fully online university whose mission is to make higher education accessible to all—even those in the most remote or underserved regions. Over the past decade, UoPeople has disrupted traditional models of postsecondary education by combining cutting‑edge distance learning with rigorous academic standards and robust accreditation.
A Brief History of UoPeople
January 2009: University of the People is launched with a vision to democratize learning globally.
September 2009: The first cohort of students begins associate and bachelor’s degree courses in Business Administration and Computer Science—completely tuition‑free.
2014: UoPeople earns accreditation from the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)—a U.S. Department of Education–recognized and CHEA‑approved agency—validating its academic quality.
2015: Gains Candidacy status with the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), further affirming its commitment to continuous improvement.
Today, UoPeople serves over 60,000 students across more than 200 countries and territories, offering a pathway to a debt‑free degree for learners from every corner of the globe.
Why Choose the University of the People?
Tuition‑Free Education
UoPeople doesn’t charge tuition, course fees, or costs for textbooks and materials.
Students pay only modest flat assessment fees per exam (e.g., USD 120 for associate, USD 240 for bachelor’s, USD 300 for master’s), spread out over the duration of their studies.
100% Online & Flexible
As a fully online university, UoPeople allows you to study anytime, anywhere—from your smartphone, tablet, or laptop.
Built for busy working professionals, caregivers, and residents of remote areas, the platform operates 24/7, enabling you to balance work, family, and education.
Accredited & Recognized
Accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC).
Approved as a Candidate by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
Designed and taught by volunteer faculty and academic advisors drawn from Harvard, Stanford, Yale, and other elite institutions.
Global Community & Support
Class sizes are deliberately kept small to foster personalized attention.
Each student is paired with a Program Advisor from Day 1 through graduation.
A vibrant peer‑to‑peer network connects learners worldwide for collaborative projects and mutual support.
Career‑Focused Curriculum
Degrees developed in collaboration with UN agencies, Microsoft, HP, and leading experts.
Curriculum emphasizes practical skills—project management, data analysis, software development—ensuring graduates are job‑ready.
Academic Programs: Your Path to Leadership
UoPeople offers American‑accredited, fully online degree programs designed to prepare students for leadership in a global economy. Whether you seek to launch your career or accelerate your trajectory, there’s a program to match your ambition:
Master’s Degree Programs
MBA (Master of Business Administration): Gain advanced leadership and strategic management skills.
M.Ed. (Master of Education): Develop expertise in online pedagogy, curriculum design, and educational leadership.
MSIT (Master of Science in Information Technology): Master cybersecurity, data management, and network architecture.
Bachelor’s Degree Programs
Business Administration: Foundational courses in marketing, finance, HR, and entrepreneurship.
Computer Science: Core programming, algorithms, and systems analysis skills.
Health Science: Prepare for roles in public health, health education, and policy.
Associate’s Degree Programs
- Business Administration
- Computer Science
- Health Science
These 2‑year programs lay the groundwork for bachelor’s studies or entry‑level careers in high‑growth fields.
Non‑Degree & Certificate Programs
English as a Second Language (ESL)
Professional Certificates in Business, IT, and Health Science help you upskill rapidly for immediate employment benefits.
Admissions Process: Simple, Fast, and Fair
UoPeople’s online application is designed for speed and simplicity. Here’s what you need to know:
Create an Account on uopeople.edu and choose your desired program.
Provide Basic Information: Name, address, date of birth, and highest level of education attained.
Upload Transcripts: High school diploma for associate; prior degree for bachelor’s; bachelor’s degree for master’s applicants. If transcripts are unavailable, UoPeople provides an option to certify your education via a brief form.
Demonstrate English Proficiency: Standardized test scores (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE) if applicable; native speakers and those with prior education in English may qualify for waivers.
Pay the Non‑Refundable Application Fee: USD 60 via credit card or PayPal.
Receive Your Welcome Email: You’ll gain immediate access to the UoPeople Student Portal, where you can register for courses and begin your first term.
Most applications are reviewed within 1–2 weeks, allowing you to start courses as soon as the next academic term opens.
Costs & Financial Policy
While tuition is free, UoPeople’s sustainable model relies on assessment fees to cover administrative costs:
| Degree Level | Assessment Fee per Exam | Typical Exams per Degree | Total Fees (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate | USD 120 | 20–24 | USD 2,400–2,880 |
| Bachelor’s | USD 240 | 40–48 | USD 9,600–11,520 |
| Master’s | USD 300 | 10–12 | USD 3,000–3,600 |
Fee Waivers & Scholarships
Needs‑Based Scholarships: Available for students demonstrating financial hardship.
Army Partnership: U.S. military members may qualify for discounts.
Referral Credits: Current students can earn portal credit by referring newcomers.
Importantly, UoPeople’s pay‑as‑you‑go structure lets you pace your expenses according to your budget—never burdening you with steep upfront costs or student loans.
Student Experience: Learning Without Borders
Peer‑To‑Peer Learning
Collaborative online discussion boards, group projects, and virtual teamwork help you build a global network.
Personalized Advising
Each student is assigned a dedicated Program Advisor who guides course selection, monitors progress, and offers career counseling.
Volunteer Faculty
UoPeople’s instructors are volunteer university professors, industry experts, and graduate students from top‑ranked institutions who donate their time to mentor UoPeople learners.
Alumni Outcomes
Graduates have secured positions at Google, Amazon, UN Agencies, NGOs, and Fortune 500 corporations—often advancing into management roles far more quickly than their peers.
Global Impact: Breaking Barriers to Education
Since its inception, the University of the People has:
Empowered refugees in Uganda, Kenya, and Jordan via special scholarship programs.
Partnered with the United Nations HCR to offer tuition‑free degrees to displaced youth.
Collaborated with Microsoft, HP, and Coursera to provide micro‑credentials and skill boosters.
UoPeople’s ripple effect extends beyond individual graduates—strengthening workforces, communities, and economies by training qualified professionals who might otherwise never access higher education.
How to Get Started
Visit uopeople.edu and click “Apply Now.”
Select your program—Business, Computer Science, Health Science, or Education/IT at the graduate level.
Complete the online form, upload documents, and pay the USD 60 application fee.
Log In to the Student Portal upon acceptance and register for your first term of 100% online, tuition‑free classes!
Conclusion
The University of the People stands at the forefront of a global revolution in higher education—championing equity, accessibility, and quality. By eliminating financial and geographic barriers, UoPeople empowers learners everywhere to achieve their dreams of a world‑class degree. If you’re ready to join a diverse, innovative, and supportive community of students and scholars, explore UoPeople today—and take your first step toward a debt‑free future.
